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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

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Maltese and Pug. What other names are these breeds known by?
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Carlin
Chinese Pug
Dutch Bulldog
Dutch Mastiff
Mini Mastiff
Mops
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Maltese and a Pug. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Maltese vs Pug Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Maltese or a Pug? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Small Small
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Maltese and a Pug. Which breed is heavier?
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 Range
Compare puppy prices between a Maltese and a Pug. Which breed costs more?
$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

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Maltese or a Pug? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
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.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Maltese or a Pug? Compare training requirements.
Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
A slightly harder to train than average.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Maltese or a Pug? Compare alertness levels.
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Pug dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Maltese or a Pug? Compare territorial behaviors.
Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.
Pug dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Maltese vs Pug Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Maltese and a Pug. How do their temperaments differ?
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

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Maltese or a Pug? Compare vocalization tendencies.
A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Average: The Pug barks occasionally.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Maltese or a Pug? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Pugs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Maltese or a Pug? Compare living space needs.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Pug breed.

Maltese vs Pug Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Maltese or a Pug? Compare adaptability levels.
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.
Alone Time Tolerance
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 Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Maltese or a Pug? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Pug has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Maltese or a Pug? Compare mouthing behaviors.
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.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Maltese or a Pug? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Pug bite force: Weak.

Maltese vs Pug Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Maltese or a Pug? Compare average lifespans.
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Pug: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Maltese or a Pug? Compare climate tolerances.
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.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Maltese and a Pug. Which breed is healthier?
The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Very healthy dog breed.
Vet Care Frequency
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).
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

Maltese vs Pug Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Maltese or a Pug? 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.
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

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Maltese or a Pug? Compare obesity risks.
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
High: The Pug breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Maltese or a Pug? Compare daily food needs.
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.

Maltese vs Pug Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Maltese or a Pug? Compare allergy friendliness.
Yes See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Maltese and Pug? Compare breed colors.
White Black
Fawn
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Maltese or a Pug? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Effortless: The Pug requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Maltese or a Pug? Compare drooling amounts.
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.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Maltese or a Pug? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Pug has a high chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Maltese and a Pug? Compare fur types.
Feathered Fine
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Maltese or a Pug? 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 Pug? Do Maltese dogs shed more than Pug dogs?
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Pug dogs shed above average.
See more.

Maltese vs Pug Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Maltese or a Pug? Compare kid-friendliness.
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pug dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
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.
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 Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Maltese or a Pug? Compare service capabilities.

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 Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Maltese or a Pug? 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.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Maltese or a Pug? Compare scenting abilities.

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 & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a Maltese or a Pug? Compare SAR abilities.

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.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a Maltese or a Pug? Compare maritime abilities.

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.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Maltese or a Pug? 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 Pug. 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 Pug Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Maltese and Pug. Which has larger litters?
3-5 puppies 2-4 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Maltese and Pug breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Maltese and Pug. 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 Pug Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Maltese and Pug. 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 1885 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Maltese and Pug. 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 Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Small Molossian type Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Maltese and Pug. 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

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