MalteseVSScottish Terrier

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

When it comes to playfulness, the Maltese has the edge with a 4/5 rating compared to the Scottish Terrier's 3/5. If you're looking for a dog that's always ready for a game of fetch, the Maltese is your pick.

Noise-wise, the Maltese is more vocal with a barking level of 4/5, while the Scottish Terrier is quieter at 3/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Scottish Terrier 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 Scottish Terrier is a small breed at 25–28 cm (10–11 in) and 8–10 kg (18–22 lbs).

The Scottish Terrier 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 Maltese has a long coat available in white, while the Scottish Terrier sports a wiry coat in black, wheaten, brindle. 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 Scottish Terrier has moderate energy (3/5) and moderate exercise needs (3/5).

You'll need to dedicate more time to exercising the Scottish Terrier, 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 Scottish Terrier's 4/5. The Scottish Terrier generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

The Scottish Terrier sheds more than the Maltese — 2/5 versus 1/5. You'll want to invest in a good lint roller and vacuum if you go with the Scottish Terrier.

The Maltese demands more grooming attention with a score of 5/5, while the Scottish Terrier is lower-maintenance at 4/5. 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 $300 for the Scottish Terrier. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

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

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 Scottish Terrier is prone to scottie cramp, von Willebrand's disease, bladder cancer, craniomandibular osteopathy. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $450 for the Maltese and $500 for the Scottish Terrier. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

The Maltese is easier to train with a trainability score of 3/5, making it more suitable for first-time dog owners. The Scottish Terrier scores 2/5 and may require more patience and experience during training sessions.

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 Maltese and Scottish Terrier 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 Maltese leans toward adaptive intelligence — reading human emotions, adapting to new environments, and solving unfamiliar problems. The Scottish Terrier, on the other hand, shows strong instinctive intelligence — excelling at breed-specific tasks through natural instinct rather than learned behavior.

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.

The Scottish Terrier edges ahead as a family dog, scoring 3/5 with children versus the Maltese's 2/5. The Scottish Terrier's independent 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 Scottish Terrier (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 Scottish Terrier 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 Scottish Terrier typically costs $1,000–$2,500. The Scottish Terrier is the more expensive breed to purchase.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,250 for the Maltese and $1,220 for the Scottish Terrier. The Maltese is more expensive to maintain year over year, mainly due to grooming expenses.

Monthly food costs run about $25 for the Maltese and $35 for the Scottish Terrier. 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.