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English Foxhound vs Maltese

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

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The bottom line

English Foxhound vs Maltese

People compare English Foxhounds and Maltese because both are affectionate, gentle dogs with long histories as human companions. But that’s where the similarities end. You’re not just choosing between big and small, you’re picking two entirely different relationships with a dog. The English Foxhound is a team player built for motion. Think of them as the endurance athlete of the dog world. They thrive in homes with big yards, active owners, and ideally, another dog for company. They’re loud. baying isn’t just a trait, it’s their job description. If you hunt, ride horses, or live in the countryside with space to roam, they’ll fit right in. They’re incredibly good with kids, but not because they’re nanny dogs. they’re just sturdy, tolerant, and always up for a game. Just know: they need miles of movement and mental engagement, or they’ll find their own entertainment, usually involving howling. The Maltese, on the other hand, is a lapdog with a silk coat and quiet confidence. They adapt beautifully to apartments and form intense bonds with one or two people. They’re low-shedding, which makes them popular with allergy sufferers, but that coat demands brushing every other day or you’ll face mats. They’re not ideal with toddlers. too fragile, easily startled. And while they’re affectionate, they’re not pack-oriented. They want to be with you, not running miles ahead of you. Here’s the real talk: the Foxhound will love you deeply but always have one paw in the wild. The Maltese will act like your love is the only thing keeping the universe spinning. Pick based on your life, not your fantasy. Want a partner in adventure? Go Foxhound. Crave a velcro companion? Maltese is your match.

English Foxhound
Maltese
23–25 in
Height
7–9 in
60–75 lb
Weight
4–7 lb
10–13 yr
Lifespan
12–15 yr
$1.0–2.5k
Puppy price
$1.5–5.0k
#188
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.
English Foxhound Maltese
Overlay

Where they diverge

Coat Grooming
English Foxhound needs less grooming (3-point difference)
English
Good with Young Children
English Foxhound is better with kids (2-point difference)
English
Good with Other Dogs
English Foxhound is better with other dogs (2-point difference)
English
Shedding Level
Maltese sheds less (2-point difference)
Maltese
Barking Level
Maltese barks less (2-point difference)
Maltese
The verdict

Choose the English Foxhound if…

  • Hunters and equestrian households
  • Active families
  • Rural environments
  • You value good with young childrenEnglish Foxhound scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Maltese if…

  • Apartment living
  • Allergy sufferers
  • Seniors
  • You value coat groomingMaltese scores higher here.
English Foxhound Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your English Foxhound 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

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