Maltese
VS
Golden Retriever
Maltese vs Golden Retriever
Compare Maltese and Golden Retriever 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
Golden Retriever
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
20 – 25 cm
51 – 61 cm
Weight
3 – 4 kg
25 – 34 kg
Life expectancy
12 – 15 years
10 – 12 years
Child friendly
3/5
4/5
Energy level
2/5
3/5
Intelligence
3/5
5/5
Trainability
3/5
5/5
Health
4/5
3/5
Grooming needs
3/5
4/5
Shedding
1/5
5/5
Barking level
3/5
2/5
Aggressiveness
2/5
1/5
Characteristics
Maltese
Tiny
Golden Retriever
Great with kids
Super smart
Quiet
Easy to train
Large
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 Golden Retriever
Friendly, medium‑large retriever with dense, water‑repellent golden coat and soft mouth. Highly trainable, people‑oriented and playful, needing daily inclusion, grooming and 1.5–2 hours of varied exercise. Bred as a gundog, now common as family, assistance and therapy dog.
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