German Shepherd vs Maltese
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
German Shepherd
Courageous, confident, and incredibly intelligent, the German Shepherd is the world's premier working dog. They are fiercely loyal to their families and excel in police, military, and service roles.
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 German Shepherd if you want easier to train and better with kids. Choose Maltese if you want more apartment-friendly and less shedding.
Quick Comparison
German Shepherd
Attribute
Maltese
large
Size
small
22–40 kg (49–88 lbs)
Weight
1–3 kg (2–7 lbs)
55–65 cm (22–26 in)
Height
18–25 cm (7–10 in)
9–13 yrs
Lifespan
12–15 yrsBetter
Better5/5
Trainability
3/5
5/5
Energy
3/5
Better4/5
Good with Kids
2/5
5/5
Shedding
1/5Better
Better3/5
Grooming
5/5
2/5
Apartment
5/5Better
3/5
Health
3/5
$1,000–$3,000
Price
$600–$2,500Better
Attribute Comparison
Exercise Needs: German Shepherd vs Maltese
German Shepherd needs more exercise; Maltese is lower-maintenance.
German Shepherd
Maltese
Energy Level
5/5
vs3/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
vs2/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
vs5/5Better
These breeds sit on opposite ends of the activity spectrum. The German Shepherd (energy: 5/5, exercise: 5/5) was bred to work all day and still has that drive.
Grooming Differences: German Shepherd and Maltese
German Shepherd sheds more; Maltese is easier to maintain.
German Shepherd
Maltese
Shedding
5/5
vs1/5Better
Grooming Needs
Better3/5
vs5/5
Shedding is a major differentiator. The German Shepherd is a prolific shedder (5/5) — expect fur on your clothes, furniture, and car seats year-round.
German Shepherd and Maltese: Size and Appearance Compared
German Shepherd is the larger breed; Maltese is more compact.
German Shepherd
Maltese
Weight (kg)
22–40
vs1–3
Height (cm)
55–65
vs18–25
Size is one of the most obvious contrasts between these breeds. The German Shepherd tips the scales at 22–40 kg (49–88 lbs), dwarfing the Maltese's 1–3 kg (2–7 lbs).
Family Fit: German Shepherd vs Maltese With Kids and Other Pets
German Shepherd is better suited for families with children.
German Shepherd
Maltese
Good with Kids
Better4/5
vs2/5
Good with Dogs
3/5
vs3/5
Strangers
2/5
vs4/5Better
If kids are part of the equation, the data is clear: the German Shepherd scores 4/5 with children while the Maltese manages 2/5. The German Shepherd is naturally patient and gentle around young ones.
Which Is Easier to Train — German Shepherd or Maltese?
Training difficulty is a major difference. The German Shepherd (5/5) is eager to please and picks up commands quickly — one of the most trainable breeds out there.
Which Costs More to Own — German Shepherd or Maltese?
Maltese is less expensive to own annually.
German Shepherd
Avg. Purchase$2,000
Annual Food$780
Annual Vet$600
Annual Grooming$200
Annual Total$1,580
Maltese
Avg. Purchase$1,550
Annual Food$300
Annual Vet$450
Annual Grooming$500
Annual Total$1,250 ✓
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $1,000–$3,000 for a German Shepherd versus $600–$2,500 for a Maltese. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Health Profile: German Shepherd and Maltese Compared
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
German Shepherd
Maltese
Lifespan (years)
9–13
vs12–15Better
Health Robustness
3/5
vs3/5
The lifespan difference is significant. Malteses live 12–15 years on average, while German Shepherds live 9–13 years.
Temperament: German Shepherd vs Maltese
Maltese is calmer; German Shepherd is more energetic.
German Shepherd
Maltese
Playfulness
4/5
vs4/5
Barking Level
4/5
vs4/5
Energy
5/5
vs3/5
When you live with a German Shepherd, you'll notice their courageous, intelligent and loyal character in everything they do. A Maltese, by contrast, shows a gentle, playful and charming nature.
Summary: German Shepherd or Maltese?
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the German Shepherd if you value easier to train (5/5 vs 3/5) and better with children (4/5).
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The German Shepherd and Maltese are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: German Shepherd needs significantly more daily exercise than Maltese, German Shepherd sheds considerably more. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Maltese by roughly $300/year.
Choose German Shepherd if...
- ✓You have young children — German Shepherds are generally more patient and gentle with kids.
- ✓This is your first dog — German Shepherds are easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
Choose Maltese if...
- ✓You live in an apartment or don't have a yard — Malteses adapt much better to smaller spaces (5/5 vs 2/5 apartment rating).
- ✓You hate vacuuming or have allergies — Malteses shed dramatically less (1/5 vs 5/5 shedding score).
- ✓Budget matters to you — Malteses cost roughly $300 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, German Shepherd or Maltese?
The German Shepherd scores 4/5 for being good with kids, making it the better family choice compared to the Maltese's 2/5. The German Shepherd is specifically recommended for families.
Is a German Shepherd or Maltese easier to train?
The German Shepherd is easier to train with a score of 5/5, compared to the Maltese's 3/5. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well.
Which costs more, a German Shepherd or Maltese?
A German Shepherd puppy costs $1,000–$3,000 while a Maltese costs $600–$2,500. Annual maintenance runs about $1,580 for the German Shepherd and $1,250 for the Maltese. The German Shepherd is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do German Shepherds or Malteses live longer?
The German Shepherd lives 9–13 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 German Shepherd or Maltese live in an apartment?
The Maltese adapts better to apartment living (5/5) than the German Shepherd (2/5). The Maltese ranks among our best apartment breeds.