Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Maltese

Herding · Medium vs Toy · Toy

Quick take
  • Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is the larger breed at 35–50 lbs (males) vs 7 lbs for the Maltese.
  • The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog has higher daily energy needs.
  • The Maltese sheds less.

Side-by-side traits

TraitAustralian Stumpy Tail Cattle DogMaltese
Group
HerdingToy
Size
MediumToy
Origin
AustraliaMalta
Height (male)
18–20"7–9"
Height (female)
17–19"7–9"
Weight (male)
35–50 lbs7 lbs
Weight (female)
35–50 lbs7 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
12–15 years12–15 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Moderate (3/5)Very Low (1/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Very Low (1/5)Very High (5/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very Low (1/5)Very Low (1/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Good with kids
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with other dogs
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Good with strangers
Low (2/5)High (4/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
High (4/5)Low (2/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Low (2/5)Very High (5/5)
Coat length
shortlong
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoYes
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About the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog

The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is an alert, hardy, watchful Australian drover — cousin to the Cattle Dog with a naturally bobbed tail. Originally from Australia, this medium herding breed typically weighs 35–50 lbs and lives 12–15 years. Breeders describe them as alert, hardy, watchful.

About the Maltese

The Maltese is a gentle, playful, charming aristocrat — ancient Mediterranean lapdog with a flowing snow-white coat. Originally from Malta, this toy toy breed typically weighs 7 lbs and lives 12–15 years. Breeders describe them as gentle, playful, charming.

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Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Deafness
  • Eye disorders

Maltese health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Patellar luxation
  • Liver shunt
  • Dental issues
  • White shaker syndrome