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Dalmatian vs Maltese vs Pug Comparison - Dog breed selector: Carriage Dog or Maltese lion dog or Carlin? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Dalmatian vs Maltese vs Pug" Compare Dalmatian and Maltese. Which is better: Dalmatian or Maltese or Pug?
 
 
 
Name Dalmatian Maltese Pug
OriginsCroatia flagCroatia Italy flagItaly China flagChina
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank633331
Reviews1313
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Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug breeds.
Carriage Dog
Dally
Firehouse Dog
Plum Pudding Dog
Spotted Coach Dog
Dal
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Carlin
Chinese Pug
Dutch Bulldog
Dutch Mastiff
Mini Mastiff
Mops
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Dalmatian vs Maltese vs Pug Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug. Which breed is the largest?
Large Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug? Compare adult weight ranges.
about 55 pounds (25 kg) 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) Male: 13-20 pounds (6-9 kg), Female: 13-18 pounds (6-8 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
about 55 pounds (25 kg) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) Male: 16.5 pounds (7.5 kg), Female: 15.5 pounds (7 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Dalmatian or Maltese or Pug? Dalmatian vs Maltese vs Pug height comparison:
Male: 22 - 24 inches (50 – 60 cm), Female: 20 - 22 inches (50 - 55 cm) Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) Male: 12-14 inches (30-36 cm), Female: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 22 - 24 inches (50 – 60 cm), Female: 20 - 22 inches (50 - 55 cm) Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) Male: 13 inches (33 cm), Female: 11 inches (27.5 cm)

Dalmatian vs Maltese vs Pug Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug. Find price differences between these breeds.
$500-$600 $600-$800 $300-$500
Availability
Which is easier to get, Dalmatian or Maltese or Pug?
Very frequent: The Dalmatian is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Pug is quite easy to get.

Dalmatian vs Maltese vs Pug Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug. Which breed ranks highest?
Smart: The Dalmatian dogs have great intelligence.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug. Which is easiest to train?
Dalmatian dogs are quite easy to train.
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Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
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A slightly harder to train than average.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug. Which breed is most alert?
Dalmatian dogs are average watchdogs.
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Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
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Pug dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug. Which breed is most protective?
Dalmatian dogs are average defenders.
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Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Pug dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Dalmatian vs Maltese vs Pug Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug? Compare temperaments.
Active
Playful
Energetic
Sensitive
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Playful
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Cheerful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Pug 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: Dalmatian vs Maltese vs Pug?
High: Dalmatian 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: Pug dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Dalmatian vs Maltese vs Pug social needs comparison:
Dalmatian dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Pug 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 Dalmatian is strong enough to escape from home.
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Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Pug dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Dalmatian dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Pug 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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Dalmatian vs Maltese vs Pug Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug. Which breed is most vocal?
Average: The Dalmatian barks occasionally.
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A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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Average: The Pug barks occasionally.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug. Which breed is most playful?
The Dalmatian is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Pugs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Dalmatian breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Pug breed.

Dalmatian vs Maltese vs Pug Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug. Which breed is most flexible?
Dalmatian 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.
Pug dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Dalmatian or Maltese or Pug?
Dalmatian 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.
Pug dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Dalmatian vs Maltese vs Pug Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Dalmatian has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Dalmatian bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Pug bite force: Weak.

Dalmatian vs Maltese vs Pug Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug. Which breed lives longest?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Dalmatian: 13 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Pug: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug. Which handles climate changes best?
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.
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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug. Which has fewer health issues?
Dalmatians are commonly healthy dogs.
The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Very healthy dog breed.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The Dalmatian should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Pug should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Dalmatian vs Maltese vs Pug? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Dalmatian vs Maltese vs Pug health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Deafness
Skin Allergies
Iris Sphincter Dysplasia
Urolithiasis
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
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Entropion
Vaccination Sensitivity
Demodectic Mange
Distichiasis
Corneal Ulcers
Dry Eye
Hemi-vertebrae
Cheyletiella Dermatitis
Nerve Degeneration
Proptosis
Pug Dog Encephalitis
Staphylococcus Infection
Yeast Infection

Dalmatian vs Maltese vs Pug Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug. Which breed is most active?
Dalmatian 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.
Pug 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
Dalmatian vs Maltese vs Pug exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Dalmatian or Maltese or Pug? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Dalmatian dogs need a lot of exercises.
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Pug dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Dalmatian or Maltese or Pug?
Dalmatian 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.
Pug dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Dalmatian vs Maltese vs Pug Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Dalmatian's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
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High: The Pug breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 1.5 to 2 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. 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.

Dalmatian vs Maltese vs Pug Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. Yes See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug. What colors are available?
Black
White
Brown
Liver
White Black
Fawn
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug. Which requires most maintenance?
Effortless: The Dalmatian requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The Pug requires minimal grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug. Which drools least?
The Dalmatian is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Pug is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug. Which has least natural smell?

Low 🔽

The Dalmatian has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Pug has a high chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fine Feathered Fine
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug. 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.
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.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Dalmatian or Maltese or Pug? Dalmatian or Maltese or {name3 shedding:
Dalmatian dogs are heavy shedders.
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Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Pug dogs shed above average.
See more.

Dalmatian vs Maltese vs Pug Good With Comparison

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

Dalmatian vs Maltese vs Pug As a Working Dog Comparison

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

Yes

This breed makes good 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.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

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

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug. 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 Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug. 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 Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Dalmatian 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.
See more.

Not really

Pug breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug. 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 Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug. 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.

Dalmatian vs Maltese vs Pug Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug. Which has most puppies?
6-9 puppies 3-5 puppies 2-4 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug. 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.

Dalmatian vs Maltese vs Pug Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Non-Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Scent hounds and related breeds group, in the 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 Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Small Molossian type Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Dalmatian, Maltese, and Pug. Which has most recognition?
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
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
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

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