Maltese vs Miniature Poodle
Toy · Toy vs Non-Sporting · Small
MalteseToy
A gentle, playful, charming aristocrat — ancient Mediterranean lapdog with a flowing snow-white coat.
Weight: 7 lbsLifespan: 12–15 years
Miniature PoodleSmall
An active, proud, very smart smaller version of the Standard Poodle — circus star of yesteryear.
Weight: 10–15 lbsLifespan: 10–18 years
Quick take
- • Miniature Poodle is the larger breed at 10–15 lbs (males) vs 7 lbs for the Maltese.
- • The Miniature Poodle typically lives longer (10–18 years).
- • The Miniature Poodle has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Miniature Poodle is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Maltese | Miniature Poodle |
|---|---|---|
Group | Toy | Non-Sporting |
Size | Toy | Small |
Origin | Malta | Germany |
Height (male) | 7–9" | 11–15" |
Height (female) | 7–9" | 11–15" |
Weight (male) | 7 lbs | 10–15 lbs |
Weight (female) | 7 lbs | 10–15 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–15 years | 10–18 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
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 High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with kids | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
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) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Coat length | long | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | Yes | Yes |
Ad slot · compare-mid
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.
About the Miniature Poodle
The Miniature Poodle is an active, proud, very smart smaller version of the Standard Poodle — circus star of yesteryear. Originally from Germany, this small non-sporting breed typically weighs 10–15 lbs and lives 10–18 years. Breeders describe them as active, proud, very smart.
Ad slot · compare-bottom
Maltese health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Liver shunt
- • Dental issues
- • White shaker syndrome
Miniature Poodle health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Eye disorders
- • Epilepsy
- • Legg-Calve-Perthes