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Compare Maltese and Australian Cattle Dog side by side: temperament, energy, trainability, apartment fit, shedding, lifespan, weight and free adoption listings.
Breed traits
Character & behavior
Energy level
Playfulness
Intelligence
Trainability
Protectiveness
Sociability
Can stay alone
Lifestyle fit
Apartment-friendly
Yes
No
Good with kids
Yes
Yes
Good for first-time owners
Yes
No
Shedding
Noise level
Exercise needs
Physical & general
Life span
12–15 years
12–15 years
Weight
3.5–4.5 kg
14–22 kg
Height
20–25 cm
46–51 cm
Origin
Malta
Australia
Grooming effort
Nutrition sensitivity
Health risk
Heat tolerance
Cold tolerance
The Australian Cattle Dog and the Maltese are two distinct breeds that cater to different lifestyles and preferences. The Australian Cattle Dog, originating from Australia, is known for its high energy levels, intelligence, and trainability, making it suitable for active owners who can provide ample exercise. In contrast, the Maltese, hailing from Malta, is a smaller breed that thrives in apartment settings and is often recommended for first-time dog owners due to its friendly nature and lower exercise needs. While both breeds can coexist well with children, their grooming, exercise, and living requirements differ significantly, appealing to different types of pet owners.
Maltese — Advantages
Apartment-friendly, ideal for smaller living spaces.
Good for first-time dog owners due to its manageable nature.
Low shedding makes grooming easier.
Highly sociable, enjoys being around people and other pets.
Lower exercise needs fit well with a more relaxed lifestyle.
Good for first-time dog owners due to its manageable nature.
Low shedding makes grooming easier.
Highly sociable, enjoys being around people and other pets.
Lower exercise needs fit well with a more relaxed lifestyle.
Disadvantages
Less protective compared to Australian Cattle Dogs.
Grooming difficulty is higher due to their long coat.
Moderate health risks may require additional veterinary care.
Not as energetic, which may not suit active owners.
Grooming difficulty is higher due to their long coat.
Moderate health risks may require additional veterinary care.
Not as energetic, which may not suit active owners.
Australian Cattle Dog — Advantages
High energy level suitable for active lifestyles.
Intelligence and trainability make them easy to teach.
Good with kids, making them a family-friendly choice.
Protective nature adds a sense of security.
Adaptable to various climates, especially cold.
Intelligence and trainability make them easy to teach.
Good with kids, making them a family-friendly choice.
Protective nature adds a sense of security.
Adaptable to various climates, especially cold.
Disadvantages
Not apartment-friendly due to high exercise needs.
Requires experienced owners for optimal training.
Moderate shedding can be a concern for some owners.
Can become bored if left alone for long periods.
Requires experienced owners for optimal training.
Moderate shedding can be a concern for some owners.
Can become bored if left alone for long periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which breed is better for an active lifestyle?
The Australian Cattle Dog is better suited for an active lifestyle due to its high energy levels and exercise needs.
Are both breeds good with children?
Yes, both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Maltese are good with kids.
Which breed is easier to train?
The Australian Cattle Dog is generally easier to train due to its higher intelligence and trainability.
Can the Maltese live in an apartment?
Yes, the Maltese is apartment-friendly and adapts well to smaller living spaces.
How do the grooming needs compare?
The Australian Cattle Dog has a moderate grooming difficulty, while the Maltese has a higher grooming difficulty due to its long coat.
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