Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Cane Corso Versus Maltese: Introduction
- Cane Corso versus Maltese: Overview
- Cane Corso versus Maltese: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cane Corso and the Maltese
- The Similarities Between the Cane Corso and the Maltese
- Size (Weight and Height) of Cane Corso versus Maltese
- Lifespan of Cane Corso versus Maltese
- Temperament of the Maltese Versus the Cane Corso
- Price of Cane Corso versus Price of Maltese
- Adopting the Cane Corso versus Adopting the Maltese
- The Popularity of Cane Corso versus Popularity of Maltese
- Health Problems of Cane Corso versus Health Problems of Maltese
- Tolerates Being Alone: Cane Corso versus Maltese
- Do Cane Corsos shed more than Malteses?
- Which one drools more, the Cane Corso or the Maltese
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Cane Corso or the Maltese?
- Does the Cane Corso Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maltese?
- Do Cane Corsos Bark and Howl? What about Malteses?
- Can Cane Corsos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Malteses Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Cane Corso vs. Maltese
- Can Cane Corsos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cane Corso or the Maltese?
- Are Cane Corsos good family dogs? What about Malteses?
- How Kid-friendly are Cane Corsos and Malteses?
- Is the Cane Corso Easier to Train than the Maltese?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cane Corso
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maltese
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Cane Corso versus Maltese. Which One is a Better Pet?
Cane Corso Versus Maltese: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cane Corso 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 Cane Corso 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 Cane Corso and the Maltese.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cane Corso 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 Cane Corso 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 Cane Corso 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 Cane Corso or the Maltese.
Cane Corso versus Maltese: Overview
A very important difference between the Cane Corso and the Maltese is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cane Corso is a large-sized dog while the Maltese is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Cane Corso 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.
Cane Corso versus Maltese: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Cane Corso 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 Cane Corso and the Maltese
| Factor | Cane Corso | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the | 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Kid-Friendly | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 90 to 120 pounds | Up to 7 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $2020 | $2580 |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2500 | $1800 – $3000 |
| Temperament Score | 88.1 percent | 82.4 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 37 | 33 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cane Corso 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 Cane Corso is 68 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 Cane Corso. 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 Cane Corso and the Maltese so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cane Corso and the Maltese
Below is a list of where the Cane Corso and the Maltese are most different:
The Similarities Between the Cane Corso and the Maltese
The Cane Corso and the Maltese are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cane Corso and the Maltese are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Cane Corso versus Maltese
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cane Corso and the Maltese.
Cane Corsos weigh 90 to 120 pounds when fully grown. Cane Corsos are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the 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 Cane Corso versus Maltese
The lifespan of Cane Corsos is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Cane Corsos is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Malteses is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Malteses is 13.5 years.
Malteses live longer than Cane Corsos.
Temperament of the Maltese Versus the Cane Corso
The Cane Corso has a better temperament than the Maltese.
This is because the temperament score for the Cane Corso is 88.1 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 88.1 percent, the Cane Corso 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 Cane Corso and the Maltese by measuring the temperaments of 235 Cane Corsos and 17 Malteses.
Price of Cane Corso versus Price of Maltese
The average price of the Cane Corso puppy is $2020. The price of the Cane Corso typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Cane Corso can be as low as $200 and as high as $7000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 751 Cane Corso 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 Cane Corso.
| Cane Corso | Maltese | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2020 | $2580 |
| Price Range | $1500 to $2500 | $1800 to $3000 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Cane Corso and Maltese. For different price points, the charts show how many Cane Corso puppies or how many Maltese puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Cane Corsos. 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 Cane Corso 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 Cane Corso versus Adopting the Maltese
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Cane Corsos 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 Cane Corso named Bane that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Cane Corsos like Bane on pefinder.com.
Also, like Cane Corsos, Malteses are also available for adoption. For example, Scruffy is a Male Maltese that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Malteses like Scruffy that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Boss is the name of another Cane Corso (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Koki is an adorable Male Maltese on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Cane Corsos and Malteses that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Cane Corso 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 Cane Corso 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 Cane Corso. 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 Cane Corso is 37 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Cane Corso
Popularity of Maltese
| Year | Cane Corso Popularity Rank | Maltese Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 50 | 27 |
| 2014 | 48 | 29 |
| 2015 | 35 | 31 |
| 2016 | 40 | 33 |
| 2017 | 37 | 33 |
| 2018 | 32 | 37 |
| 2019 | 30 | 36 |
| 2020 | 25 | 38 |
Health Problems of Cane Corso 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 Cane Corso 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 Cane Corso is prone to more genetic health problems than the Maltese.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Cane Corso than for the Maltese.
7 health tests are recommended for Cane Corso while 3 tests are recommended for the Maltese.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Cane Corsos and in Malteses.
Cane Corso Health Problems
Cane Corsos are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Cane Corso 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 Cane Corso puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Cane Corso 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 Cane Corsos for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Cane Corsos 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 Cane Corsos 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 Cane Corso Breed is Shoulder problems.
This is because the Cane Corso ranks 7 out of 22 dog breeds for Shoulder problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 57 Cane Corsos, 1 of them had Shoulder problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Cane Corsos, and how common these diseases are in Cane Corsos 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 Cane Corso and in Maltese and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Cane Corso and the Maltese:
| Disease | Cane Corso Rank | Maltese Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder problems | 7 out of 22 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 17 out of 198 dog breeds | 98 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 19 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 24 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 35 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 93 out of 145 dog breeds | 41 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 156 out of 182 dog breeds | 139 out of 182 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: Cane Corso versus Maltese
Cane Corsos do not like to be left alone.
Malteses do not like to be left alone.
Do Cane Corsos shed more than Malteses?
Cane Corsos shed moderately.
Malteses do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Cane Corso or the Maltese
Cane Corsos have a very high tendency to drool.
Malteses do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Cane Corso or the Maltese?
Cane Corsos are very easy to groom.
Malteses require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Cane Corso Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maltese?
Cane Corsos 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.
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 Cane Corsos Bark and Howl? What about Malteses?
Cane Corsos bark and howl, but not very much.
Malteses are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Cane Corsos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Malteses Tolerate Cold Weather?
Cane Corsos can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Malteses cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Cane Corso vs. Maltese
Cane Corsos 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 Cane Corsos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather?
Cane Corsos 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 Cane Corso or the Maltese?
Cane Corsos get along fairly well with other dogs.
Malteses get along very well with other dogs.
Are Cane Corsos good family dogs? What about Malteses?
Cane Corsos 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 Cane Corsos and Malteses?
Cane Corsos 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 Cane Corso Easier to Train than the Maltese?
Cane Corsos are very easy to train.
Malteses are very easy to train.
Is the Cane Corso Better for Apartment Owners than the Maltese?
Cane Corsos do not adapt well to apartment living.
Malteses adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cane Corso or the Maltese?
Cane Corsos 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 Cane Corso
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Cane Corso 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 Cane Corso:
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 Cane Corso and how the Maltese compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cane Corso and of the Maltese to other breeds:
Cane Corso Versus Other Dog Breeds
Cane Corso versus Portuguese Pointer Cane Corso versus Tibetan Terrier Cane Corso versus Plott Cane Corso versus Papipoo Cane Corso versus Norwegian Lundehund Cane Corso versus Boston Terrier Cane Corso versus Saluki Cane Corso versus Kerry Blue Terrier Cane Corso versus Tibetan Spaniel Cane Corso versus Weimaraner Cane Corso versus Tibetan Mastiff Cane Corso versus Pekingese Cane Corso versus Norwegian Buhund Cane Corso versus Bichon Frise Cane Corso versus German Wirehaired Pointer Cane Corso versus West Highland White Terrier Cane Corso versus Tibetan Terrier Cane Corso versus Icelandic Sheepdog Cane Corso versus Lhasa Apso Cane Corso versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Cane Corso versus Korean Jindo Dog Cane Corso versus Saint Berdoodle Cane Corso versus Bloodhound Cane Corso versus Irish Setter Cane Corso versus Chinook
Maltese Versus Other Dog Breeds
Maltese versus Papipoo Maltese versus Belgian Malinois Maltese versus Patterdale Terrier Maltese versus Shih Tzu Maltese versus Beagle Maltese versus Yorkshire Terrier Maltese versus German Shorthaired Pointer Maltese versus Beagle Maltese versus Portuguese Pointer Maltese versus American Hairless Terrier Maltese versus Border Collie Maltese versus Neapolitan Mastiff Maltese versus Bichon Frise Maltese versus Shihpoo Maltese versus American Bulldog Maltese versus Sussex Spaniel Maltese versus French Bulldog Maltese versus Irish Water Spaniel Maltese versus Schnoodle Maltese versus Tibetan Mastiff Maltese versus Korean Jindo Dog Maltese versus Akbash Maltese versus Lakeland Terrier Maltese versus Flat-Coated Retriever Maltese versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Conclusion: Cane Corso 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 Cane Corso and the Maltese better suits you and your family.