Breed Comparison: Caucasian Shepherd Dog Versus Maltese

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Caucasian Shepherd Dog Versus Maltese: Introduction

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

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

Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Maltese

Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Maltese: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog 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.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Maltese: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Maltese

Factor Caucasian Shepherd Dog Maltese
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 15 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Easygoing 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 4/5
Height 24 to 34 inches 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 1/5
Weight 80 to 220 pounds Up to 7 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $2110 $2580
Price Range $1500 – $2500 $1800 – $3000
Temperament Score 85.0 percent 82.4 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Dentition
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye examination, results registered with the OFA.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog is 69 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 Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Maltese so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Maltese

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Maltese

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

  • Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Malteses are good for new dog owners.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Malteses adapt well to apartment living.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have a very high tendency to drool. However, Malteses do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can tolerate cold weather. However, Malteses cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • The Similarities Between the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Maltese

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

  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Maltese cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Maltese do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Maltese are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Maltese require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Maltese do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Maltese have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Maltese have low exercise needs.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Maltese are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Maltese gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Maltese are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Maltese are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Maltese do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Maltese

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

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs weigh 80 to 220 pounds when fully grown. Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are 24 to 34 inches 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Maltese

    The lifespan of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dogs.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Maltese

    Temperament of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog Versus the Maltese

    The Caucasian Shepherd Dog has a better temperament than the Maltese.

    This is because the temperament score for the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is 85.0 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 85.0 percent, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Maltese by measuring the temperaments of 20 Caucasian Shepherd Dogs and 17 Malteses.

    Price of Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Price of Maltese

    The average price of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog puppy is $2110. The price of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Caucasian Shepherd Dog can be as low as $1000 and as high as $4000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 56 Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dog Maltese
    Average Price $2110 $2580
    Price Range $1500 to $2500 $1800 to $3000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd 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.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Maltese

    Adopting the Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Adopting the Maltese

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

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

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

    Arkansas, Little Rock; “Aslan” is the name of another Caucasian Shepherd Dog (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

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

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

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

    Health Problems of Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Maltese.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Caucasian Shepherd Dog than for the Maltese.

    7 health tests are recommended for Caucasian Shepherd Dog while 3 tests are recommended for the Maltese.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Caucasian Shepherd Dogs and in Malteses.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dog Health Problems

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dogs for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Dentition
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye examination, results registered with the OFA.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Caucasian Shepherd 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:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Malteses here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Maltese

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Malteses do not like to be left alone.

    Do Caucasian Shepherd Dogs shed more than Malteses?

    Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Maltese

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Malteses do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Maltese?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maltese?

    Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Malteses?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Malteses Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Caucasian Shepherd Dog vs. Maltese

    Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Maltese?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Malteses get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Caucasian Shepherd Dogs good family dogs? What about Malteses?

    Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dogs and Malteses?

    Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog Easier to Train than the Maltese?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are not easy to train.

    Malteses are very easy to train.

    Is the Caucasian Shepherd Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Maltese?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Malteses adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog

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

  • Afador (76 percent match with Caucasian Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Maltese vs Afador.
  • Akbash (73 percent match with Caucasian Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Maltese vs Akbash.
  • Mastiff (72 percent match with Caucasian Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Maltese vs Mastiff.
  • Boerboel (71 percent match with Caucasian Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Maltese vs Boerboel.
  • 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog vs Pomapoo.
  • Peek A Poo (81 percent match with Maltese). Here is our comparison of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Caucasian Shepherd Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Norwegian Lundehund     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Cavachon     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Bedlington Terrier     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus King Shepherd     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Frenchton     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Cavachon     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Manchester Terrier     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Greyhound     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Patterdale Terrier     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Chihuahua     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Field Spaniel     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Border Collie     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Chorkie     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Papillon     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Pug     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Plott     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Greyhound     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Italian Greyhound     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Bouvier des Flandres     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Border Terrier     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Pomeranian     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Hovawart     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Skye Terrier     

    Maltese Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maltese versus Pomsky     Maltese versus Yorkshire Terrier     Maltese versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Maltese versus Dutch Shepherd     Maltese versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Maltese versus Miniature Poodle     Maltese versus Sloughi     Maltese versus Puggle     Maltese versus Briard     Maltese versus Finnish Spitz     Maltese versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Maltese versus Frenchton     Maltese versus Shihpoo     Maltese versus Stabyhoun     Maltese versus Borzoi     Maltese versus Bedlington Terrier     Maltese versus Briard     Maltese versus Boston Terrier     Maltese versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Maltese versus Redbone Coonhound     Maltese versus Cesky Terrier     Maltese versus Bouvier des Flandres     Maltese versus Hovawart     Maltese versus Norwich Terrier     

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