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Maltese vs Scottish Terrier vs Irish Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltese lion dog or Aberdeenie or Daredevil? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Scottish Terrier vs Irish Terrier" Compare Maltese and Scottish Terrier. Which is better: Maltese or Scottish Terrier or Irish Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Maltese Scottish Terrier Irish Terrier
OriginsItaly flagItaly Scotland flagScotland Ireland flagIreland
Group Companion Dogs Hunting Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank3358114
Reviews322
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier breeds.
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Aberdeenie
Scottie
Daredevil
Irish Red Terrier
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Maltese vs Scottish Terrier vs Irish Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier? Compare adult weight ranges.
6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) 19-23 pounds (8.5-10.5 kg) 25-27 pounds (11-12 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) 21 pounds (8.5-10.5 kg) 26 pounds (11.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Maltese or Scottish Terrier or Irish Terrier? Maltese vs Scottish Terrier vs Irish Terrier height comparison:
Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) 10-11 inches (25-28 cm) 18 inches (43 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) 18 inches (43 cm)

Maltese vs Scottish Terrier vs Irish Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. Find price differences between these breeds.
$600-$800 $800-$1000 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Maltese or Scottish Terrier or Irish Terrier?
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Scottish Terrier is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The Irish Terrier is easier than average to get.

Maltese vs Scottish Terrier vs Irish Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. Which breed ranks highest?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. Which is easiest to train?
Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
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Scottish Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
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Irish Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. Which breed is most alert?
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
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Scottish Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Irish Terrier dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. Which breed is most protective?
Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Scottish Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Irish Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Maltese vs Scottish Terrier vs Irish Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier? Compare temperaments.
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Playful
Independent
Alert
Quick
Selfish
Protective
Intelligent
Dominant
Lively
Trainable
Respectful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Irish Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Scottish Terrier vs Irish Terrier?
High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: Scottish Terrier dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: Irish Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Maltese vs Scottish Terrier vs Irish Terrier social needs comparison:
Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Scottish Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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Irish Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Scottish Terrier dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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Irish Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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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.
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Scottish Terrier 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.
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Irish Terrier dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Maltese vs Scottish Terrier vs Irish Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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Low: The Scottish Terrier barks none to minimal.
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Average: The Irish Terrier barks occasionally.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Scottish Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Irish Terrier is a playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Scottish Terrier breed.
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 Irish Terrier indoors.

Maltese vs Scottish Terrier vs Irish Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. Which breed is most flexible?
Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Scottish Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Irish Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Scottish Terrier or Irish Terrier?
Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Scottish Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Irish Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Maltese vs Scottish Terrier vs Irish Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Scottish Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Irish Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. Which uses mouth most during play?
Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Scottish Terrier dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Irish Terrier dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Scottish Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Irish Terrier bite force: Ordinary.

Maltese vs Scottish Terrier vs Irish Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. Which breed lives longest?
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
11-13 years
The average lifespan of Scottish Terrier: 12 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Irish Terrier: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Scottish Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Irish Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. 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.
Scottish Terriers are commonly healthy dogs.
Irish Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other 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.
Rare
The Scottish Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Frequent
The Irish Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Scottish Terrier vs Irish Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Scottish Terrier vs Irish Terrier health problems comparison:
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Patellar Luxation
Von Willebrand's Disease
Craniomandibular Osteopathy
Scottie Cramp
No data available

Maltese vs Scottish Terrier vs Irish Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. 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.
Scottish Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Irish Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Maltese vs Scottish Terrier vs Irish Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Scottish Terrier or Irish Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Scottish Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Irish Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Scottish Terrier or Irish Terrier?
Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Scottish Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Irish Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.

Maltese vs Scottish Terrier vs Irish Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Scottish Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Irish Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. 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: 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day. 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Maltese vs Scottish Terrier vs Irish Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. What colors are available?
White Black
Red
Silver
Brindle
Wheaten
Red
Wheaten
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Scottish Terrier requires average grooming effort.
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Advanced: The Irish Terrier requires a lot of grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. Which drools least?
The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Scottish Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Irish Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Scottish Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Irish Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Feathered Wiry Wiry
Straight
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. Which requires most frequent baths?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maltese or Scottish Terrier or Irish Terrier? Maltese or Scottish Terrier or {name3 shedding:
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Scottish Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
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Irish Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
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Maltese vs Scottish Terrier vs Irish Terrier Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. Which is best with kids?
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Scottish Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Irish Terrier 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.
Scottish Terrier dogs are generally with other pets.
Irish Terrier dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Scottish Terrier or Irish Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Scottish Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Irish Terrier dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Scottish Terrier or Irish Terrier?
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Scottish Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Irish Terrier dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Scottish Terrier or Irish Terrier?
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Scottish Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Irish Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltese vs Scottish Terrier vs Irish Terrier?
Yes
Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Scottish Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Irish Terrier 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
Scottish Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Irish Terrier 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.
Scottish Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Irish Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.

Maltese vs Scottish Terrier vs Irish Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. Which has best nose work ability?

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.

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, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. Which is best for SAR work?

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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Scottish Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Irish Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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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.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. 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 Scottish Terrier vs Irish Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. Which has most puppies?
3-5 puppies 2-5 puppies 4-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. 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, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. 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 Scottish Terrier vs Irish Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. 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 Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section. Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Large and medium sized Terriers section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Maltese, Scottish Terrier, and Irish Terrier. 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
Club Espanol De Terriers
No data available

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