Maltese
VS
Icelandic Sheepdog
Maltese vs Icelandic Sheepdog
Compare Maltese and Icelandic Sheepdog 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
Icelandic Sheepdog
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
20 – 25 cm
41 – 46 cm
Weight
3 – 4 kg
10 – 14 kg
Life expectancy
12 – 15 years
13 – 17 years
Child friendly
3/5
3/5
Energy level
2/5
4/5
Intelligence
3/5
3/5
Trainability
3/5
4/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
3/5
3/5
Shedding
1/5
3/5
Barking level
3/5
4/5
Aggressiveness
2/5
2/5
Characteristics
Maltese
Tiny
Icelandic Sheepdog
High energy
Easy to train
Small
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 Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog is Iceland’s only native spitz‑type herder, medium‑small, sturdy, and agile with a curled tail and thick double coat in varied colors. Cheerful, social, and vocal, it thrives on daily exercise, close family involvement, gentle training, and regular grooming.
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