Maltese vs Belgian Malinois Comparison – Which dog is better Maltese lion dog or Malinois?

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Belgian Malinois" Compare Maltese and Belgian Malinois. Which is better: Maltese or Belgian Malinois?

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	Maltese	Belgian Malinois
Origins	Italy	Belgium
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	33	44
Reviews	3	10
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare different names used for Maltese and Belgian Malinois. What other names are these breeds known by?	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog	Malinois
Breed Classification Compare breed classifications between a Maltese and a Belgian Malinois. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.	Purebred	Purebred

Maltese vs Belgian Malinois Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Which is bigger: a Maltese or a Belgian Malinois? Compare size differences between these breeds.	Small	Large
Weight Statistics Compare weight ranges between a Maltese and a Belgian Malinois. Which breed is heavier?	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)	Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Maltese or Belgian Malinois? Is a Maltese taller than a Belgian Malinois?	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)	Male: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (56-61 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)	Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm)

Maltese vs Belgian Malinois Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy prices between a Maltese and a Belgian Malinois. Which breed costs more?	$600-$800	$1200-$1400
Availability Which is easier to get, Maltese or Belgian Malinois?	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get.

Maltese vs Belgian Malinois Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Which is smarter: a Maltese or a Belgian Malinois? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Which is easier to train: a Maltese or a Belgian Malinois? Compare training requirements.	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Belgian Malinois dogs are very easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Which makes a better watchdog: a Maltese or a Belgian Malinois? Compare alertness levels.	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Belgian Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Which is more protective: a Maltese or a Belgian Malinois? Compare territorial behaviors.	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Maltese vs Belgian Malinois Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits Compare personalities of a Maltese and a Belgian Malinois. How do their temperaments differ?	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Active Stubborn Protective Alert Confident Friendly Watchful Hard working
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Maltese vs Belgian Malinois?	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: Maltese vs Belgian Malinois?	High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Slightly Below Average: Belgian Malinois dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Maltese vs Belgian Malinois social needs comparison:	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Belgian Malinois dogs are a social breed. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Maltese vs Belgian Malinois?	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Belgian Malinois is strong enough to escape from home. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Maltese vs Belgian Malinois? Which can be better for hunting?	Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Belgian Malinois 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. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Maltese vs Belgian Malinois Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Which breed barks more: a Maltese or a Belgian Malinois? Compare vocalization tendencies.	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Which breed is more playful: a Maltese or a Belgian Malinois? Compare play drive and energy.	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Which is better for apartments: a Maltese or a Belgian Malinois? Compare living space needs.	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 Belgian Malinois indoors.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Maltese vs Belgian Malinois Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Which adapts better to changes: a Maltese or a Belgian Malinois? Compare adaptability levels.	Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Belgian Malinois dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Belgian Malinois?	Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Belgian Malinois dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Maltese vs Belgian Malinois Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Which has lower bite risk: a Maltese or a Belgian Malinois? Compare biting tendencies.	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Which is more mouthy: a Maltese or a Belgian Malinois? Compare mouthing behaviors.	Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Belgian Malinois dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Which has a stronger bite: a Maltese or a Belgian Malinois? Compare bite force PSI.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Maltese vs Belgian Malinois Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Which lives longer: a Maltese or a Belgian Malinois? Compare average lifespans.	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years	12-14 years The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Which handles weather better: a Maltese or a Belgian Malinois? Compare climate tolerances.	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. 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.
Health Concerns Compare common health issues between a Maltese and a Belgian Malinois. Which breed is healthier?	The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Belgian Malinois 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: Maltese vs Belgian Malinois?	Average The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Belgian Malinois 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: Maltese vs Belgian Malinois? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Belgian Malinois health problems comparison:	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome	Hip Dysplasia Eye Problems Epilepsy Elbow Dysplasia

Maltese vs Belgian Malinois Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Maltese vs Belgian Malinois Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Which gains weight easier: a Maltese or a Belgian Malinois? Compare obesity risks.	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Low to Average: The Belgian Malinois has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Which eats more: a Maltese or a Belgian Malinois? Compare daily food needs.	Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup 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.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Maltese vs Belgian Malinois Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Which is more hypoallergenic: a Maltese or a Belgian Malinois? Compare allergy friendliness.	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors What color variations exist for Maltese and Belgian Malinois? Compare breed colors.	White	Black Cream Fawn Brindle
Grooming Requirements Which needs more grooming: a Maltese or a Belgian Malinois? Compare maintenance needs.	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Which drools more: a Maltese or a Belgian Malinois? Compare drooling amounts.	The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Belgian Malinois is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Which has less odor: a Maltese or a Belgian Malinois? Compare natural smell levels.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics How do coats differ between a Maltese and a Belgian Malinois? Compare fur types.	Feathered	Weather-resistant Straight
Bathing Needs Which needs more baths: a Maltese or a Belgian Malinois? Compare bathing frequencies.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Maltese or Belgian Malinois? Do Maltese dogs shed more than Belgian Malinois dogs?	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Maltese vs Belgian Malinois Good With Comparison

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

Maltese vs Belgian Malinois As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Which makes a better service dog: a Maltese or a Belgian Malinois? Compare service capabilities.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Which is better for therapy work: a Maltese or a Belgian Malinois? Compare therapy capabilities.	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.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Which is better at detection work: a Maltese or a Belgian Malinois? Compare scenting abilities.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential Which is better for search and rescue: a Maltese or a Belgian Malinois? Compare SAR abilities.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Which is better on boats: a Maltese or a Belgian Malinois? Compare maritime abilities.	Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Belgian Malinois breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Which is better at pulling: a Maltese or a Belgian Malinois? Compare draft work capabilities.	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 history between Maltese and Belgian Malinois. Which has stronger military background?	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.

Maltese vs Belgian Malinois Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare litter sizes between Maltese and Belgian Malinois. Which has larger litters?	3-5 puppies	6-10 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare pregnancy duration between Maltese and Belgian Malinois breeds.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding frequencies between Maltese and Belgian Malinois. Which needs longer recovery?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.

Maltese vs Belgian Malinois Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC classifications of Maltese and Belgian Malinois. Which groups do they belong to?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI classifications of Maltese and Belgian Malinois. Which groups are they in?	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.	Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare kennel club recognition between Maltese and Belgian Malinois. Which is more widely recognized?	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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