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

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

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	German Shepherd
Origins	Italy	England Canada	Germany
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
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
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
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
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. See more.	Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd trainability comparison.	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Maltese or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd?	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
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. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

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
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	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.	Sensitive: German Shepherd 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 vs German Shepherd?	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.	High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.
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. 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.	German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

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. See more.	The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed. See more.	Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd?	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
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.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

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.
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.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
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. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.

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.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
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).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
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
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
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. 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.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.

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.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
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.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

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.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
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. See more.	High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To 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
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. See more.	Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming. See more.	Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
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. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
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. 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.	8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
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.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
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. See more.	The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler. See more.	The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

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.
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.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
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.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
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 Breeds That Get Along Well With 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. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
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. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
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. See more.	Yes Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.	Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
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. See more.	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.
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.
Litter Frequency	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.
Litter Size How many puppies can Maltese and Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd have?	3-5 puppies	5-10 puppies	6-10 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

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.
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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