Lhasa ApsoVSMaltese

The Lhasa Apso is known for being confident, alert, independent, 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 Lhasa Apso's 3/5. Expect the Maltese to be more eager for playtime and interactive games.

The Lhasa Apso is a small breed standing 25–28 cm (10–11 in) tall and weighing 5–8 kg (11–18 lbs). In comparison, the Maltese is a small breed at 18–25 cm (7–10 in) and 1–3 kg (2–7 lbs).

The Lhasa Apso is somewhat larger, though the difference isn't dramatic. Both breeds are manageable for most owners, but the size gap does affect food portions and space requirements.

The Lhasa Apso has a long coat available in golden, cream, honey, black, white, parti-color, while the Maltese sports a long coat in white. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Lhasa Apso has moderate energy (3/5) 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 Lhasa Apso drops more fur with a shedding level of 2/5, while the Maltese is lighter at 1/5. If pet hair on furniture is a concern, the Maltese will be easier to live with.

Both breeds have similar grooming demands at 5/5. Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming visits will keep either breed looking their best.

Annual grooming costs average around $300 for the Lhasa Apso and $500 for the Maltese. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Lhasa Apso has a lifespan of 12–15 years, while the Maltese lives 12–15 years. Both breeds have comparable lifespans.

In terms of overall health robustness, the Lhasa Apso scores 4/5 compared to the Maltese's 3/5. The Lhasa Apso is generally a hardier breed with fewer genetic health concerns.

Common health issues for the Lhasa Apso include patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, dry eye, renal dysplasia. 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 $500 for the Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso's score of 2/5 means you may need more patience and consistency to see results.

Both breeds match in intelligence at 4/5, so expect similar learning speeds and mental stimulation needs from either choice.

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.

Both the Lhasa Apso and Maltese score 4/5 for intelligence, putting them on equal footing mentally. They'll learn commands at similar speeds and need comparable amounts of mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.

These breeds excel in different types of intelligence. The Lhasa Apso leans toward instinctive intelligence — naturally excelling at the tasks their breed was designed for, like guarding or herding. The Maltese, on the other hand, shows strong adaptive intelligence — figuring out new situations on their own and reading social cues effectively.

For either breed, mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, scent work, and interactive toys keep intelligent dogs engaged and prevent the boredom that leads to chewing, digging, or excessive barking.

For families with children, the Lhasa Apso is the stronger choice, scoring 3/5 for kid-friendliness compared to the Maltese's 2/5. The Lhasa Apso's confident nature makes it a natural fit for households with young ones.

The Maltese is more welcoming to strangers (4/5), while the Lhasa Apso tends to be more reserved (2/5). If you frequently have guests, the Maltese's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a Lhasa Apso ranges from $800–$2,000, while a Maltese typically costs $600–$2,500. The Maltese is the more expensive breed to purchase.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,160 for the Lhasa Apso and $1,250 for the Maltese. The Maltese costs more annually, largely because of grooming expenses.

Monthly food costs run about $30 for the Lhasa Apso 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.