Rat 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.
Rat Terrier
Terrier Group
Maltese
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Rat Terrier Overview
Rat Terriers are compact, muscular dogs with a smooth, short coat and distinctive erect ears. Their athletic build reflects their heritage as skilled hunters, combining speed with agility. These versatile terriers showcase a balanced blend of strength and refinement, featuring a wedge-shaped head, dark expressive eyes, and a naturally graceful gait that speaks to their sporting background.
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: Rat Terriers are less energetic than Malteses, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Rat Terriers require less grooming attention compared to Malteses.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Rat Terriers tend to be more outgoing 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 Rat Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Rat Terrier and Maltese, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Rat Terrier | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-18 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Rat Terrier | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-18 inches 25-46 cm | 7-9 inches 18-23 cm |
| Weight | 10-25 lbs 5-11 kg | 7-7 lbs 3-3 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Rat Terrier | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Inquisitive, Lovable | Gentle, Playful, Charming |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Rat Terrier | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Rat Terrier Temperament
The Rat Terrier is known for being friendly, inquisitive, lovable, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
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 Rat 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
Rat Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Maltese
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Rat Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Maltese
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Rat Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Maltese
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Rat Terrier
Rating: 1/5
Maltese
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Rat Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Maltese
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Rat Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Rat Terriers 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, Rat 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
Rat Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Dental Issues
- Heart Murmurs
- Eye Problems
- Hip Issues
Maltese Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- White Dog Shaker Syndrome
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Hypoglycemia
Pros & Cons
Rat Terrier
Pros
- Excellent companion dog
- Low maintenance grooming
- Good with children
- Highly trainable
- Adaptable to various living situations
Cons
- Can be vocal
- High prey drive
- May be stubborn
- Requires regular exercise
- Can be territorial
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 Rat Terrier and Maltese, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.