Maltese
VS
Irish Wolfhound
Maltese vs Irish Wolfhound
Compare Maltese and Irish Wolfhound 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
Irish Wolfhound
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
20 – 25 cm
71 – 90 cm
Weight
3 – 4 kg
40 – 69 kg
Life expectancy
12 – 15 years
6 – 8 years
Child friendly
3/5
5/5
Energy level
2/5
3/5
Intelligence
3/5
3/5
Trainability
3/5
3/5
Health
4/5
3/5
Grooming needs
3/5
3/5
Shedding
1/5
3/5
Barking level
3/5
1/5
Aggressiveness
2/5
3/5
Characteristics
Maltese
Tiny
Irish Wolfhound
Great with kids
Quiet
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 Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds are giant, tall hounds with a strong yet graceful build and a rough, weather‑resistant coat. Calm, gentle and sensitive, they are low‑key indoors but need steady exercise and space. They have notable health risks and a relatively short lifespan, so careful breeding and care are vital.
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