Siberian Husky vs Maltese
Size Category
Medium
Ideal For
Families, Multi-pet Homes
Maintenance Level
Moderate
Decision Helper
Quick Decision Guide
Siberian Husky might be better if you:
- Want a dog great with children
- Have other pets at home
- Lead an active lifestyle
- Prefer low-maintenance grooming
- 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
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized working dog known for its striking appearance, characterized by a thick double coat, erect triangular ears, and distinctive markings. They are highly energetic, intelligent, and friendly, making them excellent companions for active families. Huskies are known for their endurance and strength, originally bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia for sledding and herding. They are social animals that thrive on interaction with humans and other dogs. Their playful nature and strong prey drive can make them challenging to train, but with consistent and positive reinforcement, they can learn well. They are not typically aggressive but can be independent and stubborn, requiring an owner who can provide firm guidance.
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
Moderately trainable
Moderately trainable
Energy Level
Very energetic breed
Moderately energetic breed
Barking Tendency
Frequent barking tendency
Moderate barking tendency
Care Requirements
Care Requirements
Siberian Husky
Exercise Needs
Provide a balanced diet appropriate for their age, size, and activity level.
Grooming
Brush their coat at least 2-3 times a week to reduce shedding and prevent matting.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet appropriate for their age, size, and activity level.
Health Care
Regularly check and clean their ears to prevent infections.
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
Provide a balanced diet appropriate for their age, size, and activity level.
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Brush their coat at least 2-3 times a week to reduce shedding and prevent matting.
Grooming
Brush coat daily to prevent matting and tangles.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet appropriate for their age, size, and activity level.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet appropriate for their size and age.
Health Care
Regularly check and clean their ears to prevent infections.
Health Care
Check and clean ears weekly to prevent infections.
Additional Care Notes
Siberian Husky
- •Schedule routine veterinary check-ups for vaccinations and health assessments.
Maltese
- •Provide a balanced diet appropriate for their size and age.
Training & Exercise
Training & Exercise Guide
Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies require consistent and positive reinforcement training. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and leash training. Socialization is crucial, exposing them to various environments, people, and other animals. Use treats and praise to encourage good behavior.
Training Challenges
- •Stubbornness and independence, making them difficult to train
- •High energy levels leading to destructive behavior if not exercised adequately
- •Tendency to escape and roam, requiring secure containment
- •Strong prey drive that can distract them during training
- •Sensitivity to harsh training methods, which can lead to fear or anxiety
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
Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies require consistent and positive reinforcement training. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and leash training. Socialization is crucial, exposing them to various environments, people, and other animals. Use treats and praise to encourage good behavior.
Training Challenges
- •Stubbornness and independence, making them difficult to train
- •High energy levels leading to destructive behavior if not exercised adequately
- •Tendency to escape and roam, requiring secure containment
- •Strong prey drive that can distract them during training
- •Sensitivity to harsh training methods, which can lead to fear or anxiety
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
Siberian Husky Training Guide
Maltese Training Guide
Find Breeders
Find Siberian Husky 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.