Chesapeake Bay Retriever vs Maltese
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Sporting Group
Maltese
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Overview
Powerful and distinctive, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever boasts a thick, wavy coat in earthy tones perfectly suited for water work. Their strong, well-proportioned frame supports tireless swimming and retrieving, while their broad head features amber-colored eyes that convey intelligence and warmth. Known for their determined yet gentle nature, these retrievers combine rugged capability with family-oriented devotion.
Maltese Overview
Maltese dogs captivate with their flowing white silk coats and elegant bearing. Standing 7-9 inches tall with a compact body, these graceful companions feature dark expressive eyes, a black button nose, and a gently rounded skull. Their distinctive coat falls straight to the ground, creating a regal appearance that belies their playful, affectionate nature. Gentle yet spirited, they combine aristocratic refinement with a charming, vivacious personality.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are more energetic than Malteses, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Chesapeake Bay Retrievers require less grooming attention compared to Malteses.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Malteses.
- Trainability: Malteses may be slightly easier to train due to their Maltese's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Malteses adapt better to apartment living, while Chesapeake Bay Retrievers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and Maltese, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Chesapeake Bay Retriever | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 10-13 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Chesapeake Bay Retriever | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 21-26 inches 53-66 cm | 7-9 inches 18-23 cm |
| Weight | 55-80 lbs 25-36 kg | 7-7 lbs 3-3 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Chesapeake Bay Retriever | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Bright, Sensitive | Gentle, Playful, Charming |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Chesapeake Bay Retriever | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Temperament
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is known for being affectionate, bright, sensitive, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Maltese Temperament
The Maltese is characterized by being gentle, playful, charming, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and Maltese, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Rating: 3/5
Maltese
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Rating: 3/5
Maltese
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Rating: 4/5
Maltese
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Rating: 1/5
Maltese
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Rating: 4/5
Maltese
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Maltese Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Malteses need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Malteses require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Von Willebrand's
- Epilepsy
Maltese Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- White Dog Shaker Syndrome
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Hypoglycemia
Pros & Cons
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Pros
- Excellent water retriever
- Loyal family companion
- Weather-resistant coat
- Strong work ethic
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- Needs extensive exercise
- Can be stubborn
- Reserved with strangers
Maltese
Pros
- Minimal shedding
- Excellent companion dog
- Good for apartments
- Adaptable to different lifestyles
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Can be yappy
- Prone to dental issues
- Delicate physical structure
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and Maltese, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.