Maltese vs Portuguese Water Dog
Toy · Toy vs Working · Medium
MalteseToy
A gentle, playful, charming aristocrat — ancient Mediterranean lapdog with a flowing snow-white coat.
Weight: 7 lbsLifespan: 12–15 years
Portuguese Water DogMedium
An affectionate, athletic, smart fisherman's dog — Bo Obama's breed, swims and herds fish into nets.
Weight: 42–60 lbsLifespan: 11–13 years
Quick take
- • Portuguese Water Dog is the larger breed at 42–60 lbs (males) vs 7 lbs for the Maltese.
- • The Maltese typically lives longer (12–15 years).
- • The Portuguese Water Dog has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Portuguese Water Dog is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Maltese | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
Group | Toy | Working |
Size | Toy | Medium |
Origin | Malta | Portugal |
Height (male) | 7–9" | 20–23" |
Height (female) | 7–9" | 17–21" |
Weight (male) | 7 lbs | 42–60 lbs |
Weight (female) | 7 lbs | 35–50 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–15 years | 11–13 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) | High (4/5) |
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) | High (4/5) |
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) | Very High (5/5) |
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) | Moderate (3/5) |
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 Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is an affectionate, athletic, smart fisherman's dog — Bo Obama's breed, swims and herds fish into nets. Originally from Portugal, this medium working breed typically weighs 42–60 lbs and lives 11–13 years. Breeders describe them as affectionate, athletic, smart.
Ad slot · compare-bottom
Maltese health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Liver shunt
- • Dental issues
- • White shaker syndrome
Portuguese Water Dog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Storage diseases