MalteseVSRottweiler

The Maltese is known for being gentle, playful, charming, while the Rottweiler is typically described as loyal, confident, protective. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

Both breeds share a similar playfulness level at 4/5, so you can expect comparable levels of fun and games from either one.

Noise-wise, the Maltese is more vocal with a barking level of 4/5, while the Rottweiler is quieter at 3/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Rottweiler 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 Rottweiler is a large breed at 56–69 cm (22–27 in) and 36–60 kg (79–132 lbs).

There's a significant size difference between these two breeds. The Rottweiler 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 Rottweiler sports a short coat in black and mahogany, black and tan, black and rust. 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 Rottweiler has high energy (4/5) and high exercise needs (4/5).

You'll need to dedicate more time to exercising the Rottweiler, 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 Rottweiler's 2/5. The Rottweiler generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

The Rottweiler sheds more than the Maltese — 3/5 versus 1/5. You'll want to invest in a good lint roller and vacuum if you go with the Rottweiler.

The Maltese demands more grooming attention with a score of 5/5, while the Rottweiler is lower-maintenance at 2/5. The Maltese's long coat requires regular brushing and professional grooming sessions, adding to the overall cost of ownership.

Annual grooming costs average around $500 for the Maltese and $150 for the Rottweiler. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Maltese has a lifespan of 12–15 years, while the Rottweiler lives 8–10 years. The Maltese tends to live longer on average.

Both breeds score 3/5 for health robustness, meaning they share similar overall health profiles.

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

Annual vet costs average $450 for the Maltese and $600 for the Rottweiler. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

Training comes more naturally with the Rottweiler, which scores 4/5 for trainability. The Maltese's score of 3/5 means you may need more patience and consistency to see results.

The Rottweiler 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 Rottweiler edges ahead as a family dog, scoring 3/5 with children versus the Maltese's 2/5. The Rottweiler's loyal temperament makes it especially patient around kids.

If you have other pets, the Maltese tends to get along better with other dogs (3/5) than the Rottweiler (2/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Maltese is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The Maltese is more welcoming to strangers (4/5), while the Rottweiler 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 Maltese ranges from $600–$2,500, while a Rottweiler typically costs $1,000–$3,000. The Rottweiler is the more expensive breed to purchase.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,250 for the Maltese and $1,590 for the Rottweiler. The Rottweiler costs more annually, largely because of higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $25 for the Maltese and $70 for the Rottweiler. 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.