Maltese vs German Longhaired Pointer
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
German Longhaired Pointer
Foundation Stock Service
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.
German Longhaired Pointer Overview
German Longhaired Pointers embody versatility with their athletic build and distinctive medium-length coat. Their balanced proportions combine strength with elegance, featuring a noble head, expressive eyes, and well-feathered tail. These dogs display a harmonious blend of power and grace in their movement, with their coat typically showing liver-colored patches on a white background.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Malteses are less energetic than German Longhaired Pointers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Malteses require more grooming attention compared to German Longhaired Pointers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Malteses tend to be more reserved with strangers than German Longhaired Pointers.
- 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 German Longhaired Pointers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Maltese and German Longhaired Pointer, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Maltese | German Longhaired Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Maltese | German Longhaired Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 7-9 inches 18-23 cm | 22-28 inches 56-71 cm |
| Weight | 7-7 lbs 3-3 kg | 55-80 lbs 25-36 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Unknown |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Maltese | German Longhaired Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Gentle, Playful, Charming | Versatile, Calm, Family-Oriented |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Maltese | German Longhaired Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
German Longhaired Pointer Temperament
The German Longhaired Pointer is characterized by being versatile, calm, family-oriented, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Maltese and German Longhaired Pointer, 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
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Maltese
Rating: 3/5
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Maltese
Rating: 3/5
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Maltese
Rating: 2/5
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Maltese
Rating: 5/5
German Longhaired Pointer
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.
German Longhaired Pointer Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
German Longhaired Pointers 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, German Longhaired Pointers 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
German Longhaired Pointer Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Ear Infections
- Von Willebrand's
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
German Longhaired Pointer
Pros
- Excellent hunting companion
- Highly trainable
- Good family dog
- Versatile worker
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Regular grooming required
- Not suited for apartment living
- Strong hunting instincts
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Maltese and German Longhaired Pointer, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.