Maltese vs Irish Wolfhound
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
Irish Wolfhound
Hound 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.
Irish Wolfhound Overview
Majestic Irish Wolfhounds stand as gentle giants of the canine world, with their distinctive rough coat and commanding presence. Their muscular build, deep chest, and long legs create an imposing yet graceful silhouette. Despite their formidable size, these hounds possess remarkably gentle temperaments, combining dignified bearing with patient, calm demeanors that make them exceptional companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Malteses are less energetic than Irish Wolfhounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Malteses require more grooming attention compared to Irish Wolfhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Malteses tend to be more reserved with strangers than Irish Wolfhounds.
- Trainability: Irish Wolfhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Irish Wolfhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Malteses adapt better to apartment living, while Irish Wolfhounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Maltese and Irish Wolfhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Maltese | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 6-8 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Maltese | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 7-9 inches 18-23 cm | 30-32 inches 76-81 cm |
| Weight | 7-7 lbs 3-3 kg | 105-120 lbs 48-54 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Maltese | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Gentle, Playful, Charming | Courageous, Dignified, Calm |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Maltese | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Irish Wolfhound Temperament
The Irish Wolfhound is characterized by being courageous, dignified, calm, 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 Maltese and Irish Wolfhound, 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
Irish Wolfhound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Maltese
Rating: 3/5
Irish Wolfhound
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Maltese
Rating: 3/5
Irish Wolfhound
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Maltese
Rating: 2/5
Irish Wolfhound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Maltese
Rating: 5/5
Irish Wolfhound
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.
Irish Wolfhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Irish Wolfhounds 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, Irish Wolfhounds 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
Irish Wolfhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Osteosarcoma
- Von Willebrand's Disease
- Bloat
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
Irish Wolfhound
Pros
- Gentle and patient temperament
- Good with children
- Minimal barking
- Noble and dignified presence
Cons
- Very short lifespan
- Requires large living space
- High food costs
- Health issues common
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Maltese and Irish Wolfhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.