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Maltese vs Great Dane vs Dalmatian Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltese lion dog or Apollo of Dogs or Carriage Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Great Dane vs Dalmatian" Compare Maltese and Great Dane. Which is better: Maltese or Great Dane or Dalmatian?
 
 
 
Name Maltese Great Dane Dalmatian
OriginsItaly flagItaly Germany flagGermany Croatia flagCroatia
Group Companion Dogs Working Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank331463
Reviews3141
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Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian breeds.
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Apollo of Dogs
Deutsche Dogge
Gentle Giant
German Mastiff
Dane
Carriage Dog
Dally
Firehouse Dog
Plum Pudding Dog
Spotted Coach Dog
Dal
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Maltese vs Great Dane vs Dalmatian Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. Which breed is the largest?
Small Giant Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian? Compare adult weight ranges.
6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) Male: 120-200 pounds (54-90 kg), Female: 100-130 pounds (45-59 kg) about 55 pounds (25 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) Male: 160 pounds (72 kg), Female: 115 pounds (52 kg) about 55 pounds (25 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Maltese or Great Dane or Dalmatian? Maltese vs Great Dane vs Dalmatian height comparison:
Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) Male: 30-34 inches (76-86 cm), Female: 28-32 inches (71-81 cm) Male: 22 - 24 inches (50 – 60 cm), Female: 20 - 22 inches (50 - 55 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) Male: 32 inches (81 cm), Female: 30 inches (76 cm) Male: 22 - 24 inches (50 – 60 cm), Female: 20 - 22 inches (50 - 55 cm)

Maltese vs Great Dane vs Dalmatian Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. Find price differences between these breeds.
$600-$800 $800-$1200 $500-$600
Availability
Which is easier to get, Maltese or Great Dane or Dalmatian?
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Great Dane is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Dalmatian is quite easy to get.

Maltese vs Great Dane vs Dalmatian Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. Which breed ranks highest?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Smart: The Great Dane dogs have great intelligence.
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Smart: The Dalmatian dogs have great intelligence.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. Which is easiest to train?
Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
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Great Dane dogs are quite easy to train.
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Dalmatian dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. Which breed is most alert?
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
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Great Dane dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Dalmatian dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. Which breed is most protective?
Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Great Dane dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Dalmatian dogs are average defenders.
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Maltese vs Great Dane vs Dalmatian Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian? Compare temperaments.
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Loving
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Devoted
Gentle
Reserved
Active
Playful
Energetic
Sensitive
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Sensitive: Great Dane dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Great Dane vs Dalmatian?
High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average: Great Dane dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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High: Dalmatian dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Maltese vs Great Dane vs Dalmatian social needs comparison:
Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Great Dane dogs are a social breed.
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Dalmatian dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Great Dane dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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The wanderlust potential of the Dalmatian is strong enough to escape from home.
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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.
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Great Dane 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.
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Dalmatian dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Maltese vs Great Dane vs Dalmatian Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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Low to Average: The Great Dane rarely barks.
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Average: The Dalmatian barks occasionally.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Great Danes are not the most playful dog breed.
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The Dalmatian is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Great Dane breed.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Dalmatian breed.

Maltese vs Great Dane vs Dalmatian Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. Which breed is most flexible?
Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Great Dane dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Dalmatian dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Great Dane or Dalmatian?
Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Great Dane dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Dalmatian dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Maltese vs Great Dane vs Dalmatian Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Great Dane has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Dalmatian has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. Which uses mouth most during play?
Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Great Dane dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Dalmatian dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Great Dane bite force: The Strongest.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Dalmatian bite force: Ordinary.

Maltese vs Great Dane vs Dalmatian Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. Which breed lives longest?
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
7-11 years
The average lifespan of Great Dane: 9 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Dalmatian: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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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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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. 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.
Great Danes are commonly healthy dogs.
Dalmatians are commonly healthy dogs.
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.
Rare
The Great Dane should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The Dalmatian 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 Great Dane vs Dalmatian? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Great Dane vs Dalmatian health problems comparison:
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Hip Dysplasia
Patent Ductus Arteriosis
Cancer
Bloat
Mitral Valve Disease
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Persistent Right Aortic Arch
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Deafness
Skin Allergies
Iris Sphincter Dysplasia
Urolithiasis

Maltese vs Great Dane vs Dalmatian Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. 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.
Great Dane dogs are high-energy dogs.
Dalmatian dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Maltese vs Great Dane vs Dalmatian exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Great Dane or Dalmatian? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Great Dane dogs exercise need is minimal.
Dalmatian dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Great Dane or Dalmatian?
Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Great Dane dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dalmatian dogs don't need too much sleep.

Maltese vs Great Dane vs Dalmatian Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The Great Dane has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Dalmatian's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals Recommended daily amount: 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Maltese vs Great Dane vs Dalmatian Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. What colors are available?
White Black
Blue
White
Fawn
Brindle
Merle
Black
White
Brown
Liver
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The Great Dane requires minimal grooming.
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Effortless: The Dalmatian requires minimal grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. Which drools least?
The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Great Dane drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
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The Dalmatian is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Great Dane has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Dalmatian has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Feathered Dense Fine
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. Which requires most frequent baths?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maltese or Great Dane or Dalmatian? Maltese or Great Dane or {name3 shedding:
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Great Dane dogs shed moderately.
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Dalmatian dogs are heavy shedders.
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Maltese vs Great Dane vs Dalmatian Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. Which is best with kids?
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Great Dane dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Dalmatian 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.
Great Dane dogs are generally with other pets.
Dalmatian dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Great Dane or Dalmatian? Which dog is more friendly?
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Great Dane dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dalmatian dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Great Dane or Dalmatian?
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Great Dane dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dalmatian dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Great Dane or Dalmatian?
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Great Dane dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Dalmatian dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltese vs Great Dane vs Dalmatian?
Yes
Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Great Dane dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Dalmatian 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
Great Dane is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Dalmatian 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.
Great Danes are usually recommended for elderly people.
Dalmatians are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Maltese vs Great Dane vs Dalmatian As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. 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, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. 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, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Great Dane breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Dalmatian breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Yes

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.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Maltese vs Great Dane vs Dalmatian Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. Which has most puppies?
3-5 puppies 10-15 puppies 6-9 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. 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, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. 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 Great Dane vs Dalmatian Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. 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 Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section. Recognized by FCI in the Scent hounds and related breeds group, in the Related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Maltese, Great Dane, and Dalmatian. 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
Canadian Canine Registry
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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