Tibetan 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.
Tibetan Terrier
Non-Sporting Group
Maltese
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Tibetan Terrier Overview
Tibetan Terriers showcase a medium-sized, square-proportioned build with a distinctive long, thick double coat that protected them from harsh Himalayan weather. Their unique broad head, pendant ears, and well-feathered tail carried over the back create an appealing silhouette. Naturally agile and sure-footed, these dogs move with remarkable grace and power, reflecting their mountainous heritage.
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: Tibetan Terriers are more energetic than Malteses, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Tibetan Terriers require less grooming attention compared to Malteses.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Tibetan 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 Tibetan Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Tibetan Terrier and Maltese, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Tibetan Terrier | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 15-16 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Tibetan Terrier | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 14-17 inches 36-43 cm | 7-9 inches 18-23 cm |
| Weight | 18-30 lbs 8-14 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 | Tibetan Terrier | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Loyal, Sensitive | Gentle, Playful, Charming |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Tibetan Terrier | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Tibetan Terrier Temperament
The Tibetan Terrier is known for being affectionate, loyal, sensitive, 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 Tibetan 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
Tibetan Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Maltese
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Tibetan Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Maltese
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Tibetan Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Maltese
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Tibetan Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Maltese
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Tibetan Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Maltese
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Tibetan Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Tibetan 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, Tibetan Terriers require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
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
Tibetan Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Lens Luxation
- CCL
- Hypothyroidism
Maltese Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- White Dog Shaker Syndrome
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Hypoglycemia
Pros & Cons
Tibetan Terrier
Pros
- Affectionate with family
- Good with children
- Minimal shedding
- Adaptable to various homes
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Can be stubborn
- Reserved with strangers
- Requires regular exercise
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 Tibetan Terrier and Maltese, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.