Maltese vs Spanish Mastiff
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
Spanish Mastiff
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.
Spanish Mastiff Overview
Majestic Spanish Mastiffs possess a commanding presence with their massive build and dignified bearing. Their thick, muscular frame supports a large head with pendulous jowls and a distinctive wrinkled brow. The dense coat comes in various colors, predominantly fawn and brindle. Despite their imposing size, these gentle giants display remarkable gentleness and patience, particularly with family members.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Malteses are more energetic than Spanish Mastiffs, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Malteses require more grooming attention compared to Spanish Mastiffs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Malteses tend to be more reserved with strangers than Spanish Mastiffs.
- Trainability: Spanish Mastiffs may be slightly easier to train due to their Spanish Mastiff's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Malteses adapt better to apartment living, while Spanish Mastiffs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Maltese and Spanish Mastiff, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Maltese | Spanish Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Giant |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Maltese | Spanish Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 7-9 inches 18-23 cm | 28-35 inches 71-89 cm |
| Weight | 7-7 lbs 3-3 kg | 140-200 lbs 64-91 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Maltese | Spanish Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Gentle, Playful, Charming | Affectionate, Intelligent, Kind |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Maltese | Spanish Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Spanish Mastiff Temperament
The Spanish Mastiff is characterized by being affectionate, intelligent, kind, 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 Spanish Mastiff, 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
Spanish Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Maltese
Rating: 3/5
Spanish Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Maltese
Rating: 3/5
Spanish Mastiff
Rating: 2/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Maltese
Rating: 2/5
Spanish Mastiff
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Maltese
Rating: 5/5
Spanish Mastiff
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.
Spanish Mastiff Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Spanish Mastiffs 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, Spanish Mastiffs 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
Spanish Mastiff Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart issues
- Eye problems
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
Spanish Mastiff
Pros
- Excellent guardian breed
- Gentle with family
- Patient temperament
- Low exercise needs
Cons
- Heavy drooling
- Significant food costs
- Space requirements
- Health issues
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Maltese and Spanish Mastiff, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.