Cocker Spaniel vs Maltese
Sporting · Small vs Toy · Toy
Cocker SpanielSmall
A gentle, smart, happy gundog — Disney's Lady, with the gorgeous flowing coat and merry tail.
Weight: 25–30 lbsLifespan: 10–14 years
MalteseToy
A gentle, playful, charming aristocrat — ancient Mediterranean lapdog with a flowing snow-white coat.
Weight: 7 lbsLifespan: 12–15 years
Quick take
- • Cocker Spaniel is the larger breed at 25–30 lbs (males) vs 7 lbs for the Maltese.
- • The Maltese typically lives longer (12–15 years).
- • The Cocker Spaniel has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Maltese sheds less.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Cocker Spaniel | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
Group | Sporting | Toy |
Size | Small | Toy |
Origin | USA | Malta |
Height (male) | 14.5–15.5" | 7–9" |
Height (female) | 13.5–14.5" | 7–9" |
Weight (male) | 25–30 lbs | 7 lbs |
Weight (female) | 20–25 lbs | 7 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 10–14 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. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Moderate (3/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Low (2/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with kids | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with other dogs | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with strangers | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Low (2/5) | Low (2/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Coat length | long | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | Yes |
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About the Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel is a gentle, smart, happy gundog — Disney's Lady, with the gorgeous flowing coat and merry tail. Originally from USA, this small sporting breed typically weighs 25–30 lbs and lives 10–14 years. Breeders describe them as gentle, smart, happy.
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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Cocker Spaniel health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Eye conditions
- • Ear infections
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Heart disease
Maltese health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Liver shunt
- • Dental issues
- • White shaker syndrome