Maltese vs Labrador Retriever Comparison – Which dog is better Maltese lion dog or Lab?

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Labrador Retriever" Compare Maltese and Labrador Retriever. Which is better: Maltese or Labrador Retriever?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Maltese	Labrador Retriever
Origins	Italy	England Canada
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Gun Dog
Popularity Rank	33	1
Reviews	3	11
User Ratings

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

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Which is bigger: a Maltese or a Labrador Retriever? Compare size differences between these breeds.	Small	Large
Weight Statistics Compare weight ranges between a Maltese and a Labrador Retriever. Which breed is heavier?	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)	Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Maltese or Labrador Retriever? Is a Maltese taller than a Labrador Retriever?	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)	Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 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: 22 inches (55.5 cm)

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy prices between a Maltese and a Labrador Retriever. Which breed costs more?	$600-$800	$1000-$2000
Availability Which is easier to get, Maltese or Labrador Retriever?	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits Compare personalities of a Maltese and a Labrador Retriever. How do their temperaments differ?	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Playful Loving Energetic Alert Intelligent Friendly Responsive Affectionate Loyal Gentle Going Social Cheerful
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Maltese vs Labrador Retriever?	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Sensitive: Labrador Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Labrador Retriever?	High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Maltese vs Labrador Retriever social needs comparison:	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever?	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Maltese vs Labrador Retriever? Which can be better for hunting?	Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Which breed barks more: a Maltese or a Labrador Retriever? Compare vocalization tendencies.	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Which breed is more playful: a Maltese or a Labrador Retriever? Compare play drive and energy.	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Which is better for apartments: a Maltese or a Labrador Retriever? Compare living space needs.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.	It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Which adapts better to changes: a Maltese or a Labrador Retriever? Compare adaptability levels.	Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Labrador Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Labrador Retriever?	Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Labrador Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Which has lower bite risk: a Maltese or a Labrador Retriever? Compare biting tendencies.	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Moderate ⏺ The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Which is more mouthy: a Maltese or a Labrador Retriever? Compare mouthing behaviors.	Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever? Compare bite force PSI.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Which lives longer: a Maltese or a Labrador Retriever? Compare average lifespans.	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Which handles weather better: a Maltese or a Labrador Retriever? Compare climate tolerances.	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.	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 Labrador 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.	The Labrador Retriever is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Maltese vs Labrador Retriever?	Average The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Labrador Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Labrador Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Labrador 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 Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Bloat Epilepsy Ear Infections Elbow Dysplasia Osteochondrosis Dissecans Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia Acute Moist Dermatitis Cold Tail Myopathy

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Which breed is more energetic: a Maltese or a Labrador 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.	Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Maltese vs Labrador Retriever exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Labrador Retriever? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.	Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Labrador Retriever?	Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Which gains weight easier: a Maltese or a Labrador Retriever? Compare obesity risks.	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.	High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Which eats more: a Maltese or a Labrador 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.	Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Which is more hypoallergenic: a Maltese or a Labrador Retriever? Compare allergy friendliness.	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors What color variations exist for Maltese and Labrador Retriever? Compare breed colors.	White	Black Yellow Chocolate
Grooming Requirements Which needs more grooming: a Maltese or a Labrador Retriever? Compare maintenance needs.	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Which drools more: a Maltese or a Labrador Retriever? Compare drooling amounts.	The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Which has less odor: a Maltese or a Labrador Retriever? Compare natural smell levels.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.	High 🔼 The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics How do coats differ between a Maltese and a Labrador Retriever? Compare fur types.	Feathered	Dense Waterproof Hard Short
Bathing Needs Which needs more baths: a Maltese or a Labrador Retriever? 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 Labrador Retriever? Do Maltese dogs shed more than Labrador Retriever dogs?	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Which is better with children: a Maltese or a Labrador Retriever? Compare kid-friendliness.	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Labrador Retriever? Which dog is more friendly?	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Labrador Retriever?	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Labrador Retriever? Can a Maltese and a Labrador Retriever be friends? Do Maltese dogs get along with Labrador Retriever dogs?	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: Maltese vs Labrador Retriever?	Yes Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Labrador 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.	No Labrador Retriever 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.	Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Which makes a better service dog: a Maltese or a Labrador Retriever? Compare service capabilities.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Which is better for therapy work: a Maltese or a Labrador 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.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Which is better at detection work: a Maltese or a Labrador 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 Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever? Compare maritime abilities.	Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Yes Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Which is better at pulling: a Maltese or a Labrador 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 Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare litter sizes between Maltese and Labrador Retriever. Which has larger litters?	3-5 puppies	5-10 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare pregnancy duration between Maltese and Labrador Retriever breeds.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding frequencies between Maltese and Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC classifications of Maltese and Labrador 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 1917 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI classifications of Maltese and Labrador 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 Labrador 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 Canadian Canine Registry

Popular Dog Compares

Despite the best intentions, there may be errors. If you find one, please let us know and we will fix it as soon as possible. Contact us here.

Rate This Comparsion - Maltese vs Labrador Retriever

Reviews