MalteseVSPoodle

The Maltese is known for being gentle, playful, charming, while the Poodle is typically described as intelligent, elegant, athletic. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

The Poodle tends to be more playful, scoring 5/5 versus the Maltese's 4/5. Expect the Poodle 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 Poodle is quieter at 3/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Poodle may be the better choice.

The Maltese is a small breed standing 18–25 cm (7–10 in) tall and weighing 1–3 kg (2–7 lbs). In comparison, the Poodle is a medium breed at 38–61 cm (15–24 in) and 18–32 kg (40–71 lbs).

There's a significant size difference between these two breeds. The Poodle 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 Maltese has a long coat available in white, while the Poodle sports a curly coat in black, white, apricot, brown, cream, silver. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Maltese has moderate energy (3/5) with low exercise needs (2/5). The Poodle has high energy (4/5) and high exercise needs (4/5).

You'll need to dedicate more time to exercising the Poodle, which thrives on vigorous daily activity. The Maltese is less demanding in this regard and settles more easily into a relaxed routine.

For apartment dwellers, the Maltese is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 5/5, compared to the Poodle's 3/5. The Poodle generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

Both breeds shed at a similar rate (1/5), so you can expect comparable amounts of loose fur from either one.

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 $500 for the Maltese and $600 for the Poodle. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

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

The Poodle is generally the healthier breed, scoring 4/5 for health robustness versus the Maltese's 3/5. This often translates to fewer vet visits and lower medical costs.

Common health issues for the Maltese include patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt, progressive retinal atrophy, dental disease. The Poodle is prone to hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, Addison's disease, bloat. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

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

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

The Poodle ranks higher in intelligence (5/5 vs 4/5), 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.

The Poodle edges ahead as a family dog, scoring 4/5 with children versus the Maltese's 2/5. The Poodle's intelligent temperament makes it especially patient around kids.

If you have other pets, the Poodle tends to get along better with other dogs (4/5) than the Maltese (3/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Poodle is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The initial purchase price for a Maltese ranges from $600–$2,500, while a Poodle typically costs $1,000–$3,000. The Poodle is the more expensive breed to purchase.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,250 for the Maltese and $1,650 for the Poodle. The Poodle costs more annually, largely because of higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $25 for the Maltese and $50 for the Poodle. 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.