Australian Shepherd vs Pomeranian vs Maltese Comparison - Dog breed selector: Little Blue Dog or Deutsche Spitze or Maltese lion dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Australian Shepherd vs Pomeranian vs Maltese" Compare Australian Shepherd and Pomeranian. Which is better: Australian Shepherd or Pomeranian or Maltese?

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	Australian Shepherd	Pomeranian	Maltese
Origins	United States	Germany Poland	Italy
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	17	22	33
Reviews	7	6	3
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese breeds.	Little Blue Dog Aussie	Deutsche Spitze Pom Pom Spitz Enano Spitz Nain Zwergspitz Zwers Pom	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Australian Shepherd vs Pomeranian vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. Which breed is the largest?	Large	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg)	3-7 pounds (1-3 kg)	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg)	5 pounds (2 kg)	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Australian Shepherd or Pomeranian or Maltese? Australian Shepherd vs Pomeranian vs Maltese height comparison:	Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm)	7-12 inches (18-30 cm)	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm)	9.5 inches (24 cm)	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

Australian Shepherd vs Pomeranian vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. Find price differences between these breeds.	$600-$800	$600-$800	$600-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Australian Shepherd or Pomeranian or Maltese?	Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Pomeranian is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.

Australian Shepherd vs Pomeranian vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. Which breed ranks highest?	Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence. See more.	Very smart: Pomeranian is an excellent dog breed. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. Which is easiest to train?	Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train. See more.	Pomeranian dogs are easy to train. See more.	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. Which breed is most alert?	Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Pomeranian dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. Which breed is most protective?	Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Pomeranian dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Australian Shepherd vs Pomeranian vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese? Compare temperaments.	Active Loving Protective Intelligent Friendly Affectionate Good-natured	Active Playful Intelligent Friendly Docile Lively Sociable Attentive Trainable Extroverted	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Sensitive: Australian Shepherd 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.	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: Australian Shepherd vs Pomeranian vs Maltese?	Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.	High: Pomeranian dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Australian Shepherd vs Pomeranian vs Maltese social needs comparison:	Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed. See more.	Pomeranian dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Pomeranian dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Pomeranian 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.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Australian Shepherd vs Pomeranian vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. Which breed is most vocal?	Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks. See more.	Average to High: The Pomeranian is a vocal breed. See more.	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. Which breed is most playful?	The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed. See more.	Average: Pomeranians, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. Which adapts best to small spaces?	It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Australian Shepherd indoors.	Very house-friendly dog the Pomeranian breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Australian Shepherd vs Pomeranian vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. Which breed is most flexible?	Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Pomeranian 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.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Australian Shepherd or Pomeranian or Maltese?	Australian Shepherd dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.	Pomeranian 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.

Australian Shepherd vs Pomeranian vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Pomeranian has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. Which uses mouth most during play?	Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Pomeranian dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Pomeranian bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Australian Shepherd vs Pomeranian vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. Which breed lives longest?	11-15 years The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years	12-16 years The average lifespan of Pomeranian: 14 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. Which handles climate changes best?	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Australian Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Pomeranian can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. Which has fewer health issues?	The Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Pomeranian 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.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Pomeranian 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.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Australian Shepherd vs Pomeranian vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Australian Shepherd vs Pomeranian vs Maltese health problems comparison:	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Cancer Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Deafness Drug Sensitivity Elbow Dysplasia Distichiasis Collie Eye Anomaly Detached Retina Nasal Solar Dermatitis Osteochondrosis Dissecans Persistent Pupillary Membranes	Cataracts Collapsed Trachea Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Patent Ductus Arteriosis Allergies Hypothyroidism Epilepsy Seizures Dry Eye Heatstroke Heat Intolerance	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Australian Shepherd vs Pomeranian vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Australian Shepherd vs Pomeranian vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Pomeranian's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. Which needs most food?	1.5 to 2.5 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.	Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Australian Shepherd vs Pomeranian vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	No See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. What colors are available?	Black Red Blue Merle	Black Gray Tan Red Blue White Brown Orange	White
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. Which requires most maintenance?	Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Pomeranian requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. Which drools least?	The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Pomeranian is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Pomeranian has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Feathered	Fluffy	Feathered
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. Which requires most frequent baths?	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.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Australian Shepherd or Pomeranian or Maltese? Australian Shepherd or Pomeranian or {name3 shedding:	Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately. See more.	Pomeranian dogs shed moderately. See more.	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Australian Shepherd vs Pomeranian vs Maltese Good With Comparison

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

Australian Shepherd vs Pomeranian vs Maltese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. Which is best suited for service work?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good 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 Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. Which excels in therapy work?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. 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 Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. 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 Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Australian Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Pomeranian breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. Which is best for draft work?	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.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. Which has most military use?	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.

Australian Shepherd vs Pomeranian vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. Which has most puppies?	6-9 puppies, average 7	2-5 puppies	3-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. What's recommended?	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.

Australian Shepherd vs Pomeranian vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.	Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the European Spitz section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Australian Shepherd, Pomeranian, and Maltese. Which has most recognition?	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 New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Australian Shepherd Club Of America	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. 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

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