Maltese vs Poodle

Maltese or Poodle? Two popular white, low-shedding small dogs that attract buyers who want an elegant companion without the fur problem. They're often compared in the toy and miniature size range, but they're built very differently: the Poodle is an athlete; the Maltese is a companion lapdog.

Maltese weigh just 1.5–3.5 kg and stand 20–25 cm. Toy Poodles weigh 2–4 kg and stand 25–28 cm; Miniature Poodles 5–10 kg. Both coats grow continuously and shed minimally, making both practical for mild allergy sensitivity. Maltese have a long, silky, single-layer white coat that requires daily brushing or regular professional trimming to prevent severe matting. Poodles require clipping every 6–8 weeks but are less prone to the tangles that make a neglected Maltese coat a painful problem.

Trainability favors Poodles substantially. Toy and Miniature Poodles consistently rank among the top three most trainable breeds globally. Maltese are intelligent but gentle-tempered dogs without a strong drive to perform tasks; they respond to training but lack the Poodle's enthusiasm for complex work. Poodles can compete in agility, obedience, and tracking; Maltese excel in the single category of being excellent companions.

Exercise needs are minimal for both: Maltese need 15–20 minutes; Toy Poodles 30 minutes; Miniature Poodles 45 minutes. Health: Maltese face patellar luxation, dental disease, and reverse sneezing. Poodles face progressive retinal atrophy, patellar luxation, and Addison's disease. Both live 12–15+ years. Maltese are more fragile physically due to their extremely small size.

Choose a Poodle if you want a more active, highly trainable, intellectually engaged companion in a small non-shedding package. Choose a Maltese if you want the ultimate lapdog — a tiny, silky, gentle companion whose only job is to sit near you and look beautiful. Both are non-shedding; only the Poodle is driven to accomplish things.