German Spitz vs Maltese Comparison – Which dog is better Deutscher Spitz or Maltese lion dog?

"Find similarities and differences between German Spitz vs Maltese" Compare German Spitz and Maltese. Which is better: German Spitz or Maltese?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	German Spitz	Maltese
Origins	Germany	Italy
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	344	33
Reviews	2	3
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare different names used for German Spitz and Maltese. What other names are these breeds known by?	Deutscher Spitz	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog
Breed Classification Compare breed classifications between a German Spitz and a Maltese. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.	Purebred	Purebred

German Spitz vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Which is bigger: a German Spitz or a Maltese? Compare size differences between these breeds.	Small Medium	Small
Weight Statistics Compare weight ranges between a German Spitz and a Maltese. Which breed is heavier?	Male: 24-33 pounds (11-15 kg), Female: 18-27 pounds (8-12 kg)	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 28.5 pounds (13 kg), Female: 22.5 pounds (10 kg)	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, German Spitz or Maltese? Is a German Spitz taller than a Maltese?	Male: 19-23 inches (48-58 cm), Female: 15-19 inches (38-48 cm)	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 21 inches (53 cm), Female: 17 inches (43 cm)	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

German Spitz vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy prices between a German Spitz and a Maltese. Which breed costs more?	$800-$1000	$600-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, German Spitz or Maltese?	Average: The German Spitz is a commonly available dog breed.	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.

German Spitz vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Which is smarter: a German Spitz or a Maltese? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.	Very smart: German Spitz is an excellent dog breed. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Which is easier to train: a German Spitz or a Maltese? Compare training requirements.	German Spitz dogs are easy to train. See more.	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Which makes a better watchdog: a German Spitz or a Maltese? Compare alertness levels.	German Spitz dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Which is more protective: a German Spitz or a Maltese? Compare territorial behaviors.	German Spitz dogs are average defenders. See more.	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

German Spitz vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits Compare personalities of a German Spitz and a Maltese. How do their temperaments differ?	Independent Devoted Lively Attentive Trainable	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between German Spitz vs Maltese?	Sensitive: German Spitz dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Spitz vs Maltese?	Average: German Spitz dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. See more.	High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs German Spitz vs Maltese social needs comparison:	German Spitz dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between German Spitz vs Maltese?	German Spitz dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between German Spitz vs Maltese? Which can be better for hunting?	German Spitz dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

German Spitz vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Which breed barks more: a German Spitz or a Maltese? Compare vocalization tendencies.	Average to High: The German Spitz is a vocal breed. See more.	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Which breed is more playful: a German Spitz or a Maltese? Compare play drive and energy.	The German Spitz is a playful breed. See more.	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Which is better for apartments: a German Spitz or a Maltese? Compare living space needs.	It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Spitz indoors.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

German Spitz vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Which adapts better to changes: a German Spitz or a Maltese? Compare adaptability levels.	Average: German Spitz dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.	Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: German Spitz or Maltese?	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

German Spitz vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Which has lower bite risk: a German Spitz or a Maltese? Compare biting tendencies.	Low 🔽 The German Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Which is more mouthy: a German Spitz or a Maltese? Compare mouthing behaviors.	German Spitz dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Which has a stronger bite: a German Spitz or a Maltese? Compare bite force PSI.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 German Spitz bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

German Spitz vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Which lives longer: a German Spitz or a Maltese? Compare average lifespans.	12-14 years The average lifespan of German Spitz: 13 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Which handles weather better: a German Spitz or a Maltese? Compare climate tolerances.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.
Health Concerns Compare common health issues between a German Spitz and a Maltese. Which breed is healthier?	German Spitzs are commonly healthy dogs.	The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: German Spitz vs Maltese?	Rare The German Spitz should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Average The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Spitz vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Spitz vs Maltese health problems comparison:	Luxating Patella Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Dental Problems	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome

German Spitz vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Which breed is more energetic: a German Spitz or a Maltese? Compare activity levels.	German Spitz dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need German Spitz vs Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Spitz or Maltese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	German Spitz dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: German Spitz or Maltese?	German Spitz dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

German Spitz vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Which gains weight easier: a German Spitz or a Maltese? Compare obesity risks.	Low to Average: The German Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Which eats more: a German Spitz or a Maltese? Compare daily food needs.	1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

German Spitz vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Which is more hypoallergenic: a German Spitz or a Maltese? Compare allergy friendliness.	No See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors What color variations exist for German Spitz and Maltese? Compare breed colors.	Black White Orange Tricolor	White
Grooming Requirements Which needs more grooming: a German Spitz or a Maltese? Compare maintenance needs.	Advanced: The German Spitz requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Which drools more: a German Spitz or a Maltese? Compare drooling amounts.	The German Spitz is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Which has less odor: a German Spitz or a Maltese? Compare natural smell levels.	Medium ⏺ The German Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics How do coats differ between a German Spitz and a Maltese? Compare fur types.	Dense Straight	Feathered
Bathing Needs Which needs more baths: a German Spitz or a Maltese? Compare bathing frequencies.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more German Spitz or Maltese? Do German Spitz dogs shed more than Maltese dogs?	German Spitz dogs shed above average. See more.	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

German Spitz vs Maltese Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Which is better with children: a German Spitz or a Maltese? Compare kid-friendliness.	German Spitz dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	German Spitz dogs are generally with other pets.	Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly German Spitz or Maltese? Which dog is more friendly?	German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly German Spitz or Maltese?	German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly German Spitz or Maltese? Can a German Spitz and a Maltese be friends? Do German Spitz dogs get along with Maltese dogs?	German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: German Spitz vs Maltese?	Yes German Spitz dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No German Spitz is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	German Spitzs are usually recommended for elderly people.	Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.

German Spitz vs Maltese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Which makes a better service dog: a German Spitz or a Maltese? Compare service capabilities.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Which is better for therapy work: a German Spitz or a Maltese? Compare therapy capabilities.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Which is better at detection work: a German Spitz or a Maltese? Compare scenting abilities.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential Which is better for search and rescue: a German Spitz or a Maltese? Compare SAR abilities.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Which is better on boats: a German Spitz or a Maltese? Compare maritime abilities.	Not really German Spitz breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Which is better at pulling: a German Spitz or a Maltese? Compare draft work capabilities.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military history between German Spitz and Maltese. Which has stronger military background?	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

German Spitz vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare litter sizes between German Spitz and Maltese. Which has larger litters?	2-4 puppies	3-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare pregnancy duration between German Spitz and Maltese breeds.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding frequencies between German Spitz and Maltese. Which needs longer recovery?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.

German Spitz vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC classifications of German Spitz and Maltese. Which groups do they belong to?	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI classifications of German Spitz and Maltese. Which groups are they in?	Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the European Spitz section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare kennel club recognition between German Spitz and Maltese. Which is more widely recognized?	Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club Foundation Stock Service	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club

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