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Compare Maltese and Italian Greyhound 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
Yes
Good with kids
Yes
Yes
Good for first-time owners
Yes
Yes
Shedding
Noise level
Exercise needs
Physical & general
Life span
12–15 years
12–15 years
Weight
3.5–4.5 kg
3.6–5.4 kg
Height
20–25 cm
32–38 cm
Origin
Malta
Italy
Grooming effort
Nutrition sensitivity
Health risk
Heat tolerance
Cold tolerance
The Maltese and the Italian Greyhound are both small dog breeds that share a lifespan of 12 to 15 years and are suitable for first-time owners. The Maltese, originating from Malta, is known for its low shedding and high sociability, making it an excellent companion for families and individuals alike. On the other hand, the Italian Greyhound, hailing from Italy, boasts a slightly higher energy level and exercise needs, appealing to active owners. Both breeds are apartment-friendly and good with children, but they differ in grooming difficulty and trainability. The Maltese requires more grooming effort, while the Italian Greyhound is easier to maintain. Choosing between these two breeds will depend on your lifestyle, grooming preferences, and activity level.
Maltese — Advantages
Low shedding level
High sociability
Good with kids
Apartment-friendly
Suitable for first-time owners
High sociability
Good with kids
Apartment-friendly
Suitable for first-time owners
Disadvantages
Higher grooming difficulty
Lower energy level compared to Italian Greyhound
Can stay alone for shorter periods
Lower energy level compared to Italian Greyhound
Can stay alone for shorter periods
Italian Greyhound — Advantages
Higher energy level
Lower grooming difficulty
Good with kids
Apartment-friendly
Can stay alone for longer periods
Lower grooming difficulty
Good with kids
Apartment-friendly
Can stay alone for longer periods
Disadvantages
Higher exercise needs
Moderate shedding level
Less trainable compared to Maltese
Moderate shedding level
Less trainable compared to Maltese
Frequently Asked Questions
Which breed is better for families with children?
Both breeds are good with kids, but the Maltese has a slight edge in sociability.
How do the grooming needs compare?
The Maltese has a higher grooming difficulty compared to the Italian Greyhound, which is easier to maintain.
Which breed is more suitable for active owners?
The Italian Greyhound has a higher energy level and exercise needs, making it more suitable for active owners.
Can both breeds live in apartments?
Yes, both breeds are apartment-friendly.
Which breed can be left alone for longer periods?
The Italian Greyhound can stay alone for longer periods compared to the Maltese.
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