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Maltese vs Golden Retriever Comparison – Which dog is better Maltese lion dog or Golden Flat Coat?

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Golden Retriever" Compare Maltese and Golden Retriever. Which is better: Maltese or Golden Retriever?
 
 
 
Name Maltese Golden Retriever
OriginsItaly flagItaly Scotland flagScotland
Group Companion Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank333
Reviews314
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Maltese vs Golden Retriever breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

Maltese vs Golden Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, Maltese or Golden Retriever? Is the Maltese bigger than the Golden Retriever breed? Is a Maltese smaller than a Golden Retriever?
Small Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Maltese or Golden Retriever? Maltese vs Golden Retriever weight comparison:
6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Maltese or Golden Retriever? Is a Maltese taller than a Golden Retriever?
Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm)

Maltese vs Golden Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Maltese or Golden Retriever? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Maltese and Golden Retriever?
$600-$800 $1000-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Maltese or Golden Retriever?
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.

Maltese vs Golden Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Maltese or Golden Retriever smarter? Which is best? Maltese vs Golden Retriever intelligence:
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Trainability
Maltese vs Golden Retriever trainability comparison. What's the difference between Maltese vs Golden Retriever?
Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Maltese or Golden Retriever?
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Maltese or Golden Retriever? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Maltese vs Golden Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Maltese or Golden Retriever? Maltese vs Golden Retriever behavior/temperament comparison:
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Maltese vs Golden Retriever?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Golden Retriever?
High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Maltese vs Golden Retriever social needs comparison:
Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Maltese vs Golden Retriever?
Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Maltese vs Golden Retriever? Which can be better for hunting?
Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Golden Retriever 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.

Maltese vs Golden Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Maltese vs Golden Retriever playfulness comparison:
Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Maltese vs Golden Retriever?
A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Maltese or Golden Retriever?
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.

Maltese vs Golden Retriever Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Golden Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Golden Retriever?
Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Maltese vs Golden Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Maltese or Golden Retriever?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Is a Maltese more dangerous than a Golden Retriever?

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Maltese vs Golden Retriever mouthiness comparison:
Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Golden Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Maltese vs Golden Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Maltese vs Golden Retriever health comparison. Which is the healthier: Maltese vs Golden Retriever?
The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Golden Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Golden Retriever 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
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Maltese vs Golden Retriever?
Average
The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Life Expectancy
Maltese vs Golden Retriever lifespan comparison. How long do Maltese and Golden Retriever breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Maltese and Golden Retriever?
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Maltese vs Golden Retriever?
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Maltese vs Golden Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Maltese vs Golden Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Maltese or Golden Retriever? Does the Maltese breed eat more than the Golden Retriever breed?
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.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Maltese vs Golden Retriever weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
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High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Maltese vs Golden Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Maltese vs Golden Retriever coat comparison:
Feathered Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Colors
What are the original Maltese and Golden Retriever color? Maltese vs Golden Retriever color comparison:
White Golden
Light
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Maltese or Golden Retriever? Maltese vs Golden Retriever grooming comparison:
Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maltese or Golden Retriever? Do Maltese dogs shed more than Golden Retriever dogs?
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Maltese or Golden Retriever?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Maltese vs Golden Retriever hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
Yes See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Maltese or Golden Retriever?

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Maltese vs Golden Retriever?
The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Golden Retriever drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
See more.

Maltese vs Golden Retriever Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Golden Retriever? Which dog is more friendly?
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Maltese or Golden Retriever?
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Golden Retriever?
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Golden Retriever? Can a Maltese and a Golden Retriever be friends? Do Maltese dogs get along with Golden Retriever dogs?
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Maltese vs Golden Retriever?
Yes
Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Golden Retriever 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
Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.
Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Maltese vs Golden Retriever As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Maltese or Golden Retriever? Which is better for autism?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

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.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Maltese vs Golden Retriever?

Not really

Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Fighting Dog / Military 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 Golden Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Maltese and Golden Retriever have? Maltese vs Golden Retriever litter size comparison:
3-5 puppies 5-10 puppies

Maltese vs Golden Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
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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