Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltese lion dog or Lab or Alsatian wolf dog? Find the right dog for you
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Compare Maltese and Labrador Retriever. Which is better: Maltese or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd?
Name | Maltese | Labrador Retriever | German Shepherd |
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Origins | ![]() | ![]() ![]() | ![]() |
Group | Companion Dogs | Gun Dog | Pastoral / Herding Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 33 | 1 | 2 |
Reviews | 3 | 7 | 13 |
User Ratings |
Other Names
What other names do they have? |
Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog |
Lab Labrador |
Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian |
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Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd breed type comparison: | Purebred | Purebred | Purebred |
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison
Size
Which is bigger, Maltese or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? Which is the smallest dog, Maltese or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? | Small | Large | Large |
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Weight
Which is heavier, Maltese or Labrador Retriever or Labrador Retriever? Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd weight comparison: | 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) | Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) | Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 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) | Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, Maltese or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd height comparison: | 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) | Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 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) | Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) |
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison
Price
Which is cheaper, Maltese or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? Which is more expensive? | $600-$800 | $1000-$2000 | $800-$2000 |
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Availability
Which is easier to get, Maltese or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? | Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get. |
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd intelligence: | Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. | Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds. | Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. |
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Trainability
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd trainability comparison. | Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. | Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train. | German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. |
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Maltese or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? | Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. | Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. | German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. |
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Maltese or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd?
Which dog is most likely to protect its owner?
Which is the best dog to use for protection? | Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. | Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders. | German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. |
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison
Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Maltese or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd behavior/temperament comparison: |
Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing |
Playful Loving Energetic Alert Intelligent Friendly Responsive Affectionate Loyal Gentle Going Social Cheerful |
Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful |
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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: Labrador Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. | Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. |
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd? | High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. | High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
Social Needs
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd social needs comparison: | Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction. | German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? | Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. | Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential. | German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. |
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. | Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. | German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. |
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Playfulness
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd playfulness comparison: | Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. | The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed. | Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. |
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd? | A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. | Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally. | Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. |
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Maltese or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? | Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed. | It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home. | 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 German Shepherd indoors. |
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison
Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog? | 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. | German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. |
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Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? | 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. | Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. |
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison
Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Maltese or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. |
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Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison: | Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody. | Moderate ⏺ The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody. | High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody. |
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd mouthiness comparison: | Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. | German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. |
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison
Health Issues
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd? | 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. | German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs. |
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Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd 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 |
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Cancer Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Blindness Cherry Eye Elbow Dysplasia Diabetes Heart Disease Retinal Dysplasia Demodectic Mange Degenerative Myelopathy Wobbler's Syndrome Panosteitis Hemophilia B Megaesophagus Cushing's Syndrome Lens Luxation Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Chronic Diarrhea Cruciate Ligament Rupture Digestive Problems Hemophilia A Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Lupus Myasthenia Gravis Nail Bed Disease Osteochondrosis Pannus Paralysis Perianal Fistula Seborrhea Vitiligo |
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits? |
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. |
Rare The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). |
Life Expectancy
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do Maltese, Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? |
14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years |
10-12 years The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years |
9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years |
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd? | Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. |
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Level
Who has more energy a Maltese or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd?
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd energy level comparison: | 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. | German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? 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. | German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise. |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? | 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. | German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep. |
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Maltese or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? | 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. | 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. |
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Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd weight gain potential comparison: | Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. | High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. | Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. |
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd coat comparison: | Feathered |
Dense Waterproof Hard Short | Fuzzy |
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Colors
What are the original Maltese, Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd color? | White |
Black Yellow Chocolate |
Black Tan Red Silver |
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Maltese or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd grooming comparison: | Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. | Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming. | Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maltese or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? Maltese or Labrador Retriever or {name3 shedding: | Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. | Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately. | German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. |
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Maltese or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? | 6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. | 8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. |
Hypoallergenic
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not? | Yes See more. | No See more. | No See more. |
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd? | Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell. | High 🔼 The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. |
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? | The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler. | The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison
Pet Friendly
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. | German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets. |
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Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly? | Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs. | Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. |
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Maltese or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? | Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs. | Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? | Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats. |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? | Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. |
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd? |
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. |
Yes German Shepherd 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. |
No German Shepherd 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. | German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people. |
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison
Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog? | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. | Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. |
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Maltese or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? Which is better for autism? | 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. |
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog? | 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. | Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. |
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog? | 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. | Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. |
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd? | Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Yes Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat. | Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog? | Not really 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. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
Fighting Dog / Military Dog | 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. | Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs. |
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison
Gestation Length | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
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Litter Frequency | 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. |
Litter Size
How many puppies can Maltese and Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd have? | 3-5 puppies | 5-10 puppies | 6-10 puppies |
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison
AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC? | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. |
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FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI? | 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. | Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. |
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds? |
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 German Shepherd Dog Club Of America |
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