Maltese vs German Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Maltese lion dog or Alsatian wolf dog?

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

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	German Shepherd
Origins	Italy	Germany
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	33	2
Reviews	3	21
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare different names used for Maltese and German Shepherd. What other names are these breeds known by?	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog	Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian
Breed Classification Compare breed classifications between a Maltese and a German Shepherd. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.	Purebred	Purebred

Maltese vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Which is bigger: a Maltese or a German Shepherd? Compare size differences between these breeds.	Small	Large
Weight Statistics Compare weight ranges between a Maltese and a German Shepherd. Which breed is heavier?	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)	Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height Which is taller, Maltese or German Shepherd? Is a Maltese taller than a German Shepherd?	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)	Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 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 (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Maltese vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy prices between a Maltese and a German Shepherd. Which breed costs more?	$600-$800	$800-$2000
Availability Which is easier to get, Maltese or German Shepherd?	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Maltese vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Which is smarter: a Maltese or a German Shepherd? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Which is easier to train: a Maltese or a German Shepherd? Compare training requirements.	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are 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 German Shepherd? Compare alertness levels.	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Which is more protective: a Maltese or a German Shepherd? Compare territorial behaviors.	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Maltese vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits Compare personalities of a Maltese and a German Shepherd. How do their temperaments differ?	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Maltese vs German Shepherd?	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs German Shepherd?	High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Maltese vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Maltese vs German Shepherd?	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Maltese vs German Shepherd? Which can be better for hunting?	Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	German Shepherd 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

Maltese vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Which breed barks more: a Maltese or a German Shepherd? Compare vocalization tendencies.	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. 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 German Shepherd? Compare play drive and energy.	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Which is better for apartments: a Maltese or a German Shepherd? 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 German Shepherd indoors.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Maltese vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Which adapts better to changes: a Maltese or a German Shepherd? Compare adaptability levels.	Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or German Shepherd?	Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Maltese vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Which has lower bite risk: a Maltese or a German Shepherd? Compare biting tendencies.	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.	High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Which is more mouthy: a Maltese or a German Shepherd? Compare mouthing behaviors.	Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Which has a stronger bite: a Maltese or a German Shepherd? Compare bite force PSI.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Maltese vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Which lives longer: a Maltese or a German Shepherd? Compare average lifespans.	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years	9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Which handles weather better: a Maltese or a German Shepherd? 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 German Shepherd. Which breed is healthier?	The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Maltese vs German Shepherd?	Average The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Rare The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Cancer Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Blindness Cherry Eye Elbow Dysplasia Diabetes Heart Disease Retinal Dysplasia Demodectic Mange Degenerative Myelopathy Wobbler's Syndrome Panosteitis Hemophilia B Megaesophagus Cushing's Syndrome Lens Luxation Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Chronic Diarrhea Cruciate Ligament Rupture Digestive Problems Hemophilia A Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Lupus Myasthenia Gravis Nail Bed Disease Osteochondrosis Pannus Paralysis Perianal Fistula Seborrhea Vitiligo

Maltese vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Which breed is more energetic: a Maltese or a German Shepherd? 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.	German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Maltese vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.	German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or German Shepherd?	Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Maltese vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Which gains weight easier: a Maltese or a German Shepherd? Compare obesity risks.	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd? Compare daily food needs.	Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Maltese vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Which is more hypoallergenic: a Maltese or a German Shepherd? Compare allergy friendliness.	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors What color variations exist for Maltese and German Shepherd? Compare breed colors.	White	Black Tan Red Silver
Grooming Requirements Which needs more grooming: a Maltese or a German Shepherd? Compare maintenance needs.	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Which drools more: a Maltese or a German Shepherd? Compare drooling amounts.	The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Which has less odor: a Maltese or a German Shepherd? Compare natural smell levels.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics How do coats differ between a Maltese and a German Shepherd? Compare fur types.	Feathered	Fuzzy
Bathing Needs Which needs more baths: a Maltese or a German Shepherd? 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 German Shepherd? Do Maltese dogs shed more than German Shepherd dogs?	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Maltese vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Which is better with children: a Maltese or a German Shepherd? Compare kid-friendliness.	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are very 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.	German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are 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 German Shepherd?	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or German Shepherd? Can a Maltese and a German Shepherd be friends? Do Maltese dogs get along with German Shepherd dogs?	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: Maltese vs German Shepherd?	Yes Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd 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.	German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Maltese vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Which makes a better service dog: a Maltese or a German Shepherd? 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 German Shepherd? Compare therapy capabilities.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Which is better at detection work: a Maltese or a German Shepherd? 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 German Shepherd? 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 German Shepherd? Compare maritime abilities.	Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Which is better at pulling: a Maltese or a German Shepherd? 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 German Shepherd. Which has stronger military background?	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Maltese vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare litter sizes between Maltese and German Shepherd. 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 German Shepherd breeds.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding frequencies between Maltese and German Shepherd. 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 German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC classifications of Maltese and German Shepherd. 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 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI classifications of Maltese and German Shepherd. Which groups are they in?	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare kennel club recognition between Maltese and German Shepherd. 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 German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

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