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Maltese vs Italian Greyhound Comparison – Which dog is better Maltese lion dog or German: Italienisches Windspiel?

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Italian Greyhound" Compare Maltese and Italian Greyhound. Which is better: Maltese or Italian Greyhound?
 
 
 
Name Maltese Italian Greyhound
OriginsItaly flagItaly Italy flagItaly
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank3374
Reviews32
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Maltese and Italian Greyhound. What other names are these breeds known by?
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
German: Italienisches Windspiel
Piccolo Levriero Italiano
Galgo Italiano
French: Petit Levrier Italiane
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Maltese and an Italian Greyhound. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Maltese vs Italian Greyhound Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Maltese or an Italian Greyhound? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Small Small
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Maltese and an Italian Greyhound. Which breed is heavier?
6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) 6-10 pounds (3-5 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) 8 pounds (4 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Maltese or Italian Greyhound? Is a Maltese taller than an Italian Greyhound?
Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) 12-15 inches (30-38 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) 13.5 inches (34 cm)

Maltese vs Italian Greyhound Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Maltese and an Italian Greyhound. Which breed costs more?
$600-$800 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Maltese or Italian Greyhound?
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Italian Greyhound is quite easy to get.

Maltese vs Italian Greyhound Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Maltese vs Italian Greyhound Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Maltese and an Italian Greyhound. How do their temperaments differ?
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Agile
Intelligent
Affectionate
Companionable
Athletic
Mischievous
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Maltese vs Italian Greyhound?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Sensitive: Italian Greyhound dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Italian Greyhound?
High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Italian Greyhound dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Maltese vs Italian Greyhound social needs comparison:
Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Italian Greyhound dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Maltese vs Italian Greyhound?
Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Italian Greyhound dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Maltese vs Italian Greyhound? Which can be better for hunting?
Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Italian Greyhound dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.

Maltese vs Italian Greyhound Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Maltese or an Italian Greyhound? Compare vocalization tendencies.
A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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Average: The Italian Greyhound barks occasionally.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Maltese or an Italian Greyhound? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Italian Greyhounds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Maltese or an Italian Greyhound? 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 Italian Greyhound indoors.

Maltese vs Italian Greyhound Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Maltese or an Italian Greyhound? Compare adaptability levels.
Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Italian Greyhound dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Italian Greyhound?
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 Italian Greyhound Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Maltese or an Italian Greyhound? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Italian Greyhound has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Maltese or an Italian Greyhound? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Italian Greyhound dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Maltese or an Italian Greyhound? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Italian Greyhound bite force: Weak.

Maltese vs Italian Greyhound Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Maltese or an Italian Greyhound? Compare average lifespans.
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Italian Greyhound: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Maltese or an Italian Greyhound? 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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Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Maltese and an Italian Greyhound. Which breed is healthier?
The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Italian Greyhound is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Maltese vs Italian Greyhound?
Average
The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Italian Greyhound should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Italian Greyhound? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Italian Greyhound health problems comparison:
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Eye Problems
Drug Sensitivity
Thyroid Problems
Alopecia

Maltese vs Italian Greyhound Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Maltese or an Italian Greyhound? 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.
Italian Greyhound dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Maltese vs Italian Greyhound exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Italian Greyhound? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Italian Greyhound dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Italian Greyhound?
Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Italian Greyhound dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Maltese vs Italian Greyhound Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Maltese or an Italian Greyhound? Compare obesity risks.
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Low to Average: The Italian Greyhound has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Maltese or an Italian Greyhound? Compare daily food needs.
Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Maltese vs Italian Greyhound Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Maltese or an Italian Greyhound? Compare allergy friendliness.
Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Maltese and Italian Greyhound? Compare breed colors.
White Black
Gray
Red
Blue
White
Brown
Yellow
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Maltese or an Italian Greyhound? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Effortless: The Italian Greyhound requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Maltese or an Italian Greyhound? Compare drooling amounts.
The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Italian Greyhound is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Maltese or an Italian Greyhound? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Italian Greyhound has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Maltese and an Italian Greyhound? Compare fur types.
Feathered Fine
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Maltese or an Italian Greyhound? Compare bathing frequencies.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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 Italian Greyhound? Do Maltese dogs shed more than Italian Greyhound dogs?
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Italian Greyhound dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.

Maltese vs Italian Greyhound Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Maltese or an Italian Greyhound? Compare kid-friendliness.
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Italian Greyhound dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Italian Greyhound dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Italian Greyhound? Which dog is more friendly?
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Italian Greyhound dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Italian Greyhound?
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Italian Greyhound dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Italian Greyhound? Can a Maltese and an Italian Greyhound be friends? Do Maltese dogs get along with Italian Greyhound dogs?
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Italian Greyhound dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Maltese vs Italian Greyhound?
Yes
Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Italian Greyhound 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
Italian Greyhound 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.
Italian Greyhounds are not recommended for elderly people.

Maltese vs Italian Greyhound As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Maltese or an Italian Greyhound? Compare service capabilities.

Not really

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

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Maltese or an Italian Greyhound? 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 an Italian Greyhound? Compare scenting abilities.

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
Which is better for search and rescue: a Maltese or an Italian Greyhound? Compare SAR abilities.

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
Which is better on boats: a Maltese or an Italian Greyhound? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

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

Not really

Italian Greyhound breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Maltese or an Italian Greyhound? 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 Italian Greyhound. 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 Italian Greyhound Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Maltese and Italian Greyhound. Which has larger litters?
3-5 puppies 2-4 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Maltese and Italian Greyhound breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Maltese and Italian Greyhound. 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 Italian Greyhound Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Maltese and Italian Greyhound. 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 1886 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Maltese and Italian Greyhound. 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 Sighthounds group, in the Short-haired Sighthounds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Maltese and Italian Greyhound. 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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