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?
 |  |
| Name | Maltese | German Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Origins |  Italy |  Germany |
| 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. | Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest 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. | German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. |
| Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Maltese or a German Shepherd? Compare alertness levels. | Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. | German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. |
| Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Maltese or a German Shepherd? Compare territorial behaviors. | Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. | German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. |
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. | Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. |
| 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. | High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
| Social Needs
Maltese vs German Shepherd social needs comparison: | Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. | German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. |
| 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. | German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. |
| 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. | German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. |
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. | Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. |
| 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. |
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. | German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. |
| 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. |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. |
| 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. |
| 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). |
| 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. |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
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. | Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for 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. |
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. |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. |
| 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. | The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
| 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. | 8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. |
| Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maltese or German Shepherd? Do Maltese dogs shed more than German Shepherd dogs? | Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. | German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. |
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. |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| 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 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. | Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. |
| 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. | Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
| 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. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
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 |
Popular Dog Compares
Sharing is caring.
Help our free service by spreading information about dog breeds.
Link to this: Maltese vs German Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Maltese lion dog or Alsatian wolf dog?
<a href="https://dogell.com/en/compare-dog-breeds/maltese-vs-german-shepherd">Maltese vs German Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Maltese lion dog or Alsatian wolf dog?</a>
Help our free service by spreading information about dog breeds.
Link to this: Maltese vs German Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Maltese lion dog or Alsatian wolf dog?
<a href="https://dogell.com/en/compare-dog-breeds/maltese-vs-german-shepherd">Maltese vs German Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Maltese lion dog or Alsatian wolf dog?</a>