• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Border Terrier vs Maltese Comparison – Which dog is better Borders or Maltese lion dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Border Terrier vs Maltese" Compare Border Terrier and Maltese. Which is better: Border Terrier or Maltese?
 
 
 
Name Border Terrier Maltese
OriginsEngland flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Italy flagItaly
Group Hunting Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank9233
Reviews13
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Borders Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Border Terrier vs Maltese breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

Border Terrier vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, Border Terrier or Maltese? Is the Border Terrier bigger than the Maltese breed? Is a Border Terrier smaller than a Maltese?
Small Small
Weight
Which is heavier, Border Terrier or Maltese? Border Terrier vs Maltese weight comparison:
Males 13-16 pounds (6-7 kg), Female: 11-14 pounds (5-6 kg) 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Males 14.5 pounds (6.5 kg), Female: 12.5 pounds (5.5 kg) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Border Terrier or Maltese? Is a Border Terrier taller than a Maltese?
Male: 13-16 inches (33-41 cm), Female: 11-14 inches (28-36 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: 14.5 inches (37 cm), Female: 12.5 inches (32 cm) Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

Border Terrier vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Border Terrier or Maltese? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Border Terrier and Maltese?
$1200-$1400 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Border Terrier or Maltese?
Very frequent: The Border Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.

Border Terrier vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Border Terrier or Maltese smarter? Which is best? Border Terrier vs Maltese intelligence:
Smart: The Border Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
See more.
Trainability
Border Terrier vs Maltese trainability comparison. What's the difference between Border Terrier vs Maltese?
Border Terrier dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Border Terrier or Maltese?
Border Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Border Terrier or Maltese? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Border Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Border Terrier vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Border Terrier or Maltese? Border Terrier vs Maltese behavior/temperament comparison:
Alert
Intelligent
Affectionate
Obedient
Outright
Tempered
Fearless
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Border Terrier vs Maltese?
Border Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Border Terrier vs Maltese?
High: Border Terrier 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.
Social Needs
Border Terrier vs Maltese social needs comparison:
Border Terrier dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Border Terrier vs Maltese?
The wanderlust potential of the Border Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Border Terrier vs Maltese? Which can be better for hunting?
Border Terrier dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.
Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Border Terrier vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Border Terrier vs Maltese playfulness comparison:
Average: Border Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Border Terrier vs Maltese?
Average to High: The Border Terrier is a vocal breed.
See more.
A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Border Terrier or Maltese?
Very house-friendly dog the Border Terrier breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.

Border Terrier vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Border Terrier 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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Border Terrier or Maltese?
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.

Border Terrier vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Border Terrier or Maltese?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Border Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.
Biting Potential
Is a Border Terrier more dangerous than a Maltese?

Low 🔽

The Border Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Border Terrier vs Maltese mouthiness comparison:
Border Terrier 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.

Border Terrier vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Border Terrier vs Maltese health comparison. Which is the healthier: Border Terrier vs Maltese?
The Border Terrier 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.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Border Terrier vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Border Terrier vs Maltese health problems comparison:
Heart Murmurs
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Hypothyroidism
Cryptorchidism
Seizures
Malocclusions
Pulmonic Stenosis
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Border Terrier vs Maltese?
Average
The Border Terrier 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.
Life Expectancy
Border Terrier vs Maltese lifespan comparison. How long do Border Terrier and Maltese breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Border Terrier and Maltese?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Terrier: 13 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Border Terrier vs Maltese?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Border Terrier 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.

Border Terrier vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Border Terrier or Maltese? Border Terrier vs Maltese energy level comparison:
Border Terrier 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.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Border Terrier vs Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Border Terrier or Maltese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Border Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Border Terrier or Maltese?
Border Terrier 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.

Border Terrier vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Border Terrier or Maltese? Does the Border Terrier breed eat more than the Maltese breed?
1 to 1.5 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.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Border Terrier vs Maltese weight gain potential comparison:
High: The Border Terrier breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
See more.

Border Terrier vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Border Terrier vs Maltese coat comparison:
Rough Feathered
Colors
What are the original Border Terrier and Maltese color? Border Terrier vs Maltese color comparison:
Tan
Red
Blue
Grizzle
Wheaten
White
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Border Terrier or Maltese? Border Terrier vs Maltese grooming comparison:
Average: The Border Terrier requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Border Terrier or Maltese? Do Border Terrier dogs shed more than Maltese dogs?
Border Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Border Terrier or Maltese?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Border Terrier vs Maltese hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
Yes See more. Yes See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Border Terrier or Maltese?

Medium

The Border Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Border Terrier vs Maltese?
The Border Terrier 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.

Border Terrier vs Maltese Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Border Terrier dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Border Terrier or Maltese? Which dog is more friendly?
Border Terrier dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Border Terrier or Maltese?
Border Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Border Terrier or Maltese?
Border Terrier dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Border Terrier or Maltese? Can a Border Terrier and a Maltese be friends? Do Border Terrier dogs get along with Maltese dogs?
Border Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Border Terrier vs Maltese?
Yes
Border Terrier 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
Border Terrier 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?
Border Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.

Border Terrier vs Maltese 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.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Border Terrier or Maltese? 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.
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.
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.

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: Border Terrier vs Maltese?

Not really

Border Terrier 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.
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.
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.

Border Terrier vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 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.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Border Terrier and Maltese have? Border Terrier vs Maltese litter size comparison:
2-8 puppies 3-5 puppies

Border Terrier vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Large and medium sized Terriers section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds 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
Border Terrier Club Of America, Inc.
Club Espanol De Terriers
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

Rate This Comparsion - Border Terrier vs Maltese

Reviews