Maltese vs American Hairless Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Maltese
Toy Group
American Hairless Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
American Hairless Terrier Overview
American Hairless Terriers showcase a muscular, elegant build with smooth, warm skin in various color combinations. Their alert expression and graceful movement reflect their terrier heritage. Standing 12-16 inches at the shoulder, these dogs display a balanced, athletic physique with a distinctive wedge-shaped head and expressive eyes that convey their intelligent, inquisitive nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Malteses are less energetic than American Hairless Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Malteses require more grooming attention compared to American Hairless Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Malteses tend to be more reserved with strangers than American Hairless Terriers.
- Trainability: American Hairless Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their American Hairless Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: American Hairless Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Malteses typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Maltese and American Hairless Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Maltese | American Hairless Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 14-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | United States |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Maltese | American Hairless Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 7-9 inches 18-23 cm | 12-16 inches 30-41 cm |
| Weight | 7-7 lbs 3-3 kg | 12-16 lbs 5-7 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Unknown |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Maltese | American Hairless Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Gentle, Playful, Charming | Energetic, Alert, Curious |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Maltese | American Hairless Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Maltese Temperament
The Maltese is known for being gentle, playful, charming, 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. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
American Hairless Terrier Temperament
The American Hairless Terrier is characterized by being energetic, alert, curious, which makes them great companions for families. 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 Maltese and American Hairless Terrier, 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
Maltese
Rating: 3/5
American Hairless Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Maltese
Rating: 3/5
American Hairless Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Maltese
Rating: 3/5
American Hairless Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Maltese
Rating: 2/5
American Hairless Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Maltese
Rating: 5/5
American Hairless Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Maltese Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Malteses require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Malteses require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
American Hairless Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
American Hairless Terriers 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, American Hairless Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Maltese Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- White Dog Shaker Syndrome
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Hypoglycemia
American Hairless Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Allergies
- Dental issues
- Patella luxation
- Eye problems
- Heart issues
Pros & Cons
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
American Hairless Terrier
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Great for families
- Low maintenance grooming
- Highly adaptable
- Intelligent and trainable
Cons
- Needs sun protection
- Temperature sensitive
- Can be stubborn
- Requires regular exercise
- May be vocal
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Maltese and American Hairless Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.