Maltese vs Shetland Sheepdog
Toy · Toy vs Herding · Small
MalteseToy
A gentle, playful, charming aristocrat — ancient Mediterranean lapdog with a flowing snow-white coat.
Weight: 7 lbsLifespan: 12–15 years
Shetland SheepdogSmall
A bright, playful, energetic miniature Collie from the windswept Shetland Islands — keenly intelligent.
Weight: 15–25 lbsLifespan: 12–14 years
Quick take
- • Shetland Sheepdog is the larger breed at 15–25 lbs (males) vs 7 lbs for the Maltese.
- • The Maltese typically lives longer (12–15 years).
- • The Shetland Sheepdog has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Maltese sheds less.
- • The Shetland Sheepdog is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Maltese | Shetland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
Group | Toy | Herding |
Size | Toy | Small |
Origin | Malta | Scotland |
Height (male) | 7–9" | 13–16" |
Height (female) | 7–9" | 13–16" |
Weight (male) | 7 lbs | 15–25 lbs |
Weight (female) | 7 lbs | 15–25 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–15 years | 12–14 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) | High (4/5) |
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) | Very High (5/5) |
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) | Low (2/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Coat length | long | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | Yes | No |
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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 Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog is a bright, playful, energetic miniature Collie from the windswept Shetland Islands — keenly intelligent. Originally from Scotland, this small herding breed typically weighs 15–25 lbs and lives 12–14 years. Breeders describe them as bright, playful, energetic.
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Maltese health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Liver shunt
- • Dental issues
- • White shaker syndrome
Shetland Sheepdog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Collie eye anomaly
- • MDR1 gene mutation
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Hypothyroidism