Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Lowchen Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltese lion dog or Toto Dog or Little Lion? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Lowchen" Compare Maltese and Cairn Terrier. Which is better: Maltese or Cairn Terrier or Lowchen?

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	Cairn Terrier	Lowchen
Origins	Italy	Scotland	Spain Germany France Netherlands
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Hunting Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	33	69	169
Reviews	3	3	2
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen breeds.	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog	Toto Dog Cairn	Little Lion Little Lion Dog Petit Chien Lion Lowchen
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Lowchen Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen? Compare adult weight ranges.	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	Male: 14-18 pounds (6-8 kg), Female: 13-17 pounds (6-8 kg)	Male: 13-18 pounds (6-8 kg), Female: 11-15 pounds (5-7 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)	Male: 16 pounds (7 kg), Female: 15 pounds (7 kg)	Male: 15.5 pounds (7 kg), Female: 13 pounds (6 kg)
Height Which is taller, Maltese or Cairn Terrier or Lowchen? Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Lowchen height comparison:	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)	Male: 13–15 inches (32–39 cm), Female: 12–15 inches (30–37 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	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)	Male: 13.5 inches (34 cm), Female: 12.5 inches (32 cm)

Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Lowchen Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. Find price differences between these breeds.	$600-$800	$700-$1000	$5000-$8000
Availability Which is easier to get, Maltese or Cairn Terrier or Lowchen?	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Cairn Terrier is quite easy to get.	Frequent: The Lowchen is easier than average to get.

Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Lowchen Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. Which breed ranks highest?	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Smart: The Cairn Terrier dogs have great intelligence. 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 Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. Which is easiest to train?	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Cairn Terrier dogs are easy to train. See more.	Lowchen dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. Which breed is most alert?	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Cairn Terrier dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Lowchen dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. Which breed is most protective?	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Cairn Terrier dogs are average defenders. See more.	Lowchen dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Lowchen Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen? Compare temperaments.	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Active Courageous Intelligent Fearless Assertive	Active Playful Happy Friendly Familiar
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Cairn Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	Lowchen dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Lowchen?	High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Cairn Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Lowchen dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Lowchen social needs comparison:	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Cairn Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Lowchen dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Cairn Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	Lowchen dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Cairn Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Their prey drive is low. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Lowchen Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. Which breed is most vocal?	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Cairn Terrier is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Lowchen 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 Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. Which breed is most playful?	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Cairn Terrier is a playful breed. See more.	Average: Lowchens, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. Which adapts best to small spaces?	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.	Very house-friendly dog the Lowchen breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Lowchen Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Lowchen Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Cairn Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Lowchen has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. Which uses mouth most during play?	Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Cairn Terrier dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Lowchen dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Cairn Terrier bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Lowchen bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Lowchen Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. Which breed lives longest?	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Cairn Terrier: 13 years	13-15 years The average lifespan of Lowchen: 14 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. Which handles climate changes best?	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.	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.	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 health problems common in Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. Which has fewer health issues?	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.	Lowchens tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	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.	Frequent The Lowchen should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Lowchen? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Lowchen health problems comparison:	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)	Cataracts Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Lowchen Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. Which breed is most active?	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.	Lowchen 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 Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Lowchen exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Cairn Terrier or Lowchen? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.	Cairn Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Lowchen dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Cairn Terrier or Lowchen?	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.	Lowchen 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

Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Lowchen Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Cairn Terrier has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Lowchen has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. Which needs most food?	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.	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Lowchen Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. What colors are available?	White	Black Gray Red Cream Silver Brindle Wheaten	Black Tan Red Blue White Silver Brown Grey
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. Which requires most maintenance?	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Cairn Terrier requires average grooming effort. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. Which drools least?	The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Cairn Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Lowchen is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Cairn Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Lowchen has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Feathered	Waterproof	Dense Silky Wavy Harsh
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. Which requires most frequent baths?	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.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Maltese or Cairn Terrier or Lowchen? Maltese or Cairn Terrier or {name3 shedding:	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Cairn Terrier dogs shed moderately. See more.	Lowchen dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Lowchen Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. Which is best with kids?	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Cairn Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Lowchen 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.	Cairn Terrier dogs are generally with other pets.	Lowchen dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Cairn Terrier or Lowchen? Which dog is more friendly?	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Lowchen 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 Maltese or Cairn Terrier or Lowchen?	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Lowchen dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Cairn Terrier or Lowchen?	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Lowchen dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Lowchen?	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.	Yes Lowchen 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.	Yes Cairn Terrier is one of the best dog breeds for office environment	No Lowchen 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.	Cairn Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.	Lowchens are usually recommended for elderly people.

Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Lowchen As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. Which is best suited for service work?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	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 Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. Which excels in therapy work?	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.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. 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 Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. 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 Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Cairn Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Lowchen breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. 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 Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. 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.

Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Lowchen Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. Which has most puppies?	3-5 puppies	2-10 puppies	3-6 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. 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.

Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Lowchen Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913 as a Terrier breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. How are they classified internationally?	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.	Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Maltese, Cairn Terrier, and Lowchen. 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 Club Espanol De Terriers	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry 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

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