Miniature Bull Terrier vs Maltese
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Miniature Bull Terrier
Terrier Group
Maltese
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Miniature Bull Terrier Overview
Miniature Bull Terriers possess a distinctive egg-shaped head and muscular build, packed into a compact frame. Their gleaming white coat and mischievous expression reflect their playful nature. Standing 10-14 inches tall, these sturdy terriers combine strength with agility, featuring erect ears, small triangular eyes, and a well-proportioned body that exemplifies power and grace.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Miniature Bull Terriers are more energetic than Malteses, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Miniature Bull Terriers require less grooming attention compared to Malteses.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Miniature Bull Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Malteses.
- 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 Miniature Bull Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Miniature Bull Terrier and Maltese, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Miniature Bull Terrier | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 11-13 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Miniature Bull Terrier | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-14 inches 25-36 cm | 7-9 inches 18-23 cm |
| Weight | 18-28 lbs 8-13 kg | 7-7 lbs 3-3 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Miniature Bull Terrier | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Upbeat, Mischievous, Comical | Gentle, Playful, Charming |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Miniature Bull Terrier | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Miniature Bull Terrier Temperament
The Miniature Bull Terrier is known for being upbeat, mischievous, comical, 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. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Maltese Temperament
The Maltese is characterized by being gentle, playful, charming, 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 Miniature Bull Terrier and Maltese, 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
Miniature Bull Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Maltese
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Miniature Bull Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Maltese
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Miniature Bull Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Maltese
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Miniature Bull Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Maltese
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Miniature Bull Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Maltese
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Miniature Bull Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Miniature Bull Terriers require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Miniature Bull Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Maltese Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Malteses 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, Malteses require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Miniature Bull Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Heart Issues
- Lens Luxation
- Deafness
- Kidney Disease
- Joint Problems
Maltese Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- White Dog Shaker Syndrome
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Hypoglycemia
Pros & Cons
Miniature Bull Terrier
Pros
- Compact size
- Playful personality
- Low grooming needs
- Good with families
Cons
- Stubborn streak
- High exercise needs
- Can be vocal
- Health issues
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Miniature Bull Terrier and Maltese, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.