Italian Greyhound vs Maltese
Toy · Small vs Toy · Toy
Italian GreyhoundSmall
A playful, alert, sensitive miniature sighthound — Renaissance lapdog favored by Italian nobility.
Weight: 7–14 lbsLifespan: 14–15 years
MalteseToy
A gentle, playful, charming aristocrat — ancient Mediterranean lapdog with a flowing snow-white coat.
Weight: 7 lbsLifespan: 12–15 years
Quick take
- • Italian Greyhound is the larger breed at 7–14 lbs (males) vs 7 lbs for the Maltese.
- • The Italian Greyhound typically lives longer (14–15 years).
- • The Italian Greyhound has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Maltese is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Italian Greyhound | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
Group | Toy | Toy |
Size | Small | Toy |
Origin | Italy | Malta |
Height (male) | 13–15" | 7–9" |
Height (female) | 13–15" | 7–9" |
Weight (male) | 7–14 lbs | 7 lbs |
Weight (female) | 7–14 lbs | 7 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 14–15 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. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Very Low (1/5) | 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 | Moderate (3/5) | 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 | short | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | Yes |
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About the Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is a playful, alert, sensitive miniature sighthound — Renaissance lapdog favored by Italian nobility. Originally from Italy, this small toy breed typically weighs 7–14 lbs and lives 14–15 years. Breeders describe them as playful, alert, sensitive.
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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Italian Greyhound health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Leg fractures
- • Dental issues
- • Hypothyroidism
- • PRA
Maltese health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Liver shunt
- • Dental issues
- • White shaker syndrome