Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs Poodle Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltese lion dog or Lab or Barbone? Find the right dog for you

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

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	Poodle
Origins	Italy	England Canada	Germany France
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Gun Dog	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	33	1	7
Reviews	3	11	14
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle breeds.	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog	Lab Labrador	Barbone Caniche Chien Canne Grosse Pudel French Poodle
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs Poodle Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Large	Medium
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle? Compare adult weight ranges.	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)	Male: 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg), Female: 45-60 pounds (20-27 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: 57.5 pounds (26 kg), Female: 52.5 pounds (23.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Maltese or Labrador Retriever or Poodle? Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs Poodle 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)	15 inches (38 cm) or more
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)	15 inches (38 cm) or more

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs Poodle Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. Find price differences between these breeds.	$600-$800	$1000-$2000	$1000-$1500
Availability Which is easier to get, Maltese or Labrador Retriever or Poodle?	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Poodle is quite easy to get.

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs Poodle Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. Which breed ranks highest?	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: Poodle is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. Which is easiest to train?	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train. See more.	Poodle dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. Which breed is most alert?	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Poodle dogs are good watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. Which breed is most protective?	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders. See more.	Poodle dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs Poodle Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle? Compare temperaments.	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Playful Loving Energetic Alert Intelligent Friendly Responsive Affectionate Loyal Gentle Going Social Cheerful	Active Alert Intelligent Trainable Faithful Instinctual
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.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs Poodle?	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: Poodle 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 Poodle social needs comparison:	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Poodle dogs need a lot of social interaction. 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.	Poodle dogs have average wanderlust potential. 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.	Poodle 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 vs Poodle Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. Which breed is most vocal?	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally. See more.	Average to High: The Poodle is a vocal breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. Which breed is most playful?	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed. See more.	The Poodle is a playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.	It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.	Very house-friendly dog the Poodle breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs Poodle Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. Which breed is most flexible?	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.	Poodle 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 or Poodle?	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.	Poodle 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 vs Poodle Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Moderate ⏺ The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Poodle has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. Which uses mouth most during play?	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.	Poodle dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Poodle bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs Poodle Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. Which breed lives longest?	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Poodle: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. Which handles climate changes best?	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.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. 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.	The Labrador Retriever is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Poodle 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?	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.	Average The Poodle 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 vs Poodle? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs Poodle 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 Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Allergies Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Sebaceous Adenitis Ear Infections Addison's Disease Cushing's Syndrome Runny Eyes Canine Atrial Septal Defect (asd) Neonatal Encephalopathy (news) Optic Nerve Hypoplasia Premature Graying

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs Poodle Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. 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.	Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.	Poodle dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs Poodle exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Labrador Retriever or Poodle? 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.	Poodle dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Labrador Retriever or Poodle?	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.	Poodle dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs Poodle Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. Which is most prone to obesity?	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.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Poodle's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. Which needs most food?	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.	2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs Poodle Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	No See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. What colors are available?	White	Black Yellow Chocolate	Black Gray Red Blue Cream White Silver Brown Fawn Beige Apricot
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. Which requires most maintenance?	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. Which drools 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 Poodle is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.	High 🔼 The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Poodle has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Feathered	Dense Waterproof Hard Short	Curly
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. Which requires most frequent baths?	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.	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 or Poodle? Maltese or Labrador Retriever or {name3 shedding:	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately. See more.	Poodle dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs Poodle Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. Which is best with kids?	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Poodle 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.	Poodle dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Labrador Retriever or Poodle? Which dog is more friendly?	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Poodle dogs are 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 or Poodle?	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Poodle 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 or Poodle?	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Poodle dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs Poodle?	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 Poodle 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 Poodle 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.	Poodles are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs Poodle As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. Which is best suited for service work?	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 Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. Which excels in therapy work?	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
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. Which has best nose work ability?	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.	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, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. Which is best for SAR work?	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.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. Which is best suited for water work?	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.	Yes Poodle breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. Which is best for draft work?	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.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. Which has most military use?	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.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs Poodle Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. Which has most puppies?	3-5 puppies	5-10 puppies	2-4 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. 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, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. What's recommended?	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.

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs Poodle Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. How are they classified?	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 1887 as a Non-Sporting & Toy breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. 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 Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Poodle section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. 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 Canadian Canine Registry

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