Poodle vs Maltese: side by side
| Poodle | Maltese | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Standard: Large / Miniature: Small | XSmall |
| Weight | Standard 20–32 kg / Mini 5–9 kg | 3 kg (7 lb) |
| Height | Standard 45–60 cm / Mini 25–38 cm | 7–9 in (18–23 cm) |
| Lifespan | Standard 12–15 / Mini 14–17 years | 12-15 years |
| Exercise | Standard: 60+ / Mini: 40 per day | 45–60 per day |
| Shedding | Very low | Very low |
| Temperament | Extremely intelligent, sensitive, proud. Picks up both good habits and bad ones with equal speed. Can be reser | AKC temperament summary: playful / charming / gentle. Adaptability 4/5, affection with family 5/5, openness to |
The differences that actually matter
- Poodle is the bigger dog. Adults run Standard 20–32 kg / Mini 5–9 kg against 3 kg (7 lb) for the Maltese.
- Poodle needs more exercise. Poodles are listed at Standard: 60+ / Mini: 40 per day a day against 45–60 per day for the Maltese.
- Shedding: Poodle is rated very low, Maltese very low. In practice you will be brushing both.
- Lifespan: Poodle Standard 12–15 / Mini 14–17 years vs Maltese 12-15 years.
- Trainability: Poodle — Exceptional — among the most trainable of all breeds. Maltese — Moderate — learns well with consistency
- First-time owners: Poodle — Yes, if grooming costs are understood upfront. Maltese — Better with experienced or well-prepared owners.
So which one should you get?
Pick the Poodle if you want: Owners who want a brilliant companion and can commit to grooming..
Pick the Maltese if you want: Households able to offer a daily walk and some play; time (or budget) for regular coat care; commitment to socializing a natural guardian..
Neither is the "easier" option across the board — they fail in different ways. Be honest about which failure you can live with.
Health: what each one is prone to
Poodle: Bloat (Standard); Hip dysplasia; Addison's disease; Progressive retinal atrophy
Maltese: Hip dysplasia — confirm breeder screens breeding stock (OFA/PennHIP); Patellar luxation (slipping kneecap); Heart conditions — cardiac screening recommended; Dental disease — brush regularly; small jaws crowd teeth
Ask any breeder or rescue for the health testing relevant to these conditions before you commit. This page is educational — not veterinary advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Poodle and a Maltese?
Poodle is the bigger dog. Adults run Standard 20–32 kg / Mini 5–9 kg against 3 kg (7 lb) for the Maltese. Poodle needs more exercise. Poodles are listed at Standard: 60+ / Mini: 40 per day a day against 45–60 per day for the Maltese. Shedding: Poodle is rated very low, Maltese very low. In practice you will be brushing both. Personality differs too: the Poodle is extremely intelligent, sensitive, proud. picks up both good habits and bad ones with equal, while the Maltese is akc temperament summary: playful / charming / gentle. adaptability 4/5, affection with fam
Which is bigger, a Poodle or a Maltese?
Poodle is the bigger dog. Adults run Standard 20–32 kg / Mini 5–9 kg against 3 kg (7 lb) for the Maltese.
Is a Poodle or a Maltese better for first-time owners?
First-time owners: Poodle — Yes, if grooming costs are understood upfront. Maltese — Better with experienced or well-prepared owners.
Which sheds more, a Poodle or a Maltese?
Shedding: Poodle is rated very low, Maltese very low. In practice you will be brushing both.