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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
Reviews316
User Ratings

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

Maltese vs Golden Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Maltese or a Golden Retriever? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Small Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Maltese and a Golden Retriever. Which breed is heavier?
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 Range
Compare puppy prices between a Maltese and a Golden Retriever. Which breed costs more?
$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

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Maltese or a Golden Retriever? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
See more.
Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Maltese or a Golden Retriever? Compare training requirements.
Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Maltese or a Golden Retriever? Compare alertness levels.
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Maltese or a Golden Retriever? Compare territorial behaviors.
Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
See more.

Maltese vs Golden Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Maltese and a Golden Retriever. How do their temperaments differ?
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.
See more.
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.
See more.
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.
See more.
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.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
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

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Maltese or a Golden Retriever? Compare vocalization tendencies.
A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Maltese or a Golden Retriever? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Maltese or a Golden Retriever? Compare living space needs.
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

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Maltese or a Golden Retriever? Compare adaptability levels.
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.
Alone Time Tolerance
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 Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Maltese or a Golden Retriever? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Maltese or a Golden Retriever? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Maltese vs Golden Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Maltese or a Golden Retriever? Compare average lifespans.
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Maltese or a Golden Retriever? Compare climate tolerances.
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.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Maltese and a Golden Retriever. Which breed is healthier?
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.
Vet Care Frequency
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).
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

Maltese vs Golden Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Maltese or a Golden Retriever? 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.
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

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Maltese or a Golden Retriever? Compare obesity risks.
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Maltese or a Golden Retriever? 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 Golden Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Maltese or a Golden Retriever? Compare allergy friendliness.
Yes See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Maltese and Golden Retriever? Compare breed colors.
White Golden
Light
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Maltese or a Golden Retriever? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Maltese or a Golden Retriever? Compare drooling amounts.
The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
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.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Maltese or a Golden Retriever? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Maltese and a Golden Retriever? Compare fur types.
Feathered Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Maltese or a Golden Retriever? Compare bathing frequencies.
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.
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.

Maltese vs Golden Retriever Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Maltese or a Golden Retriever? Compare kid-friendliness.
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever 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.
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.
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 Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Maltese or a Golden Retriever? Compare service capabilities.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Maltese or a Golden Retriever? 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.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Maltese or a Golden Retriever? 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 Golden Retriever? 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 Golden Retriever? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

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

Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Maltese or a Golden Retriever? 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 Golden Retriever. 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 Golden Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Maltese and Golden Retriever. Which has larger litters?
3-5 puppies 5-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Maltese and Golden Retriever breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Maltese and Golden Retriever. 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 Golden Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Maltese and Golden Retriever. 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 1925 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Maltese and Golden Retriever. 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 Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Maltese and Golden Retriever. 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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