Bulldog vs Maltese
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Bulldog
The gentle, courageous Bulldog is a beloved symbol of determination. Despite their muscular build, they are calm and friendly companions who prefer lounging on the couch to long hikes.
VS
Maltese
An aristocratic toy breed with a flowing white coat and gentle, playful personality. The Maltese has been a cherished lap dog for millennia and is surprisingly spirited for its tiny size.
Quick Answer
Choose Bulldog if you want better with kids. Choose Maltese if you want easier to train and less shedding.
Quick Comparison
Bulldog
Attribute
Maltese
medium
Size
small
18–25 kg (40–55 lbs)
Weight
1–3 kg (2–7 lbs)
31–40 cm (12–16 in)
Height
18–25 cm (7–10 in)
8–10 yrs
Lifespan
12–15 yrsBetter
2/5
Trainability
3/5Better
2/5
Energy
3/5
Better4/5
Good with Kids
2/5
3/5
Shedding
1/5Better
Better2/5
Grooming
5/5
5/5
Apartment
5/5
1/5
Health
3/5Better
$1,500–$4,000
Price
$600–$2,500Better
Attribute Comparison
Which Is Healthier — Bulldog or Maltese? Health Compared
Maltese tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Bulldog
Maltese
Lifespan (years)
8–10
vs12–15Better
Health Robustness
1/5
vs3/5Better
Life expectancy favors the Maltese: 12–15 years versus the Bulldog's 8–10 years. For many families, those extra years together are a compelling reason to lean toward the Maltese.
Which Sheds More — Bulldog or Maltese? Grooming Compared
Bulldog sheds more; Maltese is easier to maintain.
Bulldog
Maltese
Shedding
3/5
vs1/5Better
Grooming Needs
Better2/5
vs5/5
If you hate vacuuming, this matters. The Bulldog's 3/5 shedding level means daily fur management is part of life.
Bulldog vs Maltese: Purchase and Lifetime Cost
Maltese is less expensive to own annually.
Bulldog
Avg. Purchase$2,750
Annual Food$600
Annual Vet$900
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,600
Maltese
Avg. Purchase$1,550
Annual Food$300
Annual Vet$450
Annual Grooming$500
Annual Total$1,250 ✓
The upfront cost gap is substantial. A Bulldog puppy runs $1,500–$4,000, while a Maltese is $600–$2,500.
Bulldog and Maltese Temperament: What to Expect
Bulldog is calmer; Maltese is more energetic.
Bulldog
Maltese
Playfulness
3/5
vs4/5Better
Barking Level
Better2/5
vs4/5
Energy
2/5
vs3/5
One of the most important factors in choosing between these two breeds is temperament. The Bulldog is typically docile, willful and friendly, making them well suited for apartment living, families, seniors and first-time owners.
Bulldog vs Maltese: Size and Coat
Bulldog is the larger breed; Maltese is more compact.
Bulldog
Maltese
Weight (kg)
18–25
vs1–3
Height (cm)
31–40
vs18–25
You'll notice the size difference immediately. The Bulldog stands 31–40 cm (12–16 in) tall and weighs 18–25 kg (40–55 lbs), making it considerably larger than the Maltese at 18–25 cm (7–10 in) and 1–3 kg (2–7 lbs).
Bulldog vs Maltese: Training and Intelligence
Maltese is generally easier to train.
Bulldog
Maltese
Trainability
2/5
vs3/5Better
Intelligence
2/5
vs4/5Better
The Maltese has a slight training edge (3/5 vs 2/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Maltese tends to catch on a bit faster.
Family and Social Compatibility: Bulldog vs Maltese
Bulldog is better suited for families with children.
Bulldog
Maltese
Good with Kids
Better4/5
vs2/5
Good with Dogs
3/5
vs3/5
Strangers
4/5
vs4/5
For families with children, the Bulldog is the significantly stronger choice. With a kid-friendliness score of 4/5, the Bulldog's docile nature makes it a natural family companion.
Bulldog vs Maltese: Energy and Exercise Compared
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
Bulldog
Maltese
Energy Level
2/5
vs3/5
Exercise Needs
2/5
vs2/5
Apartment Friendly
5/5
vs5/5
Both breeds share identical exercise needs (2/5) and similar energy levels (Bulldog: 2/5, Maltese: 3/5). Your daily exercise routine will look the same regardless of which breed you choose — a daily walk and some playtime covers both breeds' needs.
Summary and Final Take: Bulldog or Maltese?
On balance, the Maltese has the edge — it's easier to train (3/5 vs 2/5), less shedding (1/5), better health profile (3/5). For most families, the Maltese is the more practical choice, particularly if you value an easy-to-train companion.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Bulldog and Maltese are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Bulldog sheds considerably more, Bulldog is much more kid-friendly. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Maltese by roughly $400/year.
Choose Bulldog if...
- ✓You have young children — Bulldogs are generally more patient and gentle with kids.
Choose Maltese if...
- ✓Budget matters to you — Malteses cost roughly $400 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Bulldog or Maltese?
The Bulldog scores 4/5 for being good with kids, making it the better family choice compared to the Maltese's 2/5. The Bulldog is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Bulldog or Maltese easier to train?
The Maltese is easier to train, scoring 3/5 versus the Bulldog's 2/5. The Maltese's eagerness to please makes training sessions more productive.
Which costs more, a Bulldog or Maltese?
A Bulldog puppy costs $1,500–$4,000 while a Maltese costs $600–$2,500. Annual maintenance runs about $1,600 for the Bulldog and $1,250 for the Maltese. The Bulldog is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do Bulldogs or Malteses live longer?
The Bulldog lives 8–10 years on average, while the Maltese lives 12–15 years. The Maltese tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Bulldog or Maltese live in an apartment?
The Bulldog is equally suited for apartments (5/5) as the Maltese (5/5). The Bulldog is one of our top picks for apartment living.