Maltese vs Great Dane vs Pug Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltese lion dog or Apollo of Dogs or Carlin? Find the right dog for you
"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Great Dane vs Pug"
Compare Maltese and Great Dane. Which is better: Maltese or Great Dane or Pug?
Name | Maltese | Great Dane | Pug |
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Origins | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Group | Companion Dogs | Working Dogs | Companion Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 33 | 14 | 31 |
Reviews | 3 | 14 | 13 |
User Ratings |
Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug breeds. |
Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog |
Apollo of Dogs Deutsche Dogge Gentle Giant German Mastiff Dane |
Carlin Chinese Pug Dutch Bulldog Dutch Mastiff Mini Mastiff Mops |
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Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug? Compare their breeding categories. | Purebred | Purebred | Purebred |
Maltese vs Great Dane vs Pug Size and Weight Comparison
Size Classification
Compare size differences between Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. Which breed is the largest? | Small | Giant | Small |
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Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug? 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) | Male: 13-20 pounds (6-9 kg), Female: 13-18 pounds (6-8 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) | Male: 16.5 pounds (7.5 kg), Female: 15.5 pounds (7 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, Maltese or Great Dane or Pug? Maltese vs Great Dane vs Pug 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: 12-14 inches (30-36 cm), Female: 10-12 inches (25-30 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: 13 inches (33 cm), Female: 11 inches (27.5 cm) |
Maltese vs Great Dane vs Pug Price and Availability Comparison
Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. Find price differences between these breeds. | $600-$800 | $800-$1200 | $300-$500 |
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Availability
Which is easier to get, Maltese or Great Dane or Pug? | Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Great Dane is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Pug is quite easy to get. |
Maltese vs Great Dane vs Pug Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. Which breed ranks highest? | Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. | Smart: The Great Dane dogs have great intelligence. | Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. |
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. Which is easiest to train? | Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. | Great Dane dogs are quite easy to train. | A slightly harder to train than average. |
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. Which breed is most alert? | Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. | Great Dane dogs are one of the best watchdogs. | Pug dogs are average watchdogs. |
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. Which breed is most protective? | Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. | Great Dane dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. | Pug dogs strongly protect their territory. |
Maltese vs Great Dane vs Pug Personality and Temperament Comparison
Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug? Compare temperaments. |
Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing |
Loving Intelligent Confident Friendly Devoted Gentle Reserved |
Playful Courageous Intelligent Friendly Affectionate Loyal Gentle Going Cheerful |
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Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference? | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. | Sensitive: Great Dane dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. | Pug dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. |
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Great Dane vs Pug? | High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | Average: Great Dane dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. | High: Pug dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
Social Needs
Maltese vs Great Dane vs Pug social needs comparison: | Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Great Dane dogs are a social breed. | Pug dogs need a lot of social interaction. |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? | Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. | Great Dane dogs have average wanderlust potential. | Pug dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. |
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. | 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. | Pug 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. |
Maltese vs Great Dane vs Pug Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. Which breed is most vocal? | A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. | Low to Average: The Great Dane rarely barks. | Average: The Pug barks occasionally. |
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. Which breed is most playful? | Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. | Great Danes are not the most playful dog breed. | Average: Pugs, like any other dog breed, like playing. |
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. Which adapts best to small spaces? | Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Great Dane breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Pug breed. |
Maltese vs Great Dane vs Pug Adaptability and Independence Comparison
Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. 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. | Pug dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. |
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Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Great Dane or Pug? | 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. | Pug 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 Pug Bite Characteristics Comparison
Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. 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 Pug has a low chance of biting somebody. |
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Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. Which uses mouth most during play? | Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Great Dane dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Pug dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. |
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. Which has the strongest bite? | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak. | Above 400 PSI 🔼 Great Dane bite force: The Strongest. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Pug bite force: Weak. |
Maltese vs Great Dane vs Pug Health and Lifespan Comparison
Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. 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 |
11-15 years The average lifespan of Pug: 13 years |
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Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. Which handles climate changes best? | Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. | Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. | Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. |
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. 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. | Very healthy dog breed. |
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 Pug 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 Pug? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Great Dane vs Pug 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 Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Allergies Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Entropion Vaccination Sensitivity Demodectic Mange Distichiasis Corneal Ulcers Dry Eye Hemi-vertebrae Cheyletiella Dermatitis Nerve Degeneration Proptosis Pug Dog Encephalitis Staphylococcus Infection Yeast Infection |
Maltese vs Great Dane vs Pug Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. 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. | Pug dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you. |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Maltese vs Great Dane vs Pug exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Great Dane or Pug? 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. | Pug dogs exercise need is minimal. |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Great Dane or Pug? | 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. | Pug dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed. |
Maltese vs Great Dane vs Pug Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. Which is most prone to obesity? | Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. | Low to Average: The Great Dane has a low to the average risk for obesity. | High: The Pug breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. |
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. 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 | 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. |
Maltese vs Great Dane vs Pug Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. Which is best for allergy sufferers? | Yes See more. | No See more. | No See more. |
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Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. What colors are available? | White |
Black Blue White Fawn Brindle Merle |
Black Fawn |
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. Which requires most maintenance? | Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. | Effortless: The Great Dane requires minimal grooming. | Effortless: The Pug requires minimal grooming. |
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. Which drools least? | The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | 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. | The Pug is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. 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. | High 🔼 The Pug has a high chance of bad smell. |
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. How do their fur characteristics differ? | Feathered | Dense | Fine |
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. Which requires most frequent baths? | 6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maltese or Great Dane or Pug? Maltese or Great Dane or {name3 shedding: | Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. | Great Dane dogs shed moderately. | Pug dogs shed above average. |
Maltese vs Great Dane vs Pug Good With Comparison
Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. Which is best with kids? | Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs. | Great Dane dogs are kid-friendly dogs. | Pug dogs are kid-friendly dogs. |
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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. | Pug dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. |
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Great Dane or Pug? Which dog is more friendly? | Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs. | Great Dane dogs are average friendly towards strangers. | Pug dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs. |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Great Dane or Pug? | Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Great Dane dogs are average friendly towards cats. | Pug dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Great Dane or Pug? | Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | Great Dane dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. | Pug 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 Pug? |
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. |
No Pug dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn 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 Pug 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. | Pugs are usually recommended for elderly people. |
Maltese vs Great Dane vs Pug As a Working Dog Comparison
Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. Which is best suited for service work? | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. Which excels in therapy work? | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. |
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. 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 Pug. 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 Pug. Which is best suited for water work? | Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Great Dane breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Pug breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. Which is best for draft work? | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Yes 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 service history of Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. 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 Pug Reproducibility Comparison
Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. Which has most puppies? | 3-5 puppies | 10-15 puppies | 2-4 puppies |
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Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. 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 Pug. What's recommended? | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Maltese vs Great Dane vs Pug Recognition Comparison
AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. 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 1885 as a Toy breed. |
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FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. 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 Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Small Molossian type Dogs section. |
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Maltese, Great Dane, and Pug. 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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