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Akita vs Maltese vs Tornjak Comparison - Dog breed selector: American Akita or Maltese lion dog or Bosnian and Herzegovinian Shepherd Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Akita vs Maltese vs Tornjak" Compare Akita and Maltese. Which is better: Akita or Maltese or Tornjak?
 
 
 
Name Akita Maltese Tornjak
OriginsJapan flagJapan Italy flagItaly Bosnia and Herzegovina flagBosnia and Herzegovina Croatia flagCroatia
Group Working Dogs Companion Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank4733240
Reviews931
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak breeds.
American Akita
Japanese Akita
Great Japanese Dog
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Bosnian and Herzegovinian Shepherd Dog
Croatian Mountain Dog
Bosnian Shepherd Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Akita vs Maltese vs Tornjak Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. Which breed is the largest?
Large Small Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg), Female: 75-110 pounds (34-50 kg) 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) Male: 77-110 pounds (35–50 kg), Female: 62-88 pounds (28–40 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 97.5 pounds (44 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (42 kg) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) Male: 93.5 pounds (35–50 kg), Female: 75 pounds (28–40 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Akita or Maltese or Tornjak? Akita vs Maltese vs Tornjak height comparison:
Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) Male: 25-27 inches (65-70 cm), Female: 23-25 inches (60-65 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm) Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) Male: 26 inches (67.5 cm), Female: 24 inches (62.5 cm)

Akita vs Maltese vs Tornjak Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1200 $600-$800 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Akita or Maltese or Tornjak?
Very frequent: The Akita is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.
Average: The Tornjak is a commonly available dog breed.

Akita vs Maltese vs Tornjak Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. Which is easiest to train?
Akita dogs are easy to train.
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Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
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Tornjak dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. Which breed is most alert?
Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
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Tornjak dogs are good watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. Which breed is most protective?
Akita dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Tornjak dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Akita vs Maltese vs Tornjak Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak? Compare temperaments.
Dignified
Independent
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Faithful
Vigilant
Willing
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Alert
Steady
Calm
Vigilant
Peaceful
Persistent
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Akita dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Tornjak dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Akita vs Maltese vs Tornjak?
High: Akita dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Tornjak dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Akita vs Maltese vs Tornjak social needs comparison:
Akita dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Tornjak dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Akita is strong enough to escape from home.
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Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Tornjak dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Akita dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Tornjak dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Akita vs Maltese vs Tornjak Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. Which breed is most vocal?
Low: The Akita barks none to minimal.
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A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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Low to Average: The Tornjak rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Tornjaks, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Akita breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Tornjak breed.

Akita vs Maltese vs Tornjak Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. Which breed is most flexible?
Akita 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.
Tornjak dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Akita or Maltese or Tornjak?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Tornjak dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Akita vs Maltese vs Tornjak Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. Which has lowest bite risk?

Moderate

The Akita has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Tornjak has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. Which uses mouth most during play?
Akita dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Tornjak dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Akita bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Tornjak bite force: Ordinary.

Akita vs Maltese vs Tornjak Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. Which breed lives longest?
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Akita: 12 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Tornjak: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers cold weather
The Akita can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
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Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Prefers cold weather
The Tornjak can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. Which has fewer health issues?
The Akita 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.
Tornjaks tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Akita 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.
Frequent
The Tornjak should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Akita vs Maltese vs Tornjak? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Akita vs Maltese vs Tornjak health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Sebaceous Adenitis
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Hip Dysplasia
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Elbow Dysplasia
Obesity
Digestive Problems
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia

Akita vs Maltese vs Tornjak Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. Which breed is most active?
Akita dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Tornjak dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Akita vs Maltese vs Tornjak exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Akita or Maltese or Tornjak? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Akita dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Tornjak dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Akita or Maltese or Tornjak?
Akita dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Tornjak dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Akita vs Maltese vs Tornjak Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Akita's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Tornjak's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day. Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.

Akita vs Maltese vs Tornjak Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. Yes See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. What colors are available?
Black
Red
White
Brown
Fawn
White Black
Red
White
Brown
Piebald
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. Which requires most maintenance?
Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
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Advanced: The Tornjak requires a lot of grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. Which drools least?
The Akita is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
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The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Tornjak drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Akita has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Tornjak has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fluffy
Dense
Waterproof
Straight
Feathered Silky
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. Which requires most frequent baths?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Akita or Maltese or Tornjak? Akita or Maltese or {name3 shedding:
Akita dogs are heavy shedders.
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Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Tornjak dogs shed moderately.
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Akita vs Maltese vs Tornjak Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. Which is best with kids?
Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Tornjak dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Akita dogs are generally with other pets.
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Tornjak dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Akita or Maltese or Tornjak? Which dog is more friendly?
Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Tornjak dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Akita or Maltese or Tornjak?
Akita dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Tornjak dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Akita or Maltese or Tornjak?
Akita dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Tornjak dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Akita vs Maltese vs Tornjak?
Yes
Akita 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
Tornjak dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Akita is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Tornjak is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Akitas are usually recommended for elderly people.
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.
Tornjaks are usually recommended for elderly people.

Akita vs Maltese vs Tornjak As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. Which has best nose work ability?

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 & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. Which is best for SAR work?

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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Akita breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Tornjak breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

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

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. Which has most military use?

Yes

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

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.

Akita vs Maltese vs Tornjak Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. Which has most puppies?
3-12 puppies 3-5 puppies 4-7 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Akita vs Maltese vs Tornjak Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds 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 Molossian type section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Akita, Maltese, and Tornjak. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National 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
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
No data available

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