Golden Retriever vs Maltese
Size Category
Medium
Ideal For
Families, Multi-pet Homes
Maintenance Level
Moderate
Decision Helper
Quick Decision Guide
Golden Retriever might be better if you:
- Want a dog great with children
- Have other pets at home
- Want an easily trainable dog
- Prefer low-maintenance grooming
- Live in an apartment or prefer quiet dogs
- Often have visitors or socialize frequently
Maltese might be better if you:
- Want a smaller dog that's easy to carry
Find Your Match
Quick Match Quiz
Question 1 of 7
What best describes your lifestyle?
Breed Overview
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a large-sized breed known for its friendly and intelligent nature. They have a dense, water-repellent coat that is typically golden in color, ranging from light to dark shades. Golden Retrievers are highly trainable, eager to please, and are known for their loyalty. They are excellent family pets due to their gentle disposition, making them great with children and other animals. They require regular exercise and enjoy activities such as fetching, swimming, and agility training. Their sociable and affectionate personality makes them suitable for various roles, including therapy and assistance dogs.
Maltese
The Maltese is a small toy breed known for its long, flowing white coat and lively personality. They typically weigh between 4 to 7 pounds and stand about 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder. Maltese dogs are characterized by their playful and affectionate nature, making them excellent companions. They are highly social, often forming strong bonds with their owners and family members. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them relatively easy to train, although they can sometimes exhibit a stubborn streak. Maltese are also known for their alertness, often acting as watchdogs despite their small size. They require regular grooming to maintain their beautiful coat and benefit from daily exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
Key Statistics
Life Expectancy
Height (Male)
Weight (Male)
Breed Characteristics
Good with Children
Excellent with children
Good with children
Good with Other Dogs
Very social with other dogs
Generally friendly with other dogs
Shedding
Heavy shedding level
Light shedding level
Grooming Needs
Low grooming needs
High grooming needs
Trainability
Highly trainable
Moderately trainable
Energy Level
Moderately energetic breed
Moderately energetic breed
Barking Tendency
Minimal barking tendency
Moderate barking tendency
Care Requirements
Care Requirements
Golden Retriever
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Brush their coat at least once a week to reduce shedding and matting.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet with high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and size.
Health Care
Schedule regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations.
Maltese
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Brush coat daily to prevent matting and tangles.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet appropriate for their size and age.
Health Care
Check and clean ears weekly to prevent infections.
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Brush their coat at least once a week to reduce shedding and matting.
Grooming
Brush coat daily to prevent matting and tangles.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet with high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and size.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet appropriate for their size and age.
Health Care
Schedule regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations.
Health Care
Check and clean ears weekly to prevent infections.
Additional Care Notes
Golden Retriever
- •Clean their ears weekly to prevent infections.
Maltese
- •Provide a balanced diet appropriate for their size and age.
Training & Exercise
Training & Exercise Guide
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and playtime to encourage good behavior. Consistency and patience are key, along with short, engaging training sessions to maintain their interest.
Training Challenges
- •Distraction from other animals or people during training sessions
- •Overexcitement leading to difficulty focusing
- •Separation anxiety that may affect training progress
- •Stubbornness in certain situations if not motivated properly
- •Jumping up on people due to their friendly nature
Maltese
Maltese dogs are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Basic training should include housebreaking, basic commands (sit, stay, come), and leash training. Start with short, positive training sessions and use rewards such as treats and praise to encourage good behavior. Consistency and patience are key, as Maltese puppies can be easily distracted.
Training Challenges
- •Stubbornness during training
- •Separation anxiety
- •Barking excessively
- •Housebreaking difficulties
- •Fear of loud noises
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and playtime to encourage good behavior. Consistency and patience are key, along with short, engaging training sessions to maintain their interest.
Training Challenges
- •Distraction from other animals or people during training sessions
- •Overexcitement leading to difficulty focusing
- •Separation anxiety that may affect training progress
- •Stubbornness in certain situations if not motivated properly
- •Jumping up on people due to their friendly nature
Maltese
Maltese dogs are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Basic training should include housebreaking, basic commands (sit, stay, come), and leash training. Start with short, positive training sessions and use rewards such as treats and praise to encourage good behavior. Consistency and patience are key, as Maltese puppies can be easily distracted.
Training Challenges
- •Stubbornness during training
- •Separation anxiety
- •Barking excessively
- •Housebreaking difficulties
- •Fear of loud noises
Training Resources
Golden Retriever Training Guide
Maltese Training Guide
Find Breeders
Find Golden Retriever Breeders
Find Maltese Breeders
Local Search Tips
When looking for a reputable breeder in your area, consider these approaches:
- 1.
Contact local veterinarians for breeder recommendations - They often know reputable breeders who prioritize health testing and proper care.
- 2.
Join breed-specific clubs in your area - These communities can provide valuable connections and insights about responsible breeders.
- 3.
Attend local dog shows to meet breeders - This gives you the opportunity to see their dogs and discuss breeding practices in person.