Labrador Retriever vs Maltese
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Labrador Retriever
America's most beloved family dog, known for a friendly temperament and eager-to-please attitude. Labs excel at everything from hunting to therapy work and are incredibly versatile.
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 Labrador Retriever if you want easier to train and better with kids. Choose Maltese if you want more apartment-friendly and less shedding.
Quick Comparison
Labrador Retriever
Attribute
Maltese
large
Size
small
25–36 kg (55–79 lbs)
Weight
1–3 kg (2–7 lbs)
55–62 cm (22–24 in)
Height
18–25 cm (7–10 in)
10–13 yrs
Lifespan
12–15 yrsBetter
Better5/5
Trainability
3/5
5/5
Energy
3/5
Better5/5
Good with Kids
2/5
4/5
Shedding
1/5Better
Better2/5
Grooming
5/5
2/5
Apartment
5/5Better
3/5
Health
3/5
Better$800–$2,000
Price
$600–$2,500
Attribute Comparison
How Much Exercise Do Labrador Retrievers vs Malteses Need?
Labrador Retriever needs more exercise; Maltese is lower-maintenance.
Labrador Retriever
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 Labrador Retriever (energy: 5/5, exercise: 5/5) was bred to work all day and still has that drive.
Labrador Retriever vs Maltese: Grooming Routine and Shedding
Labrador Retriever sheds more; Maltese is easier to maintain.
Labrador Retriever
Maltese
Shedding
4/5
vs1/5Better
Grooming Needs
Better2/5
vs5/5
Shedding is a major differentiator. The Labrador Retriever is a prolific shedder (4/5) — expect fur on your clothes, furniture, and car seats year-round.
Labrador Retriever or Maltese for Your Family?
Labrador Retriever is better suited for families with children.
Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever scores 5/5 with children while the Maltese manages 2/5. The Labrador Retriever is naturally patient and gentle around young ones.
Size & Build: Labrador Retriever vs Maltese
Labrador Retriever is the larger breed; Maltese is more compact.
Labrador Retriever
Maltese
Weight (kg)
25–36
vs1–3
Height (cm)
55–62
vs18–25
You'll notice the size difference immediately. The Labrador Retriever stands 55–62 cm (22–24 in) tall and weighs 25–36 kg (55–79 lbs), making it considerably larger than the Maltese at 18–25 cm (7–10 in) and 1–3 kg (2–7 lbs).
Temperament Differences: Labrador Retriever and Maltese
Maltese is calmer; Labrador Retriever is more energetic.
Labrador Retriever
Maltese
Playfulness
Better5/5
vs4/5
Barking Level
Better3/5
vs4/5
Energy
5/5
vs3/5
When you live with a Labrador Retriever, you'll notice their friendly, outgoing and active character in everything they do. A Maltese, by contrast, shows a gentle, playful and charming nature.
Training: Labrador Retriever vs Maltese
Labrador Retriever is generally easier to train.
Labrador Retriever
Maltese
Trainability
Better5/5
vs3/5
Intelligence
Better5/5
vs4/5
Training difficulty is a major difference. The Labrador Retriever (5/5) is eager to please and picks up commands quickly — one of the most trainable breeds out there.
Labrador Retriever vs Maltese: Common Health Issues
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Labrador Retriever
Maltese
Lifespan (years)
10–13
vs12–15Better
Health Robustness
3/5
vs3/5
The lifespan difference is significant. Malteses live 12–15 years on average, while Labrador Retrievers live 10–13 years.
Cost to Own: Labrador Retriever vs Maltese
Maltese is less expensive to own annually.
Labrador Retriever
Avg. Purchase$1,400
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$150
Annual Total$1,370
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–$2,000 for a Labrador Retriever versus $600–$2,500 for a Maltese. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Summary — Labrador Retriever or Maltese: Which Is Right for You?
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever and Maltese are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Labrador Retriever needs significantly more daily exercise than Maltese, Labrador Retriever sheds considerably more. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose Labrador Retriever if...
- ✓You have young children — Labrador Retrievers are generally more patient and gentle with kids.
- ✓This is your first dog — Labrador 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 4/5 shedding score).
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Labrador Retriever or Maltese?
The Labrador Retriever scores 5/5 for being good with kids, making it the better family choice compared to the Maltese's 2/5. The Labrador Retriever is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Labrador Retriever or Maltese easier to train?
The Labrador Retriever is easier to train with a score of 5/5, compared to the Maltese's 3/5. The Labrador Retriever is recommended for first-time owners thanks to its cooperative nature.
Which costs more, a Labrador Retriever or Maltese?
A Labrador Retriever puppy costs $800–$2,000 while a Maltese costs $600–$2,500. Annual maintenance runs about $1,370 for the Labrador Retriever and $1,250 for the Maltese. The Labrador Retriever is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do Labrador Retrievers or Malteses live longer?
The Labrador Retriever lives 10–13 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 Labrador Retriever or Maltese live in an apartment?
The Maltese adapts better to apartment living (5/5) than the Labrador Retriever (2/5). The Maltese ranks among our best apartment breeds.