Maltese
VS
Border Terrier
Maltese vs Border Terrier
Compare Maltese and Border Terrier side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
Maltese
Border Terrier
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
20 – 25 cm
28 – 40 cm
Weight
3 – 4 kg
5 – 7 kg
Life expectancy
12 – 15 years
12 – 14 years
Child friendly
3/5
3/5
Energy level
2/5
3/5
Intelligence
3/5
4/5
Trainability
3/5
4/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
3/5
2/5
Shedding
1/5
3/5
Barking level
3/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
2/5
3/5
Characteristics
Maltese
Tiny
Border Terrier
Super smart
Low grooming
Easy to train
Tiny
Summary
About Maltese
The Maltese is a small, sturdy companion dog with a long, white silky coat and expressive dark eyes. Affectionate and people oriented, it adapts well to apartments with daily walks. It needs regular grooming, dental care and gentle training, and often enjoys a long, active life.
About Border Terrier
Small, sturdy terrier originally bred on the England–Scotland border to hunt foxes. Affectionate, bonded to family, yet independent with strong prey drive. Needs 1–2 hours of daily exercise, secure fencing, and kind training. Wiry, weather-resistant coat needs brushing and occasional hand stripping.
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