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Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher Comparison - Dog breed selector: Lab or Maltese lion dog or Doberman? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher" Compare Labrador Retriever and Maltese. Which is better: Labrador Retriever or Maltese or Doberman Pinscher?
 
 
 
Name Labrador Retriever Maltese Doberman Pinscher
OriginsEngland flagEngland Canada flagCanada Italy flagItaly Germany flagGermany
Group Gun Dog Companion Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank13316
Reviews9316
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Lab
Labrador
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Doberman
Dobermann
Dobynm
Dobie
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Labrador Retriever or Maltese or Doberman Pinscher? Which is the smallest dog, Labrador Retriever or Maltese or Doberman Pinscher?
Large Small Medium
Weight
Which is heavier, Labrador Retriever or Maltese or Maltese? Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher weight comparison:
Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) Male: 88-99 pounds (40-45 kg), Female: 71-77 pounds (32-35 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) Male: 93.5 pounds (42.5 kg), Female: 74 pounds (33.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Labrador Retriever or Maltese or Doberman Pinscher? Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher height comparison:
Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm) Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) Male: 26-28 inches (66-71cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm) Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)

Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Labrador Retriever or Maltese or Doberman Pinscher? Which is more expensive?
$1000-$2000 $600-$800 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Labrador Retriever or Maltese or Doberman Pinscher?
Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Doberman Pinscher is quite easy to get.

Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher intelligence:
Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Outstanding: Doberman Pinscher is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Trainability
Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher trainability comparison.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Labrador Retriever or Maltese or Doberman Pinscher?
Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Labrador Retriever or Maltese or Doberman Pinscher? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Labrador Retriever or Maltese or Doberman Pinscher? Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher behavior/temperament comparison:
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Obedient
Loyal
Fearless
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Labrador Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Sensitive: Doberman Pinscher dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher?
Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
See more.
High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Doberman Pinscher dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher social needs comparison:
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Doberman Pinscher dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Doberman Pinscher dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
See more.
Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Their prey drive is low.
See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher playfulness comparison:
The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Doberman Pinschers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher?
Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
See more.
A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Low to Average: The Doberman Pinscher rarely barks.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Labrador Retriever or Maltese or Doberman Pinscher?
It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Doberman Pinscher breed.

Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Labrador Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Doberman Pinscher dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Labrador Retriever or Maltese or Doberman Pinscher?
Labrador Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Labrador Retriever or Maltese or Doberman Pinscher?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Doberman Pinscher bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Moderate

The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Doberman Pinscher has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher mouthiness comparison:
Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Doberman Pinscher dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher health comparison. Which is the healthier: Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher?
The Labrador Retriever is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Doberman Pinschers are commonly healthy dogs.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Ear Infections
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Acute Moist Dermatitis
Cold Tail
Myopathy
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Wobbler's Syndrome
Cardiomyopathy
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Labrador Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Doberman Pinscher should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Life Expectancy
Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher lifespan comparison. How long do Labrador Retriever, Maltese and Doberman Pinscher breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Doberman Pinscher: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
See more.
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Labrador Retriever or Maltese or Doberman Pinscher? Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher energy level comparison:
Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Doberman Pinscher dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Labrador Retriever or Maltese or Doberman Pinscher? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Doberman Pinscher dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Labrador Retriever or Maltese or Doberman Pinscher?
Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Doberman Pinscher dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Labrador Retriever or Maltese or Doberman Pinscher?
Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 5 to 6 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher weight gain potential comparison:
High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Doberman Pinscher has an average risk for obesity.
See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher coat comparison:
Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Feathered Fine
Colors
What are the original Labrador Retriever, Maltese and Doberman Pinscher color?
Black
Yellow
Chocolate
White Black
Tan
Red
Blue
White
Brown
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Labrador Retriever or Maltese or Doberman Pinscher? Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher grooming comparison:
Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Easy to groom: The Doberman Pinscher doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Labrador Retriever or Maltese or Doberman Pinscher? Labrador Retriever or Maltese or {name3 shedding:
Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Doberman Pinscher dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Labrador Retriever or Maltese or Doberman Pinscher?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. Yes See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher?

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Doberman Pinscher has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler.
See more.
The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Doberman Pinscher drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Labrador Retriever or Maltese or Doberman Pinscher? Which dog is more friendly?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Labrador Retriever or Maltese or Doberman Pinscher?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Labrador Retriever or Maltese or Doberman Pinscher?
Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Labrador Retriever or Maltese or Doberman Pinscher?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher?
Yes
Labrador Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Doberman Pinscher dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Labrador Retriever is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Doberman Pinscher is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.
Doberman Pinschers are commonly okay with elderly people.

Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Labrador Retriever or Maltese or Doberman Pinscher? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher?

Yes

Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Doberman Pinscher breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Labrador Retriever and Maltese and Doberman Pinscher have?
5-10 puppies 3-5 puppies 6-10 puppies

Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Working breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Pinscher and Schnauzer type section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

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