Cane Corso vs Maltese
Working · Large vs Toy · Toy
Cane CorsoLarge
An assertive, smart, intelligent Italian guard mastiff — Roman war dog turned modern protector.
Weight: 99–110 lbsLifespan: 9–12 years
MalteseToy
A gentle, playful, charming aristocrat — ancient Mediterranean lapdog with a flowing snow-white coat.
Weight: 7 lbsLifespan: 12–15 years
Quick take
- • Cane Corso is the larger breed at 99–110 lbs (males) vs 7 lbs for the Maltese.
- • The Maltese typically lives longer (12–15 years).
- • The Cane Corso has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Maltese sheds less.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Cane Corso | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
Group | Working | Toy |
Size | Large | Toy |
Origin | Italy | Malta |
Height (male) | 25–27.5" | 7–9" |
Height (female) | 23.5–26" | 7–9" |
Weight (male) | 99–110 lbs | 7 lbs |
Weight (female) | 88–99 lbs | 7 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 9–12 years | 12–15 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | High (4/5) | 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. | High (4/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with kids | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with other dogs | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with strangers | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Very High (5/5) | Low (2/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Coat length | short | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | Yes |
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About the Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is an assertive, smart, intelligent Italian guard mastiff — Roman war dog turned modern protector. Originally from Italy, this large working breed typically weighs 99–110 lbs and lives 9–12 years. Breeders describe them as assertive, smart, intelligent.
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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Cane Corso health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Bloat
- • Eye problems
- • Cherry eye
Maltese health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Liver shunt
- • Dental issues
- • White shaker syndrome