Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Barbone or Maltese lion dog or Alsatian wolf dog? Find the right dog for you

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

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	German Shepherd
Origins	Germany France	Italy	Germany
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	449	33	2
Reviews	5	3	19
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Barbone Pudle Teacup Poodle Teddy Poodle	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog	Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Toy Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd? Which is the smallest dog, Toy Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd?	Small	Small	Large
Weight Which is heavier, Toy Poodle or Maltese or Maltese? Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd weight comparison:	Male: 6-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 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: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height Which is taller, Toy Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd? Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd height comparison:	Up to 10 inches (25.4 cm)	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)	Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 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: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Toy Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd? Which is more expensive?	$1000-$1500	$600-$800	$800-$2000
Availability Which is easier to get, Toy Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd?	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 German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd intelligence:	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: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd trainability comparison.	Toy Poodle dogs are very easy to train. See more.	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Toy Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd?	Toy Poodle dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Toy Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Toy Poodle dogs are average defenders. See more.	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Toy Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd? Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd behavior/temperament comparison:	Active Alert Intelligent Trainable Faithful Instinctual	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful
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: German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd?	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: German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd social needs comparison:	Toy Poodle dogs are a social breed. See more.	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. 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.	German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. 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.	German Shepherd 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

Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd playfulness comparison:	The Toy Poodle is a playful breed. See more.	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd?	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 German Shepherd rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Toy Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd?	Very house-friendly dog the Toy Poodle breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese 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 German Shepherd indoors.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	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.	German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Toy Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd?	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.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Toy Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Toy Poodle bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	Low 🔽 The Toy Poodle has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.	High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd mouthiness comparison:	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.	German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.

Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd?	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.	German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd 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	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Cancer Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Blindness Cherry Eye Elbow Dysplasia Diabetes Heart Disease Retinal Dysplasia Demodectic Mange Degenerative Myelopathy Wobbler's Syndrome Panosteitis Hemophilia B Megaesophagus Cushing's Syndrome Lens Luxation Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Chronic Diarrhea Cruciate Ligament Rupture Digestive Problems Hemophilia A Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Lupus Myasthenia Gravis Nail Bed Disease Osteochondrosis Pannus Paralysis Perianal Fistula Seborrhea Vitiligo
Veterinarian Visits 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.	Rare The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do Toy Poodle, Maltese and German Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	14-16 years The average lifespan of Toy Poodle: 15 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years	9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd?	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.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.

Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Toy Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd? Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd energy level comparison:	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.	German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Toy Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd? 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.	German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Toy Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd?	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.	German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Toy Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd?	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.	3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd weight gain potential comparison:	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.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd coat comparison:	Dense Curly Thick	Feathered	Fuzzy
Colors What are the original Toy Poodle, Maltese and German Shepherd color?	Black Gray Red Blue Cream White Silver Brown Fawn Beige Apricot	White	Black Tan Red Silver
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Toy Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd? Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd grooming comparison:	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 German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Toy Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd? Toy Poodle or Maltese or {name3 shedding:	Toy Poodle dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Toy Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd?	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.	8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Hypoallergenic Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd?	Low 🔽 The Toy Poodle has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the 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 German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly 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.	German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Toy Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?	Toy Poodle dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Toy Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd?	Toy Poodle dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Toy Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd?	Toy Poodle dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd?	Toy Poodle dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd?	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 German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd 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.	German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Which one could be a service dog?	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 Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Toy Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd? Which is better for autism?	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
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?	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 and Rescue Dog (SAR) Which one could be 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.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd?	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 German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?	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.
Fighting Dog / Military 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.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency	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.
Litter Size How many puppies can Toy Poodle and Maltese and German Shepherd have?	2-4 puppies	3-5 puppies	6-10 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Toy Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	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 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	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.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	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 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 German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

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