Leonberger vs Maltese
Working · Giant vs Toy · Toy
LeonbergerGiant
A friendly, gentle, playful giant — bred to resemble a lion, with a famous black-masked golden mane.
Weight: 110–170 lbsLifespan: 7–10 years
MalteseToy
A gentle, playful, charming aristocrat — ancient Mediterranean lapdog with a flowing snow-white coat.
Weight: 7 lbsLifespan: 12–15 years
Quick take
- • Leonberger is the larger breed at 110–170 lbs (males) vs 7 lbs for the Maltese.
- • The Maltese typically lives longer (12–15 years).
- • The Maltese sheds less.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Leonberger | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
Group | Working | Toy |
Size | Giant | Toy |
Origin | Germany | Malta |
Height (male) | 28–31.5" | 7–9" |
Height (female) | 25.5–29.5" | 7–9" |
Weight (male) | 110–170 lbs | 7 lbs |
Weight (female) | 90–140 lbs | 7 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 7–10 years | 12–15 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Moderate (3/5) | 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. | Very High (5/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | High (4/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Low (2/5) | 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. | Moderate (3/5) | Low (2/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Coat length | long | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | Yes |
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About the Leonberger
The Leonberger is a friendly, gentle, playful giant — bred to resemble a lion, with a famous black-masked golden mane. Originally from Germany, this giant working breed typically weighs 110–170 lbs and lives 7–10 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, gentle, playful.
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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Leonberger health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Bone cancer
- • Bloat
- • Polyneuropathy
Maltese health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Liver shunt
- • Dental issues
- • White shaker syndrome