• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Shetland Sheepdog vs Poodle vs Maltese Comparison - Dog breed selector: Dwarf Scotch Shepherd or Barbone or Maltese lion dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shetland Sheepdog vs Poodle vs Maltese" Compare Shetland Sheepdog and Poodle. Which is better: Shetland Sheepdog or Poodle or Maltese?
 
 
 
Name Shetland Sheepdog Poodle Maltese
OriginsScotland flagScotland Germany flagGermany France flagFrance Italy flagItaly
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank24733
Reviews6143
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese breeds.
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Barbone
Caniche
Chien Canne
Grosse Pudel
French Poodle
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Shetland Sheepdog vs Poodle vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Medium Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese? Compare adult weight ranges.
14-27 pounds (6-12 kg) Male: 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg), Female: 45-60 pounds (20-27 kg) 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
20.5 pounds (9 kg) Male: 57.5 pounds (26 kg), Female: 52.5 pounds (23.5 kg) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shetland Sheepdog or Poodle or Maltese? Shetland Sheepdog vs Poodle vs Maltese height comparison:
13-16 inches (33-41 cm) 15 inches (38 cm) or more 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) 15 inches (38 cm) or more Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

Shetland Sheepdog vs Poodle vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1000 $1000-$1500 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shetland Sheepdog or Poodle or Maltese?
Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Poodle is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Poodle vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Outstanding: Poodle is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. Which is easiest to train?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Poodle dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. Which breed is most alert?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Poodle dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. Which breed is most protective?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Poodle dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.
Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Poodle vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Active
Alert
Intelligent
Trainable
Faithful
Instinctual
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
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.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shetland Sheepdog vs Poodle vs Maltese?
High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Poodle 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.
Social Needs
Shetland Sheepdog vs Poodle vs Maltese social needs comparison:
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Poodle dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Poodle dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? 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.
Poodle dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
See more.
Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Poodle vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Average to High: The Poodle is a vocal breed.
See more.
A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
The Poodle is a playful breed.
See more.
Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.
Very house-friendly dog the Poodle breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Poodle vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. Which breed is most flexible?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Poodle 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 Poodle 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.
Poodle 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.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Poodle vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Poodle has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Poodle bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Poodle vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. Which breed lives longest?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Poodle: 13 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. Which handles climate changes best?
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.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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 health problems common in Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. Which has fewer health issues?
The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Poodle 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?
Average
The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Poodle 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: Shetland Sheepdog vs Poodle vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shetland Sheepdog vs Poodle 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
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Sebaceous Adenitis
Ear Infections
Addison's Disease
Cushing's Syndrome
Runny Eyes
Canine Atrial Septal Defect (asd)
Neonatal Encephalopathy (news)
Optic Nerve Hypoplasia
Premature Graying
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Shetland Sheepdog vs Poodle vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. Which breed is most active?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Poodle 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.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Shetland Sheepdog vs Poodle vs Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shetland Sheepdog or Poodle or Maltese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Poodle dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shetland Sheepdog or Poodle or Maltese?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Poodle 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.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Poodle vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Poodle's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. Which needs most food?
2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 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.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Poodle vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Black
Gray
Red
Blue
Cream
White
Silver
Brown
Fawn
Beige
Apricot
White
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. Which requires most maintenance?
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. Which drools least?
The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Poodle 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
Compare odor levels between Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Poodle has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Curly Feathered
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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.
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 Poodle or Maltese? Shetland Sheepdog or Poodle or {name3 shedding:
Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Poodle dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Poodle vs Maltese Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. Which is best with kids?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Poodle dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Poodle dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Poodle or Maltese? Which dog is more friendly?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Poodle dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Poodle or Maltese?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Poodle dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Poodle or Maltese?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Poodle dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shetland Sheepdog vs Poodle vs Maltese?
Yes
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Poodle 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
Poodle 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.
Poodles are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Poodle vs Maltese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. 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 Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. 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 Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

Yes

Poodle breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. Which is best for draft work?

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.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. 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.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Poodle vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. Which has most puppies?
4-6 puppies 2-4 puppies 3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. 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.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Poodle vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887 as a Non-Sporting & Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. How are they classified internationally?
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 Poodle section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese. 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
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
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

Rate This Comparsion - Shetland Sheepdog vs Poodle vs Maltese

Reviews