Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltese lion dog or Decker Giant or Amertoy? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier" Compare Maltese and Rat Terrier. Which is better: Maltese or Rat Terrier or Toy Fox Terrier?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Maltese	Rat Terrier	Toy Fox Terrier
Origins	Italy	United States	United States
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Hunting Dogs	Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank	33	97	112
Reviews	3	2	2
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog	Decker Giant Rat Rattie Ratting Terrier American Rat Terrier	Amertoy American Toy Terrier
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Maltese or Rat Terrier or Toy Fox Terrier? Which is the smallest dog, Maltese or Rat Terrier or Toy Fox Terrier?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Which is heavier, Maltese or Rat Terrier or Rat Terrier? Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier weight comparison:	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	Standard: 12-35 pounds (5.5-16 kg)	3.5-7 pounds (1.5-3 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)	Standard: 23.5 pounds (5.10.5 kg)	3.6 pounds (1.4 kg)
Height Which is taller, Maltese or Rat Terrier or Toy Fox Terrier? Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier height comparison:	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)	Standard: 14-23 inches (35.5-58.5 cm)	10 inches (25 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)	Standard: 18.5 inches (35.5-58.5 cm)	10 inches (25 cm)

Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Maltese or Rat Terrier or Toy Fox Terrier? Which is more expensive?	$600-$800	$300-$500	$400-$600
Availability Which is easier to get, Maltese or Rat Terrier or Toy Fox Terrier?	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Rat Terrier is quite easy to get.	Frequent: The Toy Fox Terrier is easier than average to get.

Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier intelligence:	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Smart: The Rat Terrier dogs have great intelligence. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier trainability comparison.	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Rat Terrier dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Toy Fox Terrier dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Maltese or Rat Terrier or Toy Fox Terrier?	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Rat Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Toy Fox Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Maltese or Rat Terrier or Toy Fox Terrier? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Rat Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Toy Fox Terrier dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Maltese or Rat Terrier or Toy Fox Terrier? Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier behavior/temperament comparison:	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Loving Alert Affectionate Lively Inquisitive	Playful Alert Intelligent Friendly Loyal Spirited
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier?	High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Rat Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Toy Fox Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier social needs comparison:	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Rat Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Toy Fox Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Rat Terrier is strong enough to escape from home. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Toy Fox Terrier is strong enough to escape from home. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Rat Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Toy Fox Terrier dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier playfulness comparison:	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Rat Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Toy Fox Terrier is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier?	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Average: The Rat Terrier barks occasionally. See more.	Low to Average: The Toy Fox Terrier rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Maltese or Rat Terrier or Toy Fox Terrier?	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Rat Terrier breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Toy Fox Terrier breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Rat Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Toy Fox Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Rat Terrier or Toy Fox Terrier?	Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Rat Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Toy Fox Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Maltese or Rat Terrier or Toy Fox Terrier?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Rat Terrier bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Toy Fox Terrier bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Rat Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Toy Fox Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier mouthiness comparison:	Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Rat Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Toy Fox Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier health comparison. Which is the healthier: Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier?	The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Rat Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Toy Fox Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier health problems comparison:	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome	Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Eye Problems Heart Problems	Legg-perthes Disease Von Willebrand's Disease Demodectic Mange
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Rat Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Toy Fox Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier lifespan comparison. How long do Maltese, Rat Terrier and Toy Fox Terrier breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Rat Terrier: 16 years	12-14 years The average lifespan of Toy Fox Terrier: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier?	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.	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.

Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Maltese or Rat Terrier or Toy Fox Terrier? Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier energy level comparison:	Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.	Rat Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.	Toy Fox Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Rat Terrier or Toy Fox Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.	Rat Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.	Toy Fox Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Rat Terrier or Toy Fox Terrier?	Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Rat Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.	Toy Fox Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Maltese or Rat Terrier or Toy Fox Terrier?	Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	No data available	1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier weight gain potential comparison:	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Rat Terrier has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Low to Average: The Toy Fox Terrier has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier coat comparison:	Feathered	Dense Shiny	Dense
Colors What are the original Maltese, Rat Terrier and Toy Fox Terrier color?	White	Black Tan Blue White Brown Tricolor	Black Tan White Chocolate
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Maltese or Rat Terrier or Toy Fox Terrier? Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier grooming comparison:	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Effortless: The Rat Terrier requires minimal grooming. See more.	Effortless: The Toy Fox Terrier requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Maltese or Rat Terrier or Toy Fox Terrier? Maltese or Rat Terrier or {name3 shedding:	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Rat Terrier dogs shed above average. See more.	Toy Fox Terrier dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Maltese or Rat Terrier or Toy Fox Terrier?	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.
Hypoallergenic Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	Yes See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier?	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Rat Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Toy Fox Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Rat Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Toy Fox Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Rat Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.	Toy Fox Terrier dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Rat Terrier or Toy Fox Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Rat Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Toy Fox Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Maltese or Rat Terrier or Toy Fox Terrier?	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Rat Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Toy Fox Terrier dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Rat Terrier or Toy Fox Terrier?	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Rat Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Toy Fox Terrier dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Rat Terrier or Toy Fox Terrier?	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Rat Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Toy Fox Terrier dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier?	Yes Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Rat Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Toy Fox Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Rat Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Toy Fox Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.	Rat Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Toy Fox Terriers are not the best breed for elderly people.

Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Which one could be a service dog?	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.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Maltese or Rat Terrier or Toy Fox Terrier? Which is better for autism?	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.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?	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.	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?	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as 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.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier?	Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Rat Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Toy Fox Terrier 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.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier 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 Maltese and Rat Terrier and Toy Fox Terrier have?	3-5 puppies	5-7 puppies	2-6 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Maltese vs Rat Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2013 as a Terrier breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2003 as a Toy breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.	Not recognized by FCI.	Not recognized by FCI.
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	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Dog Registry of America Inc. North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club United Kennel Club	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Dog Registry of America Inc. North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. National Kennel Club United Kennel Club

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