Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs Border Collie Comparison - Dog breed selector: Barbone or Maltese lion dog or Sheepdog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs Border Collie" Compare Toy Poodle and Maltese. Which is better: Toy Poodle or Maltese or Border Collie?

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	Toy Poodle	Maltese	Border Collie
Origins	Germany France	Italy	England Scotland Wales
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	449	33	38
Reviews	5	3	13
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie breeds.	Barbone Pudle Teacup Poodle Teddy Poodle	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog	Sheepdog Scotch Sheep Dog
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs Border Collie Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Large
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 6-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 7.5 pounds (3.5 kg)	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)	Male: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Toy Poodle or Maltese or Border Collie? Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs Border Collie height comparison:	Up to 10 inches (25.4 cm)	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)	Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Up to 10 inches (25.4 cm)	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)	Male: 20.5 inches (52 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm)

Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs Border Collie Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. Find price differences between these breeds.	$1000-$1500	$600-$800	$600-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Toy Poodle or Maltese or Border Collie?	Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.

Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs Border Collie Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. Which breed ranks highest?	Outstanding: Toy Poodle is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. Which is easiest to train?	Toy Poodle dogs are very easy to train. See more.	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Border Collie dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. Which breed is most alert?	Toy Poodle dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. Which breed is most protective?	Toy Poodle dogs are average defenders. See more.	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs Border Collie Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie? Compare temperaments.	Active Alert Intelligent Trainable Faithful Instinctual	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Energetic Protective Alert Intelligent Responsive Loyal Tenacious
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	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.	Sensitive: Border Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs Border Collie?	High: Toy 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.	High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs Border Collie social needs comparison:	Toy Poodle dogs are a social breed. See more.	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Toy Poodle dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Border Collie dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Toy 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.	Border Collie 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.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs Border Collie Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. Which breed is most vocal?	Average to High: The Toy Poodle is a vocal breed. See more.	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. Which breed is most playful?	The Toy Poodle is a playful breed. See more.	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Border Collie is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Toy Poodle breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.	It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie breed in the home.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs Border Collie Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. Which breed is most flexible?	Toy 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.	Border Collie dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Toy Poodle or Maltese or Border Collie?	Toy Poodle 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.	Border Collie dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs Border Collie Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Toy Poodle has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. Which uses mouth most during play?	Toy Poodle dogs have a lower 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.	Border Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Toy Poodle bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs Border Collie Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. Which breed lives longest?	14-16 years The average lifespan of Toy Poodle: 15 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. Which handles climate changes best?	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Border Collie 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 Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. Which has fewer health issues?	The Toy 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.	The Border Collie 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?	Average The Toy 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.	Average The Border Collie 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: Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs Border Collie? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs Border Collie health problems comparison:	Heart Murmurs Slipped Stifle Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Ear Infections Skin Allergies Canine Diabetes Mellitus Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome	Hip Dysplasia Allergies Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Collie Eye Anomaly Osteochondrosis Dissecans

Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs Border Collie Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. Which breed is most active?	Toy 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.	Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs Border Collie exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Toy Poodle or Maltese or Border Collie? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Toy Poodle dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.	Border Collie dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Toy Poodle or Maltese or Border Collie?	Toy 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.	Border Collie dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs Border Collie Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Toy Poodle's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. Which needs most food?	1/4 to 1 cup 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.	1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs Border Collie Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. What colors are available?	Black Gray Red Blue Cream White Silver Brown Fawn Beige Apricot	White	Black Tan Red Sable Brindle Lilac Gold Seal White & Red Slate Sable Merle Black & White Tricolor Blue merle Blue merle-tricolor Slate merle Red merle Saddleback Sable White & Blue White & Blue Merle White & Red Merle White Ticked White & Gold White & Sable White & Seal
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. Which requires most maintenance?	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. Which drools least?	The Toy 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.	The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. Which has least natural smell?	Low 🔽 The Toy Poodle has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Dense Curly Thick	Feathered	Dense Feathered Straight Short Moderately Long
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. Which requires most frequent baths?	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.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Toy Poodle or Maltese or Border Collie? Toy Poodle or Maltese or {name3 shedding:	Toy Poodle dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Border Collie dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs Border Collie Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. Which is best with kids?	Toy Poodle dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Toy Poodle dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.	Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Border Collie dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Toy Poodle or Maltese or Border Collie? Which dog is more friendly?	Toy Poodle dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Toy Poodle or Maltese or Border Collie?	Toy Poodle dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Toy Poodle or Maltese or Border Collie?	Toy Poodle dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs Border Collie?	Yes Toy 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.	Yes Border Collie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Toy Poodle is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Border Collie is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Toy Poodles are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.	Border Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs Border Collie As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. Which is best suited for service work?	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.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. Which excels in therapy work?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. 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.	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential Compare search and rescue potential between Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. 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.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Toy Poodle 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.	Not really Border Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. 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 Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. 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.

Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs Border Collie Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. Which has most puppies?	2-4 puppies	3-5 puppies	4-8 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. 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.

Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs Border Collie Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. How are they classified?	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. How are they classified internationally?	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Border Collie. Which has most recognition?	Dog Registry of America Inc.	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 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 The American Int. Border Collie Registry The American Border Collie Association

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