BulldogVSMaltese

The Bulldog is known for being docile, willful, friendly, while the Maltese is typically described as gentle, playful, charming. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

The Maltese tends to be more playful, scoring 4/5 versus the Bulldog's 3/5. Expect the Maltese to be more eager for playtime and interactive games.

Noise-wise, the Maltese is more vocal with a barking level of 4/5, while the Bulldog is quieter at 2/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Bulldog may be the better choice.

The Bulldog is a medium breed standing 31–40 cm (12–16 in) tall and weighing 18–25 kg (40–55 lbs). In comparison, the Maltese is a small breed at 18–25 cm (7–10 in) and 1–3 kg (2–7 lbs).

There's a significant size difference between these two breeds. The Bulldog is considerably heavier, which means higher food costs and the need for more physical space. The Maltese's smaller frame makes it easier to handle and transport.

The Bulldog has a short coat available in brindle, white, fawn, red, piebald, while the Maltese sports a long coat in white. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Bulldog has low energy (2/5) with low exercise needs (2/5). The Maltese has moderate energy (3/5) and low exercise needs (2/5).

Both breeds have similar exercise requirements, so your daily activity routine won't change much regardless of which you choose. Plan for regular walks and play sessions to keep either breed content.

When it comes to shedding, the Bulldog drops more fur with a shedding level of 3/5, while the Maltese is lighter at 1/5. If pet hair on furniture is a concern, the Maltese will be easier to live with.

Grooming-wise, the Maltese needs more upkeep (5/5) than the Bulldog (2/5). The Maltese's long coat demands regular professional grooming to stay in top shape.

Annual grooming costs average around $100 for the Bulldog and $500 for the Maltese. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Bulldog has a lifespan of 8–10 years, while the Maltese lives 12–15 years. The Maltese generally has a longer lifespan.

The Maltese is generally the healthier breed, scoring 3/5 for health robustness versus the Bulldog's 1/5. This often translates to fewer vet visits and lower medical costs.

Common health issues for the Bulldog include brachycephalic syndrome, hip dysplasia, cherry eye, skin infections. The Maltese is prone to patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt, progressive retinal atrophy, dental disease. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $900 for the Bulldog and $450 for the Maltese. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

Training comes more naturally with the Maltese, which scores 3/5 for trainability. The Bulldog's score of 2/5 means you may need more patience and consistency to see results.

The Maltese ranks higher in intelligence (4/5 vs 2/5), which can be both a blessing and a challenge. Smarter dogs learn commands faster but also get bored more easily and may develop behavioral issues without mental stimulation.

Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.

For families with children, the Bulldog is the stronger choice, scoring 4/5 for kid-friendliness compared to the Maltese's 2/5. The Bulldog's docile nature makes it a natural fit for households with young ones.

The initial purchase price for a Bulldog ranges from $1,500–$4,000, while a Maltese typically costs $600–$2,500. The Bulldog has a higher upfront cost.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,600 for the Bulldog and $1,250 for the Maltese. The Bulldog is more expensive to maintain year over year, mainly due to higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $50 for the Bulldog and $25 for the Maltese. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.