Is the Cockalier Better than the Maltese as a Pet? Answer…

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Cockalier Versus Maltese: Introduction

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

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

Cockalier versus Maltese: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Cockalier belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

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.

Cockalier versus Maltese: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cockalier 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 Cockalier and the Maltese

Factor Cockalier Maltese
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Weight 10 to 28 pounds Up to 7 pounds
Height 12 to 15 inches 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1370 $2580
Price Range $938 – $1800 $1800 – $3000
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 Cockalier 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 Cockalier is 89 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Maltese is 82 out of 125.

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

    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 Cockalier and the Maltese so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Cockalier and the Maltese

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

  • Both the Cockalier and the Maltese do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Maltese do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Maltese cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Maltese cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Maltese do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Maltese are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Cockalier 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 Cockalier and the Maltese do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Maltese adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Maltese are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Maltese are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Maltese get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Maltese are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Cockalier and the Maltese are very easy to train.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Maltese are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Maltese have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Maltese are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Maltese are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Cockalier versus Maltese

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

    Cockaliers weigh 10 to 28 pounds when fully grown. Cockaliers are 12 to 15 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 Cockalier versus Maltese

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

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

    Price of Cockalier versus Price of Maltese

    The average price of the Cockalier puppy is $1370. The price of the Cockalier typically ranges from $938 – $1800. However, the price of a Cockalier can be as low as $600 and as high as $2500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 87 Cockalier 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 Cockalier.

    Cockalier Maltese
    Average Price $1370 $2580
    Price Range $938 to $1800 $1800 to $3000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Cockaliers. 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 Cockalier 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cockalier versus Maltese

    Cockaliers do not like to be left alone.

    Malteses do not like to be left alone.

    Do Cockaliers shed more than Malteses?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Cockalier or the Maltese

    Cockaliers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Malteses do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Cockalier or the Maltese?

    Cockaliers are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Cockalier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maltese?

    Cockaliers 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 Cockaliers Bark and Howl? What about Malteses?

    Cockaliers 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 Cockaliers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Malteses Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Cockalier vs. Maltese

    Cockaliers 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 Cockaliers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cockaliers 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 Cockalier or the Maltese?

    Cockaliers get along very well with other dogs.

    Malteses get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Cockaliers good family dogs? What about Malteses?

    Cockaliers 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 Cockaliers and Malteses?

    Cockaliers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Cockalier Easier to Train than the Maltese?

    Cockaliers are very easy to train.

    Malteses are very easy to train.

    Is the Cockalier Better for Apartment Owners than the Maltese?

    Cockaliers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Malteses adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Cockaliers are very good for new dog owners.

    Malteses are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cockalier

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

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (81 percent match with Cockalier). Here is our comparison of the Maltese vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Cavapoo (80 percent match with Cockalier). Here is our comparison of the Maltese vs Cavapoo.
  • Shichon (83 percent match with Cockalier). Here is our comparison of the Maltese vs Shichon.
  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (81 percent match with Cockalier). Here is our comparison of the Maltese vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
  • 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 Cockalier vs Pomapoo.
  • Peek A Poo (81 percent match with Maltese). Here is our comparison of the Cockalier vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Cockalier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cockalier versus Chinook     Cockalier versus Finnish Spitz     Cockalier versus Vizsla     Cockalier versus Dogo Argentino     Cockalier versus Pug     Cockalier versus Australian Terrier     Cockalier versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Cockalier versus Mal Shi     Cockalier versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Cockalier versus Standard Schnauzer     Cockalier versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Cockalier versus Pointer     Cockalier versus Westiepoo     Cockalier versus Morkie     Cockalier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Cockalier versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Cockalier versus Portuguese Water Dog     Cockalier versus Swedish Vallhund     Cockalier versus Maltese     Cockalier versus Scottish Terrier     Cockalier versus Morkie     Cockalier versus Portuguese Water Dog     Cockalier versus Newfoundland     Cockalier versus Valley Bulldog     Cockalier versus Bulldog     

    Maltese Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maltese versus Samoyed     Maltese versus Spanish Mastiff     Maltese versus Maltipoo     Maltese versus Norfolk Terrier     Maltese versus Basenji     Maltese versus Finnish Spitz     Maltese versus Akbash     Maltese versus American Eskimo Dog     Maltese versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Maltese versus Finnish Spitz     Maltese versus Belgian Malinois     Maltese versus Border Terrier     Maltese versus Pomeranian     Maltese versus Cocker Spaniel     Maltese versus Pomapoo     Maltese versus Shetland Sheepdog     Maltese versus Italian Greyhound     Maltese versus Swedish Vallhund     Maltese versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Maltese versus Australian Terrier     Maltese versus Bulldog     Maltese versus Stabyhoun     Maltese versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Maltese versus English Cocker Spaniel     Maltese versus Shichon     

    Conclusion: Cockalier 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 Cockalier and the Maltese better suits you and your family.