Staffordshire 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.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Terrier Group
Maltese
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Overview
Staffordshire Bull Terriers showcase a muscular, compact build with distinctive broad heads and rose-shaped ears. Their short, smooth coat comes in various colors, complementing their strong, athletic physique. Known for combining remarkable strength with agility, these terriers display a confident stance and move with determined grace. Their expressive eyes and characteristic 'Staffie smile' reflect their warm, affectionate nature.
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: Staffordshire Bull Terriers are more energetic than Malteses, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Staffordshire Bull Terriers require less grooming attention compared to Malteses.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Staffordshire Bull 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 Staffordshire Bull Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Maltese, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 14-16 inches 36-41 cm | 7-9 inches 18-23 cm |
| Weight | 24-38 lbs 11-17 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 | Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Clever, Brave, Tenacious | Gentle, Playful, Charming |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Temperament
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is known for being clever, brave, tenacious, 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. 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 Staffordshire 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
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Maltese
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Maltese
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Maltese
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Maltese
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Maltese
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Staffordshire 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, Staffordshire 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
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- L-2-HGA
- Cataracts
- Skin allergies
- Heart problems
Maltese Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- White Dog Shaker Syndrome
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Hypoglycemia
Pros & Cons
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Pros
- Loyal and affectionate
- Good with children
- Low maintenance grooming
- Compact size
- Athletic and agile
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- High exercise needs
- May be dog-aggressive
- Strong prey drive
- Not suitable for novice owners
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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Maltese, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.