Maltese vs Leonberger
Compare Maltese and Leonberger 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
Leonberger
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
20 – 25 cm
65 – 80 cm
Weight
3 – 4 kg
40 – 77 kg
Life expectancy
12 – 15 years
9 – 10 years
Child friendly
3/5
5/5
Energy level
2/5
3/5
Intelligence
3/5
3/5
Trainability
3/5
4/5
Health
4/5
2/5
Grooming needs
3/5
3/5
Shedding
1/5
4/5
Barking level
3/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
2/5
2/5
Characteristics
Maltese
Tiny
Leonberger
Great with kids
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 Leonberger
Large, strongly built “gentle giant” with lion‑coloured, water‑resistant double coat and black mask. Typically calm, devoted, and very good with children and other pets when well socialised. Needs regular exercise, kind training, thorough grooming, and careful health management.
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