German Shepherd vs Maltese
Side-by-side comparison
Choosing between German Shepherd and Maltese depends on your specific needs and priorities.
When it comes to size, German Shepherd offers Large compared to Maltese's Small. When it comes to weight, German Shepherd offers 50-90 lbs compared to Maltese's 4-7 lbs. When it comes to height, German Shepherd offers 22-26 inches compared to Maltese's 7-9 inches.
Below is a detailed side-by-side breakdown to help you make an informed decision between these two breeds.
| German Shepherd | Attribute | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Large | Size | Small |
| 50-90 lbs | Weight | 4-7 lbs |
| 22-26 inches | Height | 7-9 inches |
| 7-10 years | Lifespan | 12-15 years |
LoyalConfidentCourageous | Temperament | GentlePlayfulCharming |
| Herding | Group | Toy |
| Germany | Origin | Malta |
German Shepherd
German Shepherd is a large Herding breed from Germany. Known for being loyal, confident, courageous. Has an average lifespan of 7-10 years and a weight range of 50-90 lbs.
Maltese
Maltese is a small Toy breed from Malta. Known for being gentle, playful, charming. Has an average lifespan of 12-15 years and a weight range of 4-7 lbs.
Key Differences
| Attribute | German Shepherd | Maltese | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Small | German Shepherd is the larger breed |
| Weight | 50-90 lbs | 4-7 lbs | German Shepherd is heavier (approx. 1173% difference) |
| Height | 22-26" | 7-9" | Different heights (22-26" vs 7-9") |
| Life Span | 7-10 yrs | 12-15 yrs | Maltese tends to live longer (12-15 vs 7-10 years) |
| Breed Group | Herding | Toy | Different groups: Herding vs Toy |
| Origin | Germany | Malta | Different origins: Germany vs Malta |
| Temperament | Loyal, Confident, Courageous | Gentle, Playful, Charming | Different temperaments |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a German Shepherd bigger than a Maltese?
German Shepherd is the larger breed. German Shepherd weighs 50-90 lbs while Maltese weighs 4-7 lbs.
Which lives longer, German Shepherd or Maltese?
Maltese tends to live longer (12-15 vs 7-10 years)
Are German Shepherds and Malteses good family dogs?
Both breeds can make great family pets. The German Shepherd is known for being loyal, confident, courageous, while the Maltese is gentle, playful, charming.
What is the difference between a German Shepherd and a Maltese?
The main differences are in size (Large vs Small), origin (Germany vs Malta), and breed group (Herding vs Toy).
Which breed is easier to train, German Shepherd or Maltese?
Trainability varies by individual dog. The German Shepherd (Loyal, Confident, Courageous) and Maltese (Gentle, Playful, Charming) each have distinct characteristics that affect training.