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Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese Comparison – Which dog is better Drop-Eared Norwich Terrier or Maltese lion dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese" Compare Norfolk Terrier and Maltese. Which is better: Norfolk Terrier or Maltese?
 
 
 
Name Norfolk Terrier Maltese
OriginsUnited Kingdom flagUnited Kingdom Italy flagItaly
Group Hunting Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank12833
Reviews03
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Drop-Eared Norwich Terrier Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, Norfolk Terrier or Maltese? Is the Norfolk Terrier bigger than the Maltese breed? Is a Norfolk Terrier smaller than a Maltese?
Small Small
Weight
Which is heavier, Norfolk Terrier or Maltese? Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese weight comparison:
10-12 pounds (4½-5½ kg) 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
11 pounds (5 kg) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Norfolk Terrier or Maltese? Is a Norfolk Terrier taller than a Maltese?
10 inches (25 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?
10 inches (25 cm) Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Norfolk Terrier or Maltese? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Norfolk Terrier and Maltese?
$2000-$2500 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Norfolk Terrier or Maltese?
Frequent: The Norfolk Terrier is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.

Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Norfolk Terrier or Maltese smarter? Which is best? Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese intelligence:
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Trainability
Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese trainability comparison. What's the difference between Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese?
Norfolk Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
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Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Norfolk Terrier or Maltese?
Norfolk Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Norfolk Terrier or Maltese? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Norfolk Terrier dogs are average defenders.
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Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Norfolk Terrier or Maltese? Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese behavior/temperament comparison:
Happy
Intelligent
Selfish
Fearless
Companionable
Spirited
Confidence
Lovable
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese?
Average to High: Norfolk Terrier dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese social needs comparison:
Norfolk Terrier dogs need for social interaction is average.
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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 Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese?
The wanderlust potential of the Norfolk Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
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Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese? Which can be better for hunting?
Their prey drive is low.
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Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese playfulness comparison:
The Norfolk Terrier is a playful breed.
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Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese?
Average to High: The Norfolk Terrier is a vocal breed.
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A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Norfolk Terrier or Maltese?
Apartment-friendly dog the Norfolk Terrier breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.

Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Norfolk Terrier 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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Norfolk Terrier 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.

Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Norfolk Terrier or Maltese?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Norfolk Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.
Biting Potential
Is a Norfolk Terrier more dangerous than a Maltese?

Low 🔽

The Norfolk Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese mouthiness comparison:
Norfolk Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese health comparison. Which is the healthier: Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese?
The Norfolk Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese health problems comparison:
No data available Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese?
Average
The Norfolk Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese lifespan comparison. How long do Norfolk Terrier and Maltese breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Norfolk Terrier and Maltese?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Norfolk Terrier: 13 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Norfolk Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
See more.

Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Norfolk Terrier or Maltese? Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese energy level comparison:
Norfolk Terrier 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.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Norfolk Terrier or Maltese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Norfolk Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Norfolk Terrier or Maltese?
Norfolk Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Norfolk Terrier or Maltese? Does the Norfolk Terrier breed eat more than the Maltese breed?
1/4 to 1/2 cup 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.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese weight gain potential comparison:
High: The Norfolk Terrier breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
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Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese coat comparison:
Wiry
Shaggy
Feathered
Colors
What are the original Norfolk Terrier and Maltese color? Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese color comparison:
Black
Tan
Red
Grizzle
Wheaten
White
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Norfolk Terrier or Maltese? Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese grooming comparison:
Average: The Norfolk Terrier requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Norfolk Terrier or Maltese? Do Norfolk Terrier dogs shed more than Maltese dogs?
Norfolk Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Norfolk Terrier or Maltese?
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
Yes See more. Yes See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Norfolk Terrier or Maltese?

Medium

The Norfolk Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese?
The Norfolk Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Norfolk Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Norfolk Terrier or Maltese? Which dog is more friendly?
Norfolk Terrier dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Norfolk Terrier or Maltese?
Norfolk Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Norfolk Terrier or Maltese?
Norfolk Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Norfolk Terrier or Maltese? Can a Norfolk Terrier and a Maltese be friends? Do Norfolk Terrier dogs get along with Maltese dogs?
Norfolk Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese?
Yes
Norfolk Terrier 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
Norfolk Terrier 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?
Norfolk Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.

Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Norfolk Terrier or Maltese? Which is better for autism?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be 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.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese?

Not really

Norfolk Terrier 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.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

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.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog

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.

Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Norfolk Terrier and Maltese have? Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese litter size comparison:
2-5 puppies 3-5 puppies

Norfolk Terrier vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1979 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
No data available 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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