Maltese vs Italian Greyhound vs Basenji Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltese lion dog or German: Italienisches Windspiel or African Barkless Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Italian Greyhound vs Basenji" Compare Maltese and Italian Greyhound. Which is better: Maltese or Italian Greyhound or Basenji?

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	Maltese	Italian Greyhound	Basenji
Origins	Italy	Italy	Democratic Republic of the Congo
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank	33	74	84
Reviews	3	2	2
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji breeds.	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog	German: Italienisches Windspiel Piccolo Levriero Italiano Galgo Italiano French: Petit Levrier Italiane	African Barkless Dog African Bush Dog Ango Angari Congo Terrier Zande Dog Congo Dog
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Maltese vs Italian Greyhound vs Basenji Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Medium
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji? Compare adult weight ranges.	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	6-10 pounds (3-5 kg)	Male: 22-26 pounds (10-12 kg), Female: 20-25 pounds (9-11 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)	8 pounds (4 kg)	Male: 24 pounds (11 kg), Female: 22.5 pounds (10 kg)
Height Which is taller, Maltese or Italian Greyhound or Basenji? Maltese vs Italian Greyhound vs Basenji height comparison:	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)	12-15 inches (30-38 cm)	Male: 16-17 inches (41-43 cm), Female: 15-16 inches (38-41 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)	13.5 inches (34 cm)	Male: 16.5 inches (42 cm), Female: 15.5 inches (39.5 cm)

Maltese vs Italian Greyhound vs Basenji Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. Find price differences between these breeds.	$600-$800	$800-$1000	$1000-$1200
Availability Which is easier to get, Maltese or Italian Greyhound or Basenji?	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Italian Greyhound is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Basenji is quite easy to get.

Maltese vs Italian Greyhound vs Basenji Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. Which breed ranks highest?	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Low: The Basenji is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. Which is easiest to train?	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Italian Greyhound dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Basenji dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. Which breed is most alert?	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Italian Greyhound dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Basenji dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. Which breed is most protective?	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Italian Greyhound dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Basenji dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Maltese vs Italian Greyhound vs Basenji Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji? Compare temperaments.	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Agile Intelligent Affectionate Companionable Athletic Mischievous	Curious Playful Energetic Alert Intelligent Affectionate
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Sensitive: Italian Greyhound dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	Basenji dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Italian Greyhound vs Basenji?	High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Italian Greyhound dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Slightly Below Average: Basenji dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Maltese vs Italian Greyhound vs Basenji social needs comparison:	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Italian Greyhound dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Basenji dogs are kinda antisocial. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Italian Greyhound dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	Basenji dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Italian Greyhound dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.	Basenji dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Maltese vs Italian Greyhound vs Basenji Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. Which breed is most vocal?	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Average: The Italian Greyhound barks occasionally. See more.	Low: The Basenji barks none to minimal. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. Which breed is most playful?	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Italian Greyhounds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Basenjis, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.	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 Italian Greyhound indoors.	It is not recommended to keep the Basenji breed in the home.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Maltese vs Italian Greyhound vs Basenji Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. Which breed is most flexible?	Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Italian Greyhound dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Average: Basenji dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Italian Greyhound or Basenji?	Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	Basenji dogs handle alone time quite well.

Maltese vs Italian Greyhound vs Basenji Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Italian Greyhound has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Basenji has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. Which uses mouth most during play?	Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Italian Greyhound dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Basenji dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Italian Greyhound bite force: Weak.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Basenji bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Maltese vs Italian Greyhound vs Basenji Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. Which breed lives longest?	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Italian Greyhound: 13 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Basenji: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. Which handles climate changes best?	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. 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 health problems common in Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. Which has fewer health issues?	The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Italian Greyhound is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Basenji 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?	Average The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Italian Greyhound should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Basenji 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: Maltese vs Italian Greyhound vs Basenji? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Italian Greyhound vs Basenji health problems comparison:	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome	Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Eye Problems Drug Sensitivity Thyroid Problems Alopecia	Eye Problems Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Kidney Issues

Maltese vs Italian Greyhound vs Basenji Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Maltese vs Italian Greyhound vs Basenji Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Low to Average: The Italian Greyhound has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	Low to Average: The Basenji has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. Which needs most food?	Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	3/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Maltese vs Italian Greyhound vs Basenji Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. What colors are available?	White	Black Gray Red Blue White Brown Yellow	Black Tan Red White Brindle
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. Which requires most maintenance?	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Effortless: The Italian Greyhound requires minimal grooming. See more.	Effortless: The Basenji requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. Which drools least?	The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Italian Greyhound is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Basenji is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Italian Greyhound has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Basenji has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Feathered	Fine	Fine
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. Which requires most frequent baths?	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Maltese or Italian Greyhound or Basenji? Maltese or Italian Greyhound or {name3 shedding:	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Italian Greyhound dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Basenji dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Maltese vs Italian Greyhound vs Basenji Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. Which is best with kids?	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Italian Greyhound dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.	Basenji dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Italian Greyhound dogs are generally with other pets.	Basenji dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Italian Greyhound or Basenji? Which dog is more friendly?	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Italian Greyhound dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Basenji dogs are not the most 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 Maltese or Italian Greyhound or Basenji?	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Italian Greyhound dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Basenji dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Italian Greyhound or Basenji?	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Italian Greyhound dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Basenji dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltese vs Italian Greyhound vs Basenji?	Yes Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Italian Greyhound dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Basenji dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Italian Greyhound is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Basenji is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.	Italian Greyhounds are not recommended for elderly people.	Basenjis are usually recommended for elderly people.

Maltese vs Italian Greyhound vs Basenji As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. Which is best suited for service work?	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.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. Which excels in therapy work?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. Which has best nose work ability?	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.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential Compare search and rescue potential between Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. Which is best for SAR work?	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.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Italian Greyhound breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Basenji breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. Which is best for draft work?	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.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. Which has most military use?	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.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Maltese vs Italian Greyhound vs Basenji Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. Which has most puppies?	3-5 puppies	2-4 puppies	4-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. What's recommended?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.

Maltese vs Italian Greyhound vs Basenji Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1944 as a Hound breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Sighthounds group, in the Short-haired Sighthounds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Primitive type section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Maltese, Italian Greyhound, and Basenji. Which has most recognition?	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	Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. 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 Canadian Canine Registry American Pet Registry, Inc.

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