Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese Comparison – Which dog is better Dwarf Scotch Shepherd or Maltese lion dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese" Compare Shetland Sheepdog and Maltese. Which is better: Shetland Sheepdog or Maltese?

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	Shetland Sheepdog	Maltese
Origins	Scotland	Italy
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	24	33
Reviews	6	3
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare different names used for Shetland Sheepdog and Maltese. What other names are these breeds known by?	Dwarf Scotch Shepherd Sheltie Shetland Collie Toonie Dog Miniature Collie	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog
Breed Classification Compare breed classifications between a Shetland Sheepdog and a Maltese. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.	Purebred	Purebred

Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Which is bigger: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Maltese? Compare size differences between these breeds.	Medium	Small
Weight Statistics Compare weight ranges between a Shetland Sheepdog and a Maltese. Which breed is heavier?	14-27 pounds (6-12 kg)	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	20.5 pounds (9 kg)	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Shetland Sheepdog or Maltese? Is a Shetland Sheepdog taller than a Maltese?	13-16 inches (33-41 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?	14.5 inches (37 cm)	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy prices between a Shetland Sheepdog and a Maltese. Which breed costs more?	$800-$1000	$600-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Shetland Sheepdog or Maltese?	Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Which is smarter: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Maltese? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.	Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Which is easier to train: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Maltese? Compare training requirements.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Which makes a better watchdog: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Maltese? Compare alertness levels.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Which is more protective: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Maltese? Compare territorial behaviors.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits Compare personalities of a Shetland Sheepdog and a Maltese. How do their temperaments differ?	Playful Intelligent Friendly Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese?	Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog 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: Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese?	High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese social needs comparison:	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed. See more.	Maltese 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 Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese?	Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese? Which can be better for hunting?	Shetland Sheepdog 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 dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Which breed barks more: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Maltese? Compare vocalization tendencies.	A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Which breed is more playful: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Maltese? Compare play drive and energy.	Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Which is better for apartments: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Maltese? Compare living space needs.	It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Which adapts better to changes: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Maltese? Compare adaptability levels.	Shetland Sheepdog 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: Shetland Sheepdog or Maltese?	Shetland Sheepdog 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 dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Which has lower bite risk: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Maltese? Compare biting tendencies.	Low 🔽 The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Which is more mouthy: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Maltese? Compare mouthing behaviors.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Which has a stronger bite: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Maltese? Compare bite force PSI.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Which lives longer: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Maltese? Compare average lifespans.	12-14 years The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Which handles weather better: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Maltese? Compare climate tolerances.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Shetland Sheepdog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.
Health Concerns Compare common health issues between a Shetland Sheepdog and a Maltese. Which breed is healthier?	The Shetland Sheepdog 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.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese?	Average The Shetland Sheepdog 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.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese health problems comparison:	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Cancer Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Epilepsy Heart Problems Drug Sensitivity Elbow Dysplasia Collie Eye Anomaly Haemophilia Trichiasis	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Which breed is more energetic: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Maltese? Compare activity levels.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shetland Sheepdog or Maltese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.	Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Shetland Sheepdog or Maltese?	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Which gains weight easier: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Maltese? Compare obesity risks.	Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Which eats more: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Maltese? Compare daily food needs.	2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Which is more hypoallergenic: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Maltese? Compare allergy friendliness.	No See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors What color variations exist for Shetland Sheepdog and Maltese? Compare breed colors.	Black Tan Blue White Sable Merle	White
Grooming Requirements Which needs more grooming: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Maltese? Compare maintenance needs.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Which drools more: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Maltese? Compare drooling amounts.	The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Which has less odor: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Maltese? Compare natural smell levels.	Medium ⏺ The Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog and a Maltese? Compare fur types.	Dense	Feathered
Bathing Needs Which needs more baths: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Maltese? Compare bathing frequencies.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Shetland Sheepdog or Maltese? Do Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed more than Maltese dogs?	Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately. See more.	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Which is better with children: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Maltese? Compare kid-friendliness.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Maltese? Which dog is more friendly?	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very 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 Shetland Sheepdog or Maltese?	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Maltese? Can a Shetland Sheepdog and a Maltese be friends? Do Shetland Sheepdog dogs get along with Maltese dogs?	Shetland Sheepdog 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: Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese?	Yes Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog 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?	Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.	Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Which makes a better service dog: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Maltese? 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.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Which is better for therapy work: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Maltese? Compare therapy capabilities.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Which is better at detection work: a Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog or a Maltese? 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 Shetland Sheepdog or a Maltese? Compare maritime abilities.	Not really Shetland Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Which is better at pulling: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Maltese? 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 Shetland Sheepdog 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.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare litter sizes between Shetland Sheepdog and Maltese. Which has larger litters?	4-6 puppies	3-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare pregnancy duration between Shetland Sheepdog and Maltese breeds.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding frequencies between Shetland Sheepdog and Maltese. 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.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC classifications of Shetland Sheepdog and Maltese. Which groups do they belong to?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI classifications of Shetland Sheepdog and Maltese. Which groups are they in?	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.	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 Shetland Sheepdog and Maltese. 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 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

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