Maltese vs Hovawart
Compare Maltese and Hovawart 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
Hovawart
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
20 – 25 cm
58 – 70 cm
Weight
3 – 4 kg
25 – 50 kg
Life expectancy
12 – 15 years
10 – 14 years
Child friendly
3/5
4/5
Energy level
2/5
4/5
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
4/5
Characteristics
Maltese
Tiny
Hovawart
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Low grooming
Protective
Easy to train
Giant
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 Hovawart
Large, powerful German farm guardian with medium‑long weatherproof coat in black, black and tan or blond. Deeply loyal, calm and family‑focused, but reserved with strangers and strongly territorial. Intelligent, independent and late‑maturing, needing consistent training, mental work and ample exercise.
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