Carolina Dog versus Maltese. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Carolina Dog Versus Maltese: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Carolina 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 Carolina 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 Carolina Dog and the Maltese.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Carolina 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 Carolina 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 Carolina 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 Carolina Dog or the Maltese.

Carolina Dog versus Maltese

Carolina Dog versus Maltese: Overview

A very important difference between the Carolina Dog and the Maltese is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Carolina Dog is a medium-sized dog while the Maltese is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Carolina Dog belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

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.

Carolina Dog versus Maltese: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Carolina 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 Carolina Dog and the Maltese

Factor Carolina Dog Maltese
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 2/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Height 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
Easygoing 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Weight 33 to 55 pounds Up to 7 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $500 $2580
Price Range $500 – $500 $1800 – $3000
Temperament Score 66.7 percent 82.4 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Carolina 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 Carolina Dog is 73 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 Carolina Dog. 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 Carolina 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 Carolina Dog and the Maltese

    Below is a list of where the Carolina Dog and the Maltese are most different:

  • Carolina Dogs are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Malteses are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Carolina Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Malteses adapt well to apartment living.
  • Carolina Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Malteses are good for new dog owners.
  • Carolina Dogs are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs. However, Malteses are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Carolina Dogs can tolerate cold weather. However, Malteses cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • The Similarities Between the Carolina Dog and the Maltese

    The Carolina Dog and the Maltese are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Carolina Dog and the Maltese are most similar:

  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Maltese do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Maltese are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Maltese do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Maltese are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Maltese can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Maltese gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Maltese are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Maltese have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Maltese get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Maltese have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Carolina Dog versus Maltese

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Carolina Dog and the Maltese.

    Carolina Dogs weigh 33 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Carolina Dogs are 18 to 20 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 Carolina Dog versus Maltese

    The lifespan of Carolina Dogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Carolina 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 Carolina Dog Versus the Maltese

    The Maltese has a better temperament than the Carolina Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Maltese is 82.4 percent while the temperament score for the Carolina Dog is 66.7 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 66.7 percent, the Carolina 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 Carolina Dog and the Maltese by measuring the temperaments of 3 Carolina Dogs and 17 Malteses.

    Price of Carolina Dog versus Price of Maltese

    The average price of the Carolina Dog puppy is $500. The price of the Carolina Dog typically ranges from $500 – $500. However, the price of a Carolina Dog can be as low as $500 and as high as $500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 6 Carolina 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 Carolina Dog.

    Carolina Dog Maltese
    Average Price $500 $2580
    Price Range $500 to $500 $1800 to $3000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Carolina Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Carolina Dogs. 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 Carolina 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 Carolina Dog versus Adopting the Maltese

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Carolina 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 Carolina Dog named A157311 that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Carolina Dogs like A157311 on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Carolina Dogs, Malteses are also available for adoption. For example, Snoopy is a Male Maltese that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Malteses like Snoopy that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Carolina Dog and the Maltese can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Vance is the name of another Carolina Dog (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Scruffy is an adorable Male Maltese on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Carolina Dogs and Malteses are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Carolina Dogs and Malteses that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Carolina Dog versus Maltese

    Carolina Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Malteses do not like to be left alone.

    Do Carolina Dogs shed more than Malteses?

    Carolina 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 Carolina Dog or the Maltese

    Carolina Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Malteses do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Carolina Dog or the Maltese?

    Carolina Dogs are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Carolina Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maltese?

    Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Malteses?

    Carolina Dogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Can Carolina Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Malteses Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Carolina Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Carolina Dog vs. Maltese

    Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Carolina 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 Carolina Dog or the Maltese?

    Carolina Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Malteses get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Carolina Dogs good family dogs? What about Malteses?

    Carolina Dogs are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Carolina Dogs and Malteses?

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

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

    Is the Carolina Dog Easier to Train than the Maltese?

    Carolina Dogs are not easy to train.

    Malteses are very easy to train.

    Is the Carolina Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Maltese?

    Carolina Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Malteses adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Carolina Dog or the Maltese?

    Carolina 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 Carolina Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Carolina 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 Carolina Dog:

  • Treeing Tennessee Brindle (75 percent match with Carolina Dog). Here is our comparison of the Maltese vs Treeing Tennessee Brindle.
  • 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:

  • Pomapoo (80 percent match with Maltese). Here is our comparison of the Carolina Dog vs Pomapoo.
  • Peek A Poo (81 percent match with Maltese). Here is our comparison of the Carolina Dog vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Carolina Dog and how the Maltese compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Carolina Dog and of the Maltese to other breeds:

    Carolina Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Carolina Dog versus Pomapoo     Carolina Dog versus Akita     Carolina Dog versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Carolina Dog versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Carolina Dog versus German Pinscher     Carolina Dog versus Shihpoo     Carolina Dog versus Portuguese Pointer     Carolina Dog versus Saluki     Carolina Dog versus English Cocker Spaniel     Carolina Dog versus Tibetan Terrier     Carolina Dog versus Border Collie     Carolina Dog versus Cockapoo     Carolina Dog versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Carolina Dog versus Goldador     Carolina Dog versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Carolina Dog versus German Longhaired Pointer     Carolina Dog versus Ibizan Hound     Carolina Dog versus Bluetick Coonhound     Carolina Dog versus Sloughi     Carolina Dog versus English Cocker Spaniel     Carolina Dog versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Carolina Dog versus Chorkie     Carolina Dog versus Whippet     Carolina Dog versus Brittany     Carolina Dog versus Shiranian     

    Maltese Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maltese versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Maltese versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Maltese versus Fila Brasileiro     Maltese versus Belgian Malinois     Maltese versus Basset Hound     Maltese versus Toy Fox Terrier     Maltese versus Sealyham Terrier     Maltese versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Maltese versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Maltese versus Valley Bulldog     Maltese versus German Pinscher     Maltese versus Mountain Cur     Maltese versus Sloughi     Maltese versus Portuguese Pointer     Maltese versus Valley Bulldog     Maltese versus Australian Kelpie     Maltese versus Chinese Crested     Maltese versus Carolina Dog     Maltese versus Japanese Chin     Maltese versus Azawakh     Maltese versus Finnish Spitz     Maltese versus Mountain Cur     Maltese versus Border Terrier     Maltese versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Maltese versus Havanese     

    Conclusion: Carolina 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 Carolina Dog and the Maltese better suits you and your family.