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Golden Retriever vs Maltese Comparison – Which dog is better Golden Flat Coat or Maltese lion dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Golden Retriever vs Maltese" Compare Golden Retriever and Maltese. Which is better: Golden Retriever or Maltese?
 
 
 
Name Golden Retriever Maltese
OriginsScotland flagScotland Italy flagItaly
Group Gun Dog Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank333
Reviews163
User Ratings

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

Golden Retriever vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Golden Retriever or a Maltese? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Small
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Golden Retriever and a Maltese. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Golden Retriever or Maltese? Is a Golden Retriever taller than a Maltese?
Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 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: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm) Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

Golden Retriever vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Golden Retriever and a Maltese. Which breed costs more?
$1000-$2000 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Golden Retriever or Maltese?
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.

Golden Retriever vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Golden Retriever or a Maltese? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Golden Retriever or a Maltese? Compare training requirements.
Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Golden Retriever or a Maltese? Compare alertness levels.
Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Golden Retriever or a Maltese? Compare territorial behaviors.
Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Golden Retriever vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Golden Retriever and a Maltese. How do their temperaments differ?
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Golden Retriever vs Maltese?
Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Golden Retriever vs Maltese?
High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Golden Retriever vs Maltese social needs comparison:
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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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 Golden Retriever vs Maltese?
Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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 Golden Retriever vs Maltese? Which can be better for hunting?
Golden Retriever dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Golden Retriever vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Golden Retriever or a Maltese? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
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A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Golden Retriever or a Maltese? Compare play drive and energy.
The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Golden Retriever or a Maltese? Compare living space needs.
It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.

Golden Retriever vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Golden Retriever or a Maltese? Compare adaptability levels.
Golden Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Golden Retriever or Maltese?
Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Golden Retriever vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Golden Retriever or a Maltese? Compare biting tendencies.

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Golden Retriever or a Maltese? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Golden Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, 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 Golden Retriever or a Maltese? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Golden Retriever vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Golden Retriever or a Maltese? Compare average lifespans.
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Golden Retriever 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.
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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 Golden Retriever and a Maltese. Which breed is healthier?
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Golden Retriever vs Maltese?
Rare
The Golden Retriever 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.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Golden Retriever vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Golden Retriever vs Maltese health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Golden Retriever vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Golden Retriever or a Maltese? Compare activity levels.
Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Golden Retriever vs Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Golden Retriever or Maltese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Golden Retriever or Maltese?
Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Golden Retriever vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Golden Retriever or a Maltese? Compare obesity risks.
High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Golden Retriever or a Maltese? Compare daily food needs.
3 to 4 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.

Golden Retriever vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Golden Retriever or a Maltese? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Golden Retriever and Maltese? Compare breed colors.
Golden
Light
White
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Golden Retriever or a Maltese? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Golden Retriever or a Maltese? Compare drooling amounts.
The Golden Retriever drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
See more.
The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Golden Retriever or a Maltese? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever and a Maltese? Compare fur types.
Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Feathered
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Golden Retriever or a Maltese? Compare bathing frequencies.
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
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 Golden Retriever or Maltese? Do Golden Retriever dogs shed more than Maltese dogs?
Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Golden Retriever vs Maltese Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Golden Retriever or a Maltese? Compare kid-friendliness.
Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Golden Retriever or Maltese? Which dog is more friendly?
Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Golden Retriever or Maltese?
Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Golden Retriever or Maltese? Can a Golden Retriever and a Maltese be friends? Do Golden Retriever dogs get along with Maltese dogs?
Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Golden Retriever vs Maltese?
Yes
Golden Retriever 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?
Yes
Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
No
Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.

Golden Retriever vs Maltese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Golden Retriever or a Maltese? Compare service capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Golden Retriever or a Maltese? Compare therapy capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Golden Retriever or a Maltese? Compare scenting abilities.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

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 Golden Retriever or a Maltese? Compare SAR abilities.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent 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 Golden Retriever or a Maltese? Compare maritime abilities.

Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes 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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever 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.

Golden Retriever vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Golden Retriever and Maltese. Which has larger litters?
5-10 puppies 3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Golden Retriever and Maltese breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Golden Retriever 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.

Golden Retriever vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Golden Retriever and Maltese. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Golden Retriever and Maltese. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers 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 Golden Retriever and Maltese. Which is more widely recognized?
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
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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