Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Canaan Dog Versus Maltese: Introduction
- Canaan Dog versus Maltese: Overview
- Canaan Dog versus Maltese: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Canaan Dog and the Maltese
- The Similarities Between the Canaan Dog and the Maltese
- Size (Weight and Height) of Canaan Dog versus Maltese
- Lifespan of Canaan Dog versus Maltese
- Temperament of the Maltese Versus the Canaan Dog
- Price of Canaan Dog versus Price of Maltese
- Adopting the Canaan Dog versus Adopting the Maltese
- The Popularity of Canaan Dog versus Popularity of Maltese
- Health Problems of Canaan Dog versus Health Problems of Maltese
- Tolerates Being Alone: Canaan Dog versus Maltese
- Do Canaan Dogs shed more than Malteses?
- Which one drools more, the Canaan Dog or the Maltese
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Canaan Dog or the Maltese?
- Does the Canaan Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maltese?
- Do Canaan Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Malteses?
- Can Canaan Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Malteses Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Canaan Dog vs. Maltese
- Can Canaan Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Canaan Dog or the Maltese?
- Are Canaan Dogs good family dogs? What about Malteses?
- How Kid-friendly are Canaan Dogs and Malteses?
- Is the Canaan Dog Easier to Train than the Maltese?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Canaan Dog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maltese
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Canaan Dog versus Maltese. Which One is a Better Pet?
Canaan Dog Versus Maltese: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Canaan Dog 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 Canaan Dog 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 Canaan Dog and the Maltese.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Canaan Dog 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 Canaan Dog 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 Canaan Dog 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 Canaan Dog or the Maltese.
Canaan Dog versus Maltese: Overview
A very important difference between the Canaan Dog and the Maltese is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Canaan Dog is a medium-sized dog while the Maltese is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Canaan Dog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
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.
Canaan Dog versus Maltese: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Canaan Dog 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 Canaan Dog and the Maltese
| Factor | Canaan Dog | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Height | 19 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder | 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 35 to 55 pounds | Up to 7 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $600 | $2580 |
| Price Range | $600 – $600 | $1800 – $3000 |
| Temperament Score | 62.5 percent | 82.4 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 176 | 33 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Canaan Dog 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 Canaan Dog is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Maltese is 82 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Canaan Dog is a better pet than the Maltese. So, you should get the Canaan Dog!
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 Canaan Dog and the Maltese so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Canaan Dog and the Maltese
Below is a list of where the Canaan Dog and the Maltese are most different:
The Similarities Between the Canaan Dog and the Maltese
The Canaan Dog and the Maltese are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Canaan Dog and the Maltese are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Canaan Dog versus Maltese
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Canaan Dog and the Maltese.
Canaan Dogs weigh 35 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Canaan Dogs are 19 to 24 inches tall 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 Canaan Dog versus Maltese
The lifespan of Canaan Dogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Canaan Dogs is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Malteses is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Malteses is 13.5 years.
Temperament of the Maltese Versus the Canaan Dog
The Maltese has a better temperament than the Canaan Dog.
This is because the temperament score for the Maltese is 82.4 percent while the temperament score for the Canaan Dog is 62.5 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 62.5 percent, the Canaan Dog has a below-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 Canaan Dog and the Maltese by measuring the temperaments of 8 Canaan Dogs and 17 Malteses.
Price of Canaan Dog versus Price of Maltese
The average price of the Canaan Dog puppy is $600. The price of the Canaan Dog typically ranges from $600 – $600. However, the price of a Canaan Dog can be as low as $600 and as high as $600. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1 Canaan Dog 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. However, the price of the Maltese can be as low as $500 and as high as $7995. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 413 Maltese puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Maltese is more expensive than the Canaan Dog.
| Canaan Dog | Maltese | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $600 | $2580 |
| Price Range | $600 to $600 | $1800 to $3000 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Canaan Dog and Maltese. For different price points, the charts show how many Canaan Dog puppies or how many Maltese puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Canaan Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Malteses
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Canaan Dog 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.
Adopting the Canaan Dog versus Adopting the Maltese
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Canaan Dogs and many Malteses are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male Canaan Dog named Max that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Canaan Dogs like Max on pefinder.com.
Also, like Canaan Dogs, Malteses are also available for adoption. For example, Templeton is a Male Maltese that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Malteses like Templeton that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Charlotte is the name of another Canaan Dog (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Baxter is an adorable Male Maltese on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Canaan Dogs and Malteses that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Canaan Dog versus Popularity of Maltese
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Canaan Dog and the Maltese over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Maltese is more popular with dog owners than the Canaan Dog. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Maltese is 33 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Canaan Dog is 176 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Canaan Dog
Popularity of Maltese
| Year | Canaan Dog Popularity Rank | Maltese Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 164 | 27 |
| 2014 | 176 | 29 |
| 2015 | 170 | 31 |
| 2016 | 181 | 33 |
| 2017 | 175 | 33 |
| 2018 | 179 | 37 |
| 2019 | 179 | 36 |
| 2020 | 184 | 38 |
Health Problems of Canaan Dog 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 Canaan Dog 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 Canaan Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Maltese.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Canaan Dog than for the Maltese.
5 health tests are recommended for Canaan Dog while 3 tests are recommended for the Maltese.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Canaan Dogs and in Malteses.
Canaan Dog Health Problems
Canaan Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Canaan Dog 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 Canaan Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Canaan Dog 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 Canaan Dogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Canaan Dogs 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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Malteses here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Canaan Dogs and Malteses
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Canaan Dog Breed is Degenerative Myelopathy problems.
This is because the Canaan Dog ranks 33 out of 70 dog breeds for Degenerative Myelopathy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 300 Canaan Dogs, 15 of them had Degenerative Myelopathy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Canaan Dogs, and how common these diseases are in Canaan Dogs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Maltese Breed is Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.
This is because the Maltese ranks 6 out of 40 dog breeds for Legg-Calve-Perthes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 155 Malteses, 2 of them had Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Malteses, and how common these diseases are in Malteses relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Canaan Dog and in Maltese and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Canaan Dog and the Maltese:
| Disease | Canaan Dog Rank | Maltese Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 33 out of 70 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 36 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 95 out of 145 dog breeds | 41 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 131 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 137 out of 182 dog breeds | 139 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 185 out of 198 dog breeds | 98 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Legg-Calve-Perthes problems | Not Common | 6 out of 40 dog breeds |
| Dentition Database problems | Not Common | 16 out of 49 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Canaan Dog versus Maltese
Canaan Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.
Malteses do not like to be left alone.
Do Canaan Dogs shed more than Malteses?
Canaan Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Malteses do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Canaan Dog or the Maltese
Canaan Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Malteses do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Canaan Dog or the Maltese?
Canaan Dogs are very easy to groom.
Malteses require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Canaan Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maltese?
Canaan Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Canaan Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Malteses?
Canaan Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.
Malteses are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Canaan Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Malteses Tolerate Cold Weather?
Canaan Dogs can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Malteses cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Canaan Dog vs. Maltese
Canaan Dogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Malteses do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Can Canaan Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather?
Canaan Dogs can tolerate hot weather.
Malteses can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Canaan Dog or the Maltese?
Canaan Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.
Malteses get along very well with other dogs.
Are Canaan Dogs good family dogs? What about Malteses?
Canaan Dogs 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 Canaan Dogs and Malteses?
Canaan Dogs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Malteses get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Is the Canaan Dog Easier to Train than the Maltese?
Canaan Dogs are very easy to train.
Malteses are very easy to train.
Is the Canaan Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Maltese?
Canaan Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.
Malteses adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Canaan Dog or the Maltese?
Canaan Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Malteses are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Canaan Dog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Canaan Dog that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Canaan Dog:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maltese
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Maltese that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Maltese:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Canaan Dog and how the Maltese compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Canaan Dog and of the Maltese to other breeds:
Canaan Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Canaan Dog versus Briard Canaan Dog versus Whippet Canaan Dog versus Golden Retriever Canaan Dog versus Dutch Shepherd Canaan Dog versus Kooikerhondje Canaan Dog versus Cockalier Canaan Dog versus Peek A Poo Canaan Dog versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Canaan Dog versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Canaan Dog versus English Springer Spaniel Canaan Dog versus Shihpoo Canaan Dog versus Carolina Dog Canaan Dog versus Cockapoo Canaan Dog versus Pyrenean Shepherd Canaan Dog versus Australian Kelpie Canaan Dog versus Miniature Pinscher Canaan Dog versus Dogue de Bordeaux Canaan Dog versus Australian Cattle Dog Canaan Dog versus Stabyhoun Canaan Dog versus Basset Hound Canaan Dog versus Clumber Spaniel Canaan Dog versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Canaan Dog versus Chow Chow Canaan Dog versus Puggle Canaan Dog versus English Springer Spaniel
Maltese Versus Other Dog Breeds
Maltese versus Chinese Crested Maltese versus Cairn Terrier Maltese versus Spinone Italiano Maltese versus Field Spaniel Maltese versus Great Dane Maltese versus Australian Shepherd Maltese versus Whoodle Maltese versus Miniature Pinscher Maltese versus Neapolitan Mastiff Maltese versus Chinese Crested Maltese versus Chinese Shar-Pei Maltese versus Shih Tzu Maltese versus American Eskimo Dog Maltese versus Belgian Sheepdog Maltese versus Bedlington Terrier Maltese versus Pug Maltese versus Pomapoo Maltese versus Dachshund Maltese versus Boston Terrier Maltese versus Lhasapoo Maltese versus German Longhaired Pointer Maltese versus Biewer Terrier Maltese versus Kai Ken Maltese versus Leonberger Maltese versus Harrier
Conclusion: Canaan Dog 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 Canaan Dog and the Maltese better suits you and your family.