Is the Estrela Mountain Dog Better than the Maltese as a Pet? Answer…

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Estrela Mountain Dog Versus Maltese: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Maltese? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Estrela Mountain 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 Estrela Mountain Dog and the Maltese.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Estrela Mountain 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 Estrela Mountain 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Estrela Mountain 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 Estrela Mountain Dog or the Maltese

Estrela Mountain Dog versus Maltese: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Estrela Mountain 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.

Estrela Mountain Dog versus Maltese: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Estrela Mountain 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.

Factor Estrela Mountain Dog Maltese
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 5/5
Life Span 11 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Easygoing 4/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Height 24 to 30 inches 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Weight 75 to 130 pounds Up to 7 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $2000 $2580
Price Range $2000 – $2000 $1800 – $3000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
  • *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Estrela Mountain 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 a Estrela Mountain Dog is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Maltese is 82 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Estrela Mountain Dog is a better pet than the Maltese. So, you should get the Estrela Mountain 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 Estrela Mountain 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 Estrela Mountain Dog and the Maltese

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

  • Estrela Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Malteses adapt well to apartment living.
  • Estrela Mountain Dogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Malteses have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Estrela Mountain Dogs can tolerate cold weather. However, Malteses cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • The Similarities Between the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Maltese

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

  • Both the Estrela Mountain 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 Estrela Mountain Dog and the Maltese are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Maltese require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Maltese are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Maltese are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Maltese are very easy to train.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Maltese are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Maltese are highly intelligent.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Estrela Mountain Dog versus Maltese

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

    Estrela Mountain Dogs weigh 75 to 130 pounds when fully grown. Estrela Mountain Dogs are 24 to 30 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.

    Price of Estrela Mountain Dog versus Price of Maltese

    The average price of the Estrela Mountain Dog puppy is $2000. The price of the Estrela Mountain Dog typically ranges from $2000 – $2000. However, the price of a Estrela Mountain Dog can be as low as $2000 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1 Estrela Mountain 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 a 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 Estrela Mountain Dog.

    Estrela Mountain Dog Maltese
    Average Price $2000 $2580
    Price Range $2000 to $2000 $1800 to $3000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Estrela Mountain 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 Estrela Mountain 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Health Problems of Estrela Mountain Dog versus Health Problems of Maltese

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. Therefore, there is nothing like a perfect puppy.

    Both the Estrela Mountain 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 Estrela Mountain Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Maltese.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Estrela Mountain Dog than for the Maltese.

    4 health tests are recommended for Estrela Mountain Dog while 3 tests are recommended for the Maltese.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Estrela Mountain Dogs and in Malteses.

    Estrela Mountain Dog Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Estrela Mountain 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.

    Is the Estrela Mountain Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Maltese?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Malteses adapt very well to apartment living.

    Does the Estrela Mountain Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maltese?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to 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.

    Wanderlust Potential: Estrela Mountain Dog vs. Maltese

    Estrela Mountain 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.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Estrela Mountain Dog or the Maltese?

    Estrela Mountain 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.

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

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Malteses are very good for new dog owners.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Estrela Mountain Dog versus Maltese

    Estrela Mountain Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Malteses do not like to be left alone.

    Can Estrela Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Estrela Mountain Dog or the Maltese?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Malteses get along very well with other dogs.

    Which one drools more, the Estrela Mountain Dog or the Maltese

    Estrela Mountain Dogs drool moderately.

    Malteses do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Do Estrela Mountain Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Malteses?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Estrela Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Malteses Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Do Estrela Mountain Dogs shed more than Malteses?

    Estrela Mountain 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.

    Is the Estrela Mountain Dog Easier to Train than the Maltese?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are very easy to train.

    Malteses are very easy to train.

    Are Estrela Mountain Dogs good family dogs? What about Malteses?

    Estrela Mountain 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 Estrela Mountain Dogs and Malteses?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Estrela Mountain Dog

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

  • Akbash (81 percent match with Estrela Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Maltese vs Akbash.
  • Dutch Shepherd (75 percent match with Estrela Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Maltese vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • Pyrenean Mastiff (75 percent match with Estrela Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Maltese vs Pyrenean Mastiff.
  • 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 Estrela Mountain Dog vs Pomapoo.
  • Peek A Poo (81 percent match with Maltese). Here is our comparison of the Estrela Mountain Dog vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Estrela Mountain Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Estrela Mountain Dog versus Korean Jindo Dog     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Bulldog     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Great Dane     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Estrela Mountain Dog versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Aussiedoodle     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Barbet     

    Maltese Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maltese versus Portuguese Pointer     Maltese versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Maltese versus Bracco Italiano     Maltese versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Maltese versus Bracco Italiano     Maltese versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Maltese versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Maltese versus Shih Tzu     Maltese versus Clumber Spaniel     Maltese versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     

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