PuppyBase

Brittany vs Maltese

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

Perfect Puppy Quiz · 5 questions · 90 seconds

Not sure which breed fits your life?

Answer five questions about your home, your schedule, and your tolerance for shedding. We’ll match you to your top three breeds from over 200.

The bottom line

Brittany vs Maltese

You don’t usually see a Brittany and a Maltese mentioned in the same breath, but here’s why people end up comparing them: both are small-to-midsize, friendly dogs with long histories and coats that catch the eye. The truth is, they’re built for entirely different lives, and your choice comes down to what kind of life you actually live. The Brittany is a field dog through and through. Think of them as the endurance athlete of the dog world. lean, driven, and happiest when they’ve burned off serious miles. They’re smart, eager to please, and bond deeply with active families. But don’t be fooled by their good looks; this isn’t a couch dog. They need daily off-leash time, mental challenges, and a job to do. Without it, they’ll find their own entertainment, and you probably won’t like it. The Maltese, on the other hand, was bred to sit in a noblewoman’s lap on a Mediterranean balcony. They’re gentle, affectionate, and thrive on human contact. They adapt beautifully to city living and are a solid pick for people with allergies thanks to their low shedding. But they’re not as easy to train as you’d think, and their fragility makes them a poor match for homes with rambunctious kids. Here’s the real insight: the Brittany gives love freely but on their own energetic terms. The Maltese doesn’t just want to be near you. they need to be part of your every moment, constantly. If you’re gone more than a few hours, the Maltese will suffer. The Brittany will just be plotting your next hike. Pick the Brittany if you want a partner in adventure. Pick the Maltese if you want a velcro companion who fits in your purse. They’re both wonderful. just wonderful in completely different worlds.

Brittany
Maltese
17.5–20.5 in
Height
7–9 in
30–40 lb
Weight
4–7 lb
12–14 yr
Lifespan
12–15 yr
$1.2–3.0k
Puppy price
$1.5–5.0k
#26
AKC popularity
#37

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
Brittany Maltese
Overlay

Where they diverge

Affectionate w/ Family
Maltese is more affectionate (2-point difference)
Maltese
Shedding Level
Maltese sheds less (2-point difference)
Maltese
Trainability
Brittany is easier to train (2-point difference)
Brittany
Energy Level
Brittany has more energy (2-point difference)
Brittany
Good with Young Children
Brittany is better with kids (1-point difference)
Brittany
The verdict

Choose the Brittany if…

  • Active families
  • Hunters
  • Runners and hikers
  • You value shedding levelBrittany scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Maltese if…

  • Apartment living
  • Allergy sufferers
  • Seniors
  • You value affectionate w/ familyMaltese scores higher here.
Brittany Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Brittany home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Maltese Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Maltese home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

Other comparisons people run