Golden Retriever vs Maltese
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Golden Retriever
Friendly, reliable, and devoted, the Golden Retriever is one of the most popular family dogs in the world. They are eager to please and excel in obedience, agility, and as therapy dogs.
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 Golden Retriever if you want easier to train and better with kids. Choose Maltese if you want more apartment-friendly and less shedding.
Quick Comparison
Golden Retriever
Attribute
Maltese
large
Size
small
25–34 kg (55–75 lbs)
Weight
1–3 kg (2–7 lbs)
51–61 cm (20–24 in)
Height
18–25 cm (7–10 in)
10–12 yrs
Lifespan
12–15 yrsBetter
Better5/5
Trainability
3/5
4/5
Energy
3/5
Better5/5
Good with Kids
2/5
5/5
Shedding
1/5Better
Better4/5
Grooming
5/5
2/5
Apartment
5/5Better
3/5
Health
3/5
$800–$2,500
Price
$600–$2,500Better
Attribute Comparison
Exercise Needs: Golden Retriever vs Maltese
Golden Retriever needs more exercise; Maltese is lower-maintenance.
Golden Retriever
Maltese
Energy Level
4/5
vs3/5
Exercise Needs
4/5
vs2/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
vs5/5Better
Activity needs are dramatically different here. The Golden Retriever has high energy (4/5) and needs high exercise (4/5) — think long runs, hiking, or agility courses.
Family Fit: Golden Retriever vs Maltese With Kids and Other Pets
Golden Retriever is better suited for families with children.
Golden Retriever
Maltese
Good with Kids
Better5/5
vs2/5
Good with Dogs
Better5/5
vs3/5
Strangers
Better5/5
vs4/5
If kids are part of the equation, the data is clear: the Golden Retriever scores 5/5 with children while the Maltese manages 2/5. The Golden Retriever is naturally patient and gentle around young ones.
Golden Retriever and Maltese: Size and Appearance Compared
Golden Retriever is the larger breed; Maltese is more compact.
Golden Retriever
Maltese
Weight (kg)
25–34
vs1–3
Height (cm)
51–61
vs18–25
Size is one of the most obvious contrasts between these breeds. The Golden Retriever tips the scales at 25–34 kg (55–75 lbs), dwarfing the Maltese's 1–3 kg (2–7 lbs).
Grooming Differences: Golden Retriever and Maltese
Golden Retriever sheds more; Maltese is easier to maintain.
Golden Retriever
Maltese
Shedding
5/5
vs1/5Better
Grooming Needs
Better4/5
vs5/5
Shedding is a major differentiator. The Golden Retriever is a prolific shedder (5/5) — expect fur on your clothes, furniture, and car seats year-round.
Temperament: Golden Retriever vs Maltese
Maltese is calmer; Golden Retriever is more energetic.
Golden Retriever
Maltese
Playfulness
Better5/5
vs4/5
Barking Level
Better3/5
vs4/5
Energy
4/5
vs3/5
The Golden Retriever and Maltese bring very different personalities to the table. Golden Retrievers are friendly, intelligent and devoted, while Malteses tend to be gentle, playful and charming.
Which Is Easier to Train — Golden Retriever or Maltese?
Training difficulty is a major difference. The Golden Retriever (5/5) is eager to please and picks up commands quickly — one of the most trainable breeds out there.
Health Profile: Golden Retriever and Maltese Compared
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Golden Retriever
Maltese
Lifespan (years)
10–12
vs12–15Better
Health Robustness
3/5
vs3/5
The lifespan difference is significant. Malteses live 12–15 years on average, while Golden Retrievers live 10–12 years.
Which Costs More to Own — Golden Retriever or Maltese?
Maltese is less expensive to own annually.
Golden Retriever
Avg. Purchase$1,650
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$200
Annual Total$1,420
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 — $800–$2,500 for a Golden Retriever versus $600–$2,500 for a Maltese. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Summary: Golden Retriever or Maltese?
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the Golden Retriever if you value easier to train (5/5 vs 3/5) and better with children (5/5).
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Golden Retriever and Maltese are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Golden Retriever sheds considerably more, Golden Retriever is notably easier to train. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose Golden Retriever if...
- ✓You have young children — Golden Retrievers are generally more patient and gentle with kids.
- ✓This is your first dog — Golden Retrievers 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).
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Golden Retriever or Maltese?
The Golden Retriever scores 5/5 for being good with kids, making it the better family choice compared to the Maltese's 2/5. The Golden Retriever is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Golden Retriever or Maltese easier to train?
The Golden Retriever is easier to train with a score of 5/5, compared to the Maltese's 3/5. The Golden Retriever is recommended for first-time owners thanks to its cooperative nature.
Which costs more, a Golden Retriever or Maltese?
A Golden Retriever puppy costs $800–$2,500 while a Maltese costs $600–$2,500. Annual maintenance runs about $1,420 for the Golden Retriever and $1,250 for the Maltese. The Golden Retriever is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do Golden Retrievers or Malteses live longer?
The Golden Retriever lives 10–12 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 Golden Retriever or Maltese live in an apartment?
The Maltese adapts better to apartment living (5/5) than the Golden Retriever (2/5). The Maltese ranks among our best apartment breeds.