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Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: German: Italienisches Windspiel or Maltese lion dog or Toto Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier" Compare Italian Greyhound and Maltese. Which is better: Italian Greyhound or Maltese or Cairn Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Italian Greyhound Maltese Cairn Terrier
OriginsItaly flagItaly Italy flagItaly Scotland flagScotland
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank743369
Reviews233
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier breeds.
German: Italienisches Windspiel
Piccolo Levriero Italiano
Galgo Italiano
French: Petit Levrier Italiane
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Toto Dog
Cairn
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier? Compare adult weight ranges.
6-10 pounds (3-5 kg) 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) Male: 14-18 pounds (6-8 kg), Female: 13-17 pounds (6-8 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
8 pounds (4 kg) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) Male: 16 pounds (7 kg), Female: 15 pounds (7 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Italian Greyhound or Maltese or Cairn Terrier? Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier height comparison:
12-15 inches (30-38 cm) Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) Male: 10-13 inches (25-33 cm), Female: 9-12 inches (23-30 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
13.5 inches (34 cm) Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) Male: 11.5 inches (29 cm), Female: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm)

Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1000 $600-$800 $700-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Italian Greyhound or Maltese or Cairn Terrier?
Very frequent: The Italian Greyhound is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Cairn Terrier is quite easy to get.

Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed ranks highest?
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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Smart: The Cairn Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. Which is easiest to train?
Italian Greyhound dogs are quite easy to train.
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Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
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Cairn Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed is most alert?
Italian Greyhound dogs are average watchdogs.
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Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
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Cairn Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed is most protective?
Italian Greyhound dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Cairn Terrier dogs are average defenders.
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Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier? Compare temperaments.
Agile
Intelligent
Affectionate
Companionable
Athletic
Mischievous
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Active
Courageous
Intelligent
Fearless
Assertive
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Italian Greyhound 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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Cairn Terrier 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: Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier?
High: Italian Greyhound 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: Cairn Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier social needs comparison:
Italian Greyhound dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Cairn Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Italian Greyhound dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Cairn Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Italian Greyhound dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Cairn Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed is most vocal?
Average: The Italian Greyhound barks occasionally.
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A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Cairn Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Italian Greyhounds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Cairn Terrier is a playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. 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 Italian Greyhound indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
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 Cairn Terrier indoors.

Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed is most flexible?
Italian Greyhound 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.
Average: Cairn Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Italian Greyhound or Maltese or Cairn Terrier?
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.
Cairn Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Italian Greyhound has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Italian Greyhound bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Cairn Terrier bite force: Weak.

Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Italian Greyhound: 13 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Cairn Terrier: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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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 cold weather conditions
The Cairn Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. Which has fewer health issues?
The Italian Greyhound 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.
Cairn Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Italian Greyhound 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 Cairn Terrier 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: Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Eye Problems
Drug Sensitivity
Thyroid Problems
Alopecia
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Cataracts
Legg-perthes Disease
Luxating Patella
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Cryptorchidism
Glaucoma
Craniomandibular Osteopathy
Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
Microvascular Dysplasia
Portosystemic Vascular Anomaly (PSVA)

Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed is most active?
Italian Greyhound 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.
Cairn Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Italian Greyhound or Maltese or Cairn Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Italian Greyhound dogs have an average exercise need.
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Cairn Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Italian Greyhound or Maltese or Cairn Terrier?
Italian Greyhound 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.
Cairn Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.

Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low to Average: The Italian Greyhound has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Cairn Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. Which needs most food?
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. 0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. What colors are available?
Black
Gray
Red
Blue
White
Brown
Yellow
White Black
Gray
Red
Cream
Silver
Brindle
Wheaten
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. Which requires most maintenance?
Effortless: The Italian Greyhound requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Cairn Terrier requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. Which drools least?
The Italian Greyhound 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 Cairn Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Italian Greyhound has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Cairn Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fine Feathered Waterproof
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. 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 Italian Greyhound or Maltese or Cairn Terrier? Italian Greyhound or Maltese or {name3 shedding:
Italian Greyhound dogs shed none to minimal.
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Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Cairn Terrier dogs shed moderately.
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Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier Good With Comparison

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

Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. 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 Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect 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.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. 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 Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. 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 Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Italian Greyhound 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

Cairn Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. 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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Not really

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 Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. 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.

Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. Which has most puppies?
2-4 puppies 3-5 puppies 2-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. 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.

Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Sighthounds group, in the Short-haired Sighthounds section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Italian Greyhound, Maltese, and Cairn Terrier. 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
Club Espanol De Terriers

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