Bull Terrier vs Maltese
Terrier · Medium vs Toy · Toy
Bull TerrierMedium
A playful, charming, mischievous egg-headed gladiator — Spuds MacKenzie, the original Target dog.
Weight: 50–70 lbsLifespan: 12–13 years
MalteseToy
A gentle, playful, charming aristocrat — ancient Mediterranean lapdog with a flowing snow-white coat.
Weight: 7 lbsLifespan: 12–15 years
Quick take
- • Bull Terrier is the larger breed at 50–70 lbs (males) vs 7 lbs for the Maltese.
- • The Maltese typically lives longer (12–15 years).
- • The Bull Terrier has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Maltese sheds less.
- • The Maltese is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Bull Terrier | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
Group | Terrier | Toy |
Size | Medium | Toy |
Origin | England | Malta |
Height (male) | 21–22" | 7–9" |
Height (female) | 21–22" | 7–9" |
Weight (male) | 50–70 lbs | 7 lbs |
Weight (female) | 50–70 lbs | 7 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–13 years | 12–15 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | High (4/5) | 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. | Low (2/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with kids | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with other dogs | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with strangers | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | High (4/5) | Low (2/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Coat length | short | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | Yes |
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About the Bull Terrier
The Bull Terrier is a playful, charming, mischievous egg-headed gladiator — Spuds MacKenzie, the original Target dog. Originally from England, this medium terrier breed typically weighs 50–70 lbs and lives 12–13 years. Breeders describe them as playful, charming, mischievous.
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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Bull Terrier health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Deafness
- • Heart disease
- • Skin issues
- • Kidney problems
Maltese health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Liver shunt
- • Dental issues
- • White shaker syndrome