Which is Better Between the Black Russian Terrier and the Maltese?

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Black Russian Terrier Versus Maltese: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Black Russian Terrier and the Maltese? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Black Russian Terrier and the Maltese better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Black Russian Terrier and the Maltese.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Black Russian Terrier and the Maltese is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Black Russian Terrier and for the Maltese. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Black Russian Terrier and the Maltese.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Black Russian Terrier or the Maltese.

Black Russian Terrier versus Maltese: Overview

A very important difference between the Black Russian Terrier and the Maltese is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Black Russian Terrier is a giant-sized dog while the Maltese is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Black Russian Terrier belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

On the other hand, the Maltese belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Black Russian Terrier versus Maltese: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Black Russian Terrier to the Maltese based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Black Russian Terrier and the Maltese

Factor Black Russian Terrier Maltese
Life Span 10 to 11 years 12 to 15 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
Height 26 to 28 inches at the shoulder 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 80 to 140 pounds Up to 7 pounds
Average Lifespan 10.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $3050 $2580
Price Range $2600 – $3500 $1800 – $3000
Temperament Score 93.9 percent 82.4 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Agouti DNA Test
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Dominant Black DNA Test
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy
    		•
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Black Russian Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Maltese. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Black Russian Terrier is 74 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Maltese is 82 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Maltese is a better pet than the Black Russian Terrier. So, you should get the Maltese!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Black Russian Terrier and the Maltese so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Black Russian Terrier and the Maltese

    Below is a list of where the Black Russian Terrier and the Maltese are most different:

    • Black Russian Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Malteses are good for new dog owners.
    • Black Russian Terriers can tolerate cold weather. However, Malteses cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    The Similarities Between the Black Russian Terrier and the Maltese

    The Black Russian Terrier and the Maltese are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Black Russian Terrier and the Maltese are most similar:

    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Maltese do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Maltese are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Maltese require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Maltese are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Maltese are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Maltese are very easy to train.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Maltese are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Maltese are prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Maltese are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Black Russian Terrier versus Maltese

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Black Russian Terrier and the Maltese.

    Black Russian Terriers weigh 80 to 140 pounds when fully grown. Black Russian Terriers are 26 to 28 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Malteses weigh Up to 7 pounds when fully grown. Malteses are 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Black Russian Terrier versus Maltese

    The lifespan of Black Russian Terriers is between 10 to 11 years. The average lifespan of Black Russian Terriers is 10.5 years.

    The lifespan of Malteses is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Malteses is 13.5 years.

    Malteses live longer than Black Russian Terriers.

    Temperament of the Maltese Versus the Black Russian Terrier

    The Black Russian Terrier has a better temperament than the Maltese.

    This is because the temperament score for the Black Russian Terrier is 93.9 percent while the temperament score for the Maltese is 82.4 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 93.9 percent, the Black Russian Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 82.4 percent, the Maltese has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Black Russian Terrier and the Maltese by measuring the temperaments of 164 Black Russian Terriers and 17 Malteses.

    Price of Black Russian Terrier versus Price of Maltese

    The average price of the Black Russian Terrier puppy is $3050. The price of the Black Russian Terrier typically ranges from $2600 – $3500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 9 Black Russian Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Maltese puppy is $2580. The price of the Maltese typically ranges from $1800 – $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 413 Maltese puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Black Russian Terrier is more expensive than the Maltese.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Black Russian Terrier and Maltese. For different price points, the charts show how many Black Russian Terrier puppies or how many Maltese puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Black Russian Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Black Russian Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Malteses

    A breakdown of the prices of Malteses

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Black Russian Terrier puppy or the Maltese puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Health Problems of Black Russian Terrier versus Health Problems of Maltese

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Maltese are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Black Russian Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Maltese.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Black Russian Terrier than for the Maltese.

    7 health tests are recommended for Black Russian Terrier while 3 tests are recommended for the Maltese.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Black Russian Terriers and in Malteses.

    Black Russian Terrier Health Problems

    Black Russian Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Black Russian Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Black Russian Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Black Russian Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Black Russian Terriers for:

  • Agouti DNA Test
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Dominant Black DNA Test
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Black Russian Terriers here.

    Maltese Health Problems

    Malteses are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Maltese puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Maltese puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Maltese breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Malteses for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Serum Bile Acid Test

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Malteses here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Black Russian Terrier versus Maltese

    Black Russian Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Malteses do not like to be left alone.

    Do Black Russian Terriers shed more than Malteses?

    Black Russian Terriers shed moderately.

    Malteses do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Black Russian Terrier or the Maltese

    Black Russian Terriers drool moderately.

    Malteses do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Black Russian Terrier or the Maltese?

    Black Russian Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Malteses require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Black Russian Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maltese?

    Black Russian Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Malteses have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Black Russian Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Malteses?

    Black Russian Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Malteses are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Black Russian Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Malteses Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Black Russian Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Malteses cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Black Russian Terrier vs. Maltese

    Black Russian Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Malteses do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Black Russian Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Black Russian Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Malteses can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Black Russian Terrier or the Maltese?

    Black Russian Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Malteses get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Black Russian Terriers good family dogs? What about Malteses?

    Black Russian Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Malteses are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Black Russian Terriers and Malteses?

    Black Russian Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Malteses get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Black Russian Terrier Easier to Train than the Maltese?

    Black Russian Terriers are very easy to train.

    Malteses are very easy to train.

    Is the Black Russian Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Maltese?

    Black Russian Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Malteses adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Black Russian Terrier or the Maltese?

    Black Russian Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Malteses are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Black Russian Terrier versus Maltese. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Black Russian Terrier and the Maltese better suits you and your family.