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Maltese vs Pug Comparison – Which dog is better Maltese lion dog or Carlin?

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Pug" Compare Maltese and Pug. Which is better: Maltese or Pug?
 
 
 
Name Maltese Pug
OriginsItaly flagItaly China flagChina
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank3331
Reviews313
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Carlin
Chinese Pug
Dutch Bulldog
Dutch Mastiff
Mini Mastiff
Mops
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Maltese vs Pug breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

Maltese vs Pug Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, Maltese or Pug? Is the Maltese bigger than the Pug breed? Is a Maltese smaller than a Pug?
Small Small
Weight
Which is heavier, Maltese or Pug? Maltese vs Pug weight comparison:
6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) Male: 13-20 pounds (6-9 kg), Female: 13-18 pounds (6-8 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) Male: 16.5 pounds (7.5 kg), Female: 15.5 pounds (7 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Maltese or Pug? Is a Maltese taller than a Pug?
Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) Male: 12-14 inches (30-36 cm), Female: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) Male: 13 inches (33 cm), Female: 11 inches (27.5 cm)

Maltese vs Pug Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Maltese or Pug? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Maltese and Pug?
$600-$800 $300-$500
Availability
Which is easier to get, Maltese or Pug?
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Pug is quite easy to get.

Maltese vs Pug Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Maltese or Pug smarter? Which is best? Maltese vs Pug intelligence:
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
See more.
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
See more.
Trainability
Maltese vs Pug trainability comparison. What's the difference between Maltese vs Pug?
Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
A slightly harder to train than average.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Maltese or Pug?
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Pug dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Maltese or Pug? 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.
Pug dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Maltese vs Pug Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Maltese or Pug? Maltese vs Pug behavior/temperament comparison:
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Playful
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Cheerful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Maltese vs Pug?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Pug dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Pug?
High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Pug dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Maltese vs Pug social needs comparison:
Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Pug 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 Pug?
Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Pug dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Maltese vs Pug? Which can be better for hunting?
Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Pug dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
See more.

Maltese vs Pug Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Maltese vs Pug playfulness comparison:
Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Pugs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Maltese vs Pug?
A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Average: The Pug barks occasionally.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Maltese or Pug?
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Pug breed.

Maltese vs Pug 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.
Pug dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Pug?
Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Pug dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Maltese vs Pug Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Maltese or Pug?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Pug bite force: Weak.
Biting Potential
Is a Maltese more dangerous than a Pug?

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Pug has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Maltese vs Pug mouthiness comparison:
Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Pug dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Maltese vs Pug Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Maltese vs Pug health comparison. Which is the healthier: Maltese vs Pug?
The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Very healthy dog breed.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Pug? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Pug health problems comparison:
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Entropion
Vaccination Sensitivity
Demodectic Mange
Distichiasis
Corneal Ulcers
Dry Eye
Hemi-vertebrae
Cheyletiella Dermatitis
Nerve Degeneration
Proptosis
Pug Dog Encephalitis
Staphylococcus Infection
Yeast Infection
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Maltese vs Pug?
Average
The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Pug should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Life Expectancy
Maltese vs Pug lifespan comparison. How long do Maltese and Pug breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Maltese and Pug?
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Pug: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Maltese vs Pug?
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
See more.
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
See more.

Maltese vs Pug Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Maltese or Pug? Maltese vs Pug 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.
Pug dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Maltese vs Pug exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Pug? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Pug dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Pug?
Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Pug dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Maltese vs Pug Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Maltese or Pug? Does the Maltese breed eat more than the Pug breed?
Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Maltese vs Pug weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
High: The Pug breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.

Maltese vs Pug Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Maltese vs Pug coat comparison:
Feathered Fine
Colors
What are the original Maltese and Pug color? Maltese vs Pug color comparison:
White Black
Fawn
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Maltese or Pug? Maltese vs Pug grooming comparison:
Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Effortless: The Pug requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maltese or Pug? Do Maltese dogs shed more than Pug dogs?
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Pug dogs shed above average.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Maltese or Pug?
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.
Hypoallergenic
Maltese vs Pug hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
Yes See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Maltese or Pug?

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Pug has a high chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Maltese vs Pug?
The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Pug is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Maltese vs Pug Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Pug dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Pug? Which dog is more friendly?
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Pug dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Maltese or Pug?
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pug dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Pug?
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Pug dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Pug? Can a Maltese and a Pug be friends? Do Maltese dogs get along with Pug dogs?
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Pug dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Maltese vs Pug?
Yes
Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
No
Pug dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Pug 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.
Pugs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Maltese vs Pug 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.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Maltese or Pug? 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.
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.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Maltese vs Pug?

Not really

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

Not really

Pug 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.
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.

Maltese vs Pug Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 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.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Maltese and Pug have? Maltese vs Pug litter size comparison:
3-5 puppies 2-4 puppies

Maltese vs Pug 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 1885 as a Toy 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 Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Small Molossian type Dogs 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

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