Rat Terrier vs Maltese Comparison – Which dog is better Decker Giant or Maltese lion dog?
"Find similarities and differences between Rat Terrier vs Maltese"
Compare Rat Terrier and Maltese. Which is better: Rat Terrier or Maltese?
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| Name | Rat Terrier | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Origins |  United States |  Italy |
| Group | Hunting Dogs | Companion Dogs |
| Popularity Rank | 97 | 33 |
| Reviews | 2 | 3 |
| User Ratings |
| Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Rat Terrier and Maltese. What other names are these breeds known by? |
Decker Giant Rat Rattie Ratting Terrier American Rat Terrier |
Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Rat Terrier and a Maltese. Learn about their genetic backgrounds. | Purebred | Purebred |
Rat Terrier vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison
| Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Rat Terrier or a Maltese? Compare size differences between these breeds. | Small | Small |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Rat Terrier and a Maltese. Which breed is heavier? | Standard: 12-35 pounds (5.5-16 kg) | 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) |
| Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | Standard: 23.5 pounds (5.10.5 kg) | 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) |
| Height
Which is taller, Rat Terrier or Maltese? Is a Rat Terrier taller than a Maltese? | Standard: 14-23 inches (35.5-58.5 cm) | Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) |
| Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | Standard: 18.5 inches (35.5-58.5 cm) | Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) |
Rat Terrier vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison
| Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Rat Terrier and a Maltese. Which breed costs more? | $300-$500 | $600-$800 |
|---|---|---|
| Availability
Which is easier to get, Rat Terrier or Maltese? | Very frequent: The Rat Terrier is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get. |
Rat Terrier vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
| Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Rat Terrier or a Maltese? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities. | Smart: The Rat Terrier dogs have great intelligence. | Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. |
|---|---|---|
| Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Rat Terrier or a Maltese? Compare training requirements. | Rat Terrier dogs are quite easy to train. | Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. |
| Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Rat Terrier or a Maltese? Compare alertness levels. | Rat Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. | Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. |
| Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Rat Terrier or a Maltese? Compare territorial behaviors. | Rat Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. | Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. |
Rat Terrier vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison
| Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Rat Terrier and a Maltese. How do their temperaments differ? |
Loving Alert Affectionate Lively Inquisitive |
Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Rat Terrier vs Maltese? | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. |
| Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Rat Terrier vs Maltese? | High: Rat Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
| Social Needs
Rat Terrier vs Maltese social needs comparison: | Rat Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. |
| Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Rat Terrier vs Maltese? | The wanderlust potential of the Rat Terrier is strong enough to escape from home. | Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. |
| Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Rat Terrier vs Maltese? Which can be better for hunting? | Rat Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. |
Rat Terrier vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison
| Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Rat Terrier or a Maltese? Compare vocalization tendencies. | Average: The Rat Terrier barks occasionally. | A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. |
|---|---|---|
| Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Rat Terrier or a Maltese? Compare play drive and energy. | Average: Rat Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing. | Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. |
| Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Rat Terrier or a Maltese? Compare living space needs. | Very house-friendly dog the Rat Terrier breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed. |
Rat Terrier vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison
| Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Rat Terrier or a Maltese? Compare adaptability levels. | Rat Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. |
|---|---|---|
| Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Rat Terrier or Maltese? | Rat Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them. | Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them. |
Rat Terrier vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison
| Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Rat Terrier or a Maltese? Compare biting tendencies. | Low 🔽 The Rat Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody. |
|---|---|---|
| Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Rat Terrier or a Maltese? Compare mouthing behaviors. | Rat Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. |
| Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Rat Terrier or a Maltese? Compare bite force PSI. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Rat Terrier bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak. |
Rat Terrier vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison
| Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Rat Terrier or a Maltese? Compare average lifespans. |
14-18 years The average lifespan of Rat Terrier: 16 years |
14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years |
|---|---|---|
| Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Rat Terrier or a Maltese? Compare climate tolerances. | Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. | Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. |
| Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Rat Terrier and a Maltese. Which breed is healthier? | The Rat Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. | The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. |
| Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Rat Terrier vs Maltese? |
Average The Rat Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Average The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
| Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Rat Terrier vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Rat Terrier vs Maltese health problems comparison: | Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Eye Problems Heart Problems |
Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome |
Rat Terrier vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison
| Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Rat Terrier or a Maltese? Compare activity levels. | Rat Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs. | Maltese 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
Rat Terrier vs Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Rat Terrier or Maltese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | Rat Terrier dogs have an average exercise need. | Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal. |
| Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Rat Terrier or Maltese? | Rat Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep. | Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed. |
Rat Terrier vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison
| Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Rat Terrier or a Maltese? Compare obesity risks. | Average: The Rat Terrier has an average risk for obesity. | Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. |
|---|---|---|
| Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Rat Terrier or a Maltese? Compare daily food needs. | No data available | Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. |
Rat Terrier vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison
| Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Rat Terrier or a Maltese? Compare allergy friendliness. | No See more. | Yes See more. |
|---|---|---|
| Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Rat Terrier and Maltese? Compare breed colors. |
Black Tan Blue White Brown Tricolor | White |
| Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Rat Terrier or a Maltese? Compare maintenance needs. | Effortless: The Rat Terrier requires minimal grooming. | Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. |
| Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Rat Terrier or a Maltese? Compare drooling amounts. | The Rat Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
| Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Rat Terrier or a Maltese? Compare natural smell levels. | Medium ⏺ The Rat Terrier has an average chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell. |
| Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Rat Terrier and a Maltese? Compare fur types. |
Dense Shiny | Feathered |
| Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Rat Terrier or a Maltese? Compare bathing frequencies. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. | 6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. |
| Shedding Level
Who sheds more Rat Terrier or Maltese? Do Rat Terrier dogs shed more than Maltese dogs? | Rat Terrier dogs shed above average. | Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. |
Rat Terrier vs Maltese Good With Comparison
| Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Rat Terrier or a Maltese? Compare kid-friendliness. | Rat Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. | Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs. |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets? | Rat Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets. | Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. |
| Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Rat Terrier or Maltese? Which dog is more friendly? | Rat Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. | Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs. |
| Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Rat Terrier or Maltese? | Rat Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs. | Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. |
| Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Rat Terrier or Maltese? Can a Rat Terrier and a Maltese be friends? Do Rat Terrier dogs get along with Maltese dogs? | Rat Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs. | Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. |
| Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Rat Terrier vs Maltese? |
Yes Rat Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Yes Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
| Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office? |
No Rat Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
| Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people? | Rat Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people. | Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people. |
Rat Terrier vs Maltese As a Working Dog Comparison
| Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Rat Terrier or a Maltese? Compare service capabilities. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
|---|---|---|
| Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Rat Terrier or a Maltese? Compare therapy capabilities. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. |
| Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Rat Terrier or a Maltese? 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 Rat Terrier or a Maltese? Compare SAR abilities. | 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
Which is better on boats: a Rat Terrier or a Maltese? Compare maritime abilities. | Not really Rat Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
| Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Rat Terrier or a Maltese? Compare draft work capabilities. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
| Military Service Background
Compare military history between Rat Terrier and Maltese. 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. |
Rat Terrier vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison
| Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Rat Terrier and Maltese. Which has larger litters? | 5-7 puppies | 3-5 puppies |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Rat Terrier and Maltese breeds. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
| Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Rat Terrier and Maltese. Which needs longer recovery? | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Rat Terrier vs Maltese Recognition Comparison
| AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Rat Terrier and Maltese. Which groups do they belong to? | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2013 as a Terrier breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. |
|---|---|---|
| FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Rat Terrier and Maltese. Which groups are they in? | Not recognized by FCI. | Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section. |
| Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Rat Terrier and Maltese. Which is more widely recognized? |
American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Dog Registry of America Inc. North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club National 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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