Maltese vs Berger Picard
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
Berger Picard
Herding 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.
Berger Picard Overview
Berger Picards are elegant herding dogs with distinctive upright ears and a shaggy, tawny coat. Their muscular build and alert expression reflect their heritage as working dogs. Standing 23.5-25.5 inches tall, these medium-sized dogs combine strength with agility. Their natural, rustic appearance features a harsh double coat and expressive eyebrows that give them a uniquely charming look.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Malteses are less energetic than Berger Picards, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Malteses require more grooming attention compared to Berger Picards.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Malteses tend to be more reserved with strangers than Berger Picards.
- 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 Berger Picards typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Maltese and Berger Picard, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Maltese | Berger Picard |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Maltese | Berger Picard |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 7-9 inches 18-23 cm | 22-25 inches 55-65 cm |
| Weight | 7-7 lbs 3-3 kg | 50-70 lbs 23-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Maltese | Berger Picard |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Gentle, Playful, Charming | Loyal, Good-Natured, Observant |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Maltese | Berger Picard |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Berger Picard Temperament
The Berger Picard is characterized by being loyal, good-natured, observant, 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Maltese and Berger Picard, 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
Berger Picard
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Maltese
Rating: 3/5
Berger Picard
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Maltese
Rating: 3/5
Berger Picard
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Maltese
Rating: 2/5
Berger Picard
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Maltese
Rating: 5/5
Berger Picard
Rating: 2/5
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.
Berger Picard Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Berger Picards need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Berger Picards 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
Berger Picard Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Thyroid Issues
- Heart Disease
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
Berger Picard
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent herding instincts
- Good with families
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Can be stubborn
- May be reserved with strangers
- Requires experienced owner
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Maltese and Berger Picard, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.