Labrador Retriever vs Poodle vs Maltese Comparison - Dog breed selector: Lab or Barbone or Maltese lion dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Labrador Retriever vs Poodle vs Maltese" Compare Labrador Retriever and Poodle. Which is better: Labrador Retriever or Poodle 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	Labrador Retriever	Poodle	Maltese
Origins	England Canada	Germany France	Italy
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Gun Dog	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	1	7	33
Reviews	11	14	3
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese breeds.	Lab Labrador	Barbone Caniche Chien Canne Grosse Pudel French Poodle	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Labrador Retriever vs Poodle vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese. Which breed is the largest?	Large	Medium	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)	Male: 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg), Female: 45-60 pounds (20-27 kg)	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)	Male: 57.5 pounds (26 kg), Female: 52.5 pounds (23.5 kg)	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Labrador Retriever or Poodle or Maltese? Labrador Retriever vs Poodle vs Maltese height comparison:	Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm)	15 inches (38 cm) or more	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: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm)	15 inches (38 cm) or more	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

Labrador Retriever vs Poodle vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese. Find price differences between these breeds.	$1000-$2000	$1000-$1500	$600-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Labrador Retriever or Poodle or Maltese?	Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Poodle is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.

Labrador Retriever vs Poodle vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese. Which breed ranks highest?	Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Outstanding: Poodle is one of the brightest dog breeds. 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 Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese. Which is easiest to train?	Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train. See more.	Poodle 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 Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese. Which breed is most alert?	Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Poodle dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese. Which breed is most protective?	Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders. See more.	Poodle dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Labrador Retriever vs Poodle vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese? Compare temperaments.	Playful Loving Energetic Alert Intelligent Friendly Responsive Affectionate Loyal Gentle Going Social Cheerful	Active Alert Intelligent Trainable Faithful Instinctual	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Sensitive: Labrador Retriever 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: Labrador Retriever vs Poodle vs Maltese?	Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. See more.	High: Poodle 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 Labrador Retriever vs Poodle vs Maltese social needs comparison:	Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Poodle 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?	Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	Poodle dogs have average wanderlust potential. 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?	Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.	Poodle 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

Labrador Retriever vs Poodle vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese. Which breed is most vocal?	Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally. See more.	Average to High: The Poodle 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 Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese. Which breed is most playful?	The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed. See more.	The Poodle is a playful breed. See more.	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese. Which adapts best to small spaces?	It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.	Very house-friendly dog the Poodle breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Labrador Retriever vs Poodle vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Labrador Retriever vs Poodle vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Labrador Retriever vs Poodle vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese. Which breed lives longest?	10-12 years The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Poodle: 13 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 Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese. 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. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. 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 Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese. Which has fewer health issues?	The Labrador Retriever is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Poodle 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 Labrador Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Poodle 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: Labrador Retriever vs Poodle vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Labrador Retriever vs Poodle vs Maltese health problems comparison:	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Bloat Epilepsy Ear Infections Elbow Dysplasia Osteochondrosis Dissecans Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia Acute Moist Dermatitis Cold Tail Myopathy	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Allergies Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Sebaceous Adenitis Ear Infections Addison's Disease Cushing's Syndrome Runny Eyes Canine Atrial Septal Defect (asd) Neonatal Encephalopathy (news) Optic Nerve Hypoplasia Premature Graying	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Labrador Retriever vs Poodle vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese. Which breed is most active?	Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.	Poodle 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.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Labrador Retriever vs Poodle vs Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Labrador Retriever or Poodle or Maltese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.	Poodle dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Labrador Retriever or Poodle or Maltese?	Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.	Poodle 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.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Labrador Retriever vs Poodle vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese. Which is most prone to obesity?	High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Poodle'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 Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese. Which needs most food?	Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	2 to 3 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.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Labrador Retriever vs Poodle vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese. What colors are available?	Black Yellow Chocolate	Black Gray Red Blue Cream White Silver Brown Fawn Beige Apricot	White
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese. Which requires most maintenance?	Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. 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 Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese. Which drools least?	The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler. See more.	The Poodle 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 Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese. Which has least natural smell?	High 🔼 The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Poodle has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Dense Waterproof Hard Short	Curly	Feathered
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese. 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.	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 Labrador Retriever or Poodle or Maltese? Labrador Retriever or Poodle or {name3 shedding:	Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately. See more.	Poodle dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Labrador Retriever vs Poodle vs Maltese Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese. Which is best with kids?	Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Poodle dogs are very 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?	Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.	Poodle dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.	Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Labrador Retriever or Poodle or Maltese? Which dog is more friendly?	Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Poodle dogs are 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 Labrador Retriever or Poodle or Maltese?	Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Poodle dogs are 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 Labrador Retriever or Poodle or Maltese?	Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Poodle dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Labrador Retriever vs Poodle vs Maltese?	Yes Labrador Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Poodle 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 Labrador Retriever is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Poodle 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?	Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Poodles are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.

Labrador Retriever vs Poodle vs Maltese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese. Which is best suited for service work?	Yes This breed makes good 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 Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese. Which excels in therapy work?	Yes This breed makes a perfect 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 Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese. Which has best nose work ability?	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.	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 Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese. Which is best for SAR work?	Yes This breed would make an excellent 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 Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese. Which is best suited for water work?	Yes Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.	Yes Poodle breed usually likes 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 Labrador Retriever, Poodle, 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 Labrador Retriever, Poodle, 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.

Labrador Retriever vs Poodle vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese. Which has most puppies?	5-10 puppies	2-4 puppies	3-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Labrador Retriever, Poodle, 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 Labrador Retriever, Poodle, 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.

Labrador Retriever vs Poodle vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887 as a Non-Sporting & Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Poodle 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 Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Maltese. 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 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 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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