MalteseVSWest Highland White Terrier

The Maltese is known for being gentle, playful, charming, while the West Highland White Terrier is typically described as confident, loyal, entertaining. 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.

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 West Highland White Terrier is a small breed at 25–28 cm (10–11 in) and 6–10 kg (13–22 lbs).

The West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier sports a wiry coat in white. 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 West Highland White Terrier has moderate energy (3/5) and moderate exercise needs (3/5).

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

The West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier.

The Maltese demands more grooming attention with a score of 5/5, while the West Highland White 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 $400 for the West Highland White Terrier. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Maltese has a lifespan of 12–15 years, while the West Highland White Terrier lives 13–15 years. The West Highland White Terrier generally has a longer lifespan.

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 West Highland White Terrier is prone to atopic dermatitis, patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, pulmonary fibrosis. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $450 for the Maltese and $450 for the West Highland White Terrier. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

Both breeds are equally trainable at 3/5. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well with either breed.

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.

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

The initial purchase price for a Maltese ranges from $600–$2,500, while a West Highland White Terrier typically costs $800–$1,800. The Maltese has a higher upfront cost.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,250 for the Maltese and $1,270 for the West Highland White Terrier. The West Highland White Terrier costs more annually, largely because of higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $25 for the Maltese and $35 for the West Highland White 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.