Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Irish Setter Versus Maltese: Introduction
- Irish Setter versus Maltese: Overview
- Irish Setter versus Maltese: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Irish Setter and the Maltese
- The Similarities Between the Irish Setter and the Maltese
- Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Setter versus Maltese
- Lifespan of Irish Setter versus Maltese
- Temperament of the Irish Setter Versus the Maltese
- Price of Irish Setter versus Price of Maltese
- Adopting the Irish Setter versus Adopting the Maltese
- The Intelligence of the Irish Setter versus the Intelligence of the Maltese
- The Popularity of Irish Setter versus Popularity of Maltese
- Health Problems of Irish Setter versus Health Problems of Maltese
- Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Setter versus Maltese
- Do Irish Setters shed more than Malteses?
- Which one drools more, the Irish Setter or the Maltese
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Setter or the Maltese?
- Does the Irish Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maltese?
- Do Irish Setters Bark and Howl? What about Malteses?
- Can Irish Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Malteses Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Irish Setter vs. Maltese
- Can Irish Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Irish Setter or the Maltese?
- Are Irish Setters good family dogs? What about Malteses?
- How Kid-friendly are Irish Setters and Malteses?
- Is the Irish Setter Easier to Train than the Maltese?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Setter
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maltese
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Irish Setter versus Maltese. Which One is a Better Pet?
Irish Setter Versus Maltese: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Maltese.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter or the Maltese.
![](https://i0.wp.com/pupvs.com/wp-content/uploads/images/irish-setter-vs-maltese-which-is-better.jpg?w=900&ssl=1)
Irish Setter versus Maltese: Overview
A very important difference between the Irish Setter and the Maltese is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Irish Setter is a large-sized dog while the Maltese is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Irish Setter belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
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.
Irish Setter versus Maltese: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Maltese
Factor | Irish Setter | Maltese |
---|---|---|
Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 5/5 |
Life Span | 11 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 1/5 |
Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 5/5 |
General Health | 2/5 | 3/5 |
Height | 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho | 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 5/5 |
Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 2/5 |
Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 1/5 |
Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 4/5 |
Easy To Train | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 3/5 |
Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 2/5 |
Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 3/5 |
Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 5/5 |
NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 3/5 |
Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 4/5 |
Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Weight | 60 to 70 pounds | Up to 7 pounds |
Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 13.5 years |
Average Price | $1680 | $2580 |
Price Range | $1200 – $2200 | $1800 – $3000 |
Temperament Score | 90.9 percent | 82.4 percent |
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 74 | 33 |
Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 35 | 59 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter. 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 Irish Setter and the Maltese so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
![](https://i0.wp.com/pupvs.com/wp-content/uploads/images/similarities-between-irish-setter-and-maltese.jpg?w=900&ssl=1)
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Irish Setter and the Maltese
Below is a list of where the Irish Setter and the Maltese are most different:
The Similarities Between the Irish Setter and the Maltese
The Irish Setter and the Maltese are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Irish Setter and the Maltese are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Setter versus Maltese
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Irish Setter and the Maltese.
Irish Setters weigh 60 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Irish Setters are 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho 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 Irish Setter versus Maltese
The lifespan of Irish Setters is between 11 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Irish Setters is 13.0 years.
The lifespan of Malteses is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Malteses is 13.5 years.
Malteses live longer than Irish Setters.
![](https://i0.wp.com/pupvs.com/wp-content/uploads/images/breed-comparison-irish-setter-versus-maltese.jpg?w=900&ssl=1)
Temperament of the Irish Setter Versus the Maltese
The Irish Setter has a better temperament than the Maltese.
This is because the temperament score for the Irish Setter is 90.9 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 90.9 percent, the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Maltese by measuring the temperaments of 154 Irish Setters and 17 Malteses.
Price of Irish Setter versus Price of Maltese
The average price of the Irish Setter puppy is $1680. The price of the Irish Setter typically ranges from $1200 – $2200. However, the price of a Irish Setter can be as low as $500 and as high as $3200. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 105 Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter.
Irish Setter | Maltese | |
---|---|---|
Average Price | $1680 | $2580 |
Price Range | $1200 to $2200 | $1800 to $3000 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Irish Setter and Maltese. For different price points, the charts show how many Irish Setter puppies or how many Maltese puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
![A breakdown of the prices of Irish Setters. The typical price range is shaded Green.](https://i0.wp.com/pupvs.com/wp-content/uploads/images/irish-setter-prices-average-range.jpg?w=900&ssl=1)
A breakdown of the prices of Irish Setters. The typical price range is shaded Green.
![A breakdown of the prices of Malteses](https://i0.wp.com/pupvs.com/wp-content/uploads/images/maltese-prices-average-range.jpg?w=900&ssl=1)
A breakdown of the prices of Malteses
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Irish Setter 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.
![](https://i0.wp.com/pupvs.com/wp-content/uploads/images/irish-setter-versus-maltese.jpg?w=900&ssl=1)
Adopting the Irish Setter versus Adopting the Maltese
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Irish Setters 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 Irish Setter named Gordon – 831 that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Irish Setters like Gordon – 831 on pefinder.com.
Also, like Irish Setters, Malteses are also available for adoption. For example, Astro is a Male Maltese that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Malteses like Astro that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
![](https://i0.wp.com/pupvs.com/wp-content/uploads/images/Irish-Setter-versus-Maltese-adoption-cost.jpg?w=900&ssl=1)
Conan is the name of another Irish Setter (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, A1134579 is an adorable Male Maltese on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
![](https://i0.wp.com/pupvs.com/wp-content/uploads/images/Irish-Setter-versus-Maltese-cost-adoption.jpg?w=900&ssl=1)
You can find more Irish Setters and Malteses that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Intelligence of the Irish Setter versus the Intelligence of the Maltese
Irish Setter | Maltese | |
---|---|---|
Intelligence Rank | 35 out of 130 dog breeds | 59 out of 130 dog breeds |
Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 15 To 25 Repetitions | Tend To Learn New Commands After 40 To 80 Repetitions! |
Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.
According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:
Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.
This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.
To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.
Prof. Coren found that the Irish Setter has an obedience intelligence rank of 35 out of 130 dog breeds. The Irish Setter belongs to the `Above Average Working Dogs` category. This means that Irish Setters tend to learn new commands after 15 to 25 repetitions.
The Maltese has an obedience intelligence rank of 59 out of 130 dog breeds. The Maltese belongs to the `Fair Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Malteses tend to learn new commands after 40 to 80 repetitions!.
The Irish Setter is more intelligent than the Maltese.
However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.
The Popularity of Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter. 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 Irish Setter is 74 out of about 200 dog breeds.
![Popularity of Irish Setter](https://i0.wp.com/pupvs.com/wp-content/uploads/images/how-popular-irish-setter-puppies-years.jpg?w=900&ssl=1)
Popularity of Irish Setter
![Popularity of Maltese](https://i0.wp.com/pupvs.com/wp-content/uploads/images/how-popular-maltese-puppies-years.jpg?w=900&ssl=1)
Popularity of Maltese
Year | Irish Setter Popularity Rank | Maltese Popularity Rank |
---|---|---|
2013 | 72 | 27 |
2014 | 73 | 29 |
2015 | 72 | 31 |
2016 | 76 | 33 |
2017 | 72 | 33 |
2018 | 77 | 37 |
2019 | 79 | 36 |
2020 | 75 | 38 |
Health Problems of Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter 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 Maltese is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Irish Setter.
3 health tests are recommended for Irish Setter while 3 tests are recommended for the Maltese.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Irish Setters and in Malteses.
Irish Setter Health Problems
Irish Setters are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Irish Setter 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 Irish Setters for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters 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 Irish Setter Breed is Thyroid problems.
This is because the Irish Setter ranks 13 out of 115 dog breeds for Thyroid problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1455 Irish Setters, 139 of them had Thyroid problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Irish Setters, and how common these diseases are in Irish Setters 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 Irish Setter and in Maltese and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Irish Setter and the Maltese:
Disease | Irish Setter Rank | Maltese Rank |
---|---|---|
Thyroid problems | 13 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 35 out of 70 dog breeds | Not Common |
Eyes problems | 67 out of 182 dog breeds | 139 out of 182 dog breeds |
Elbow problems | 92 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
Hips problems | 99 out of 198 dog breeds | 98 out of 198 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 |
Patella problems | Not Common | 41 out of 145 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: Irish Setter versus Maltese
Irish Setters do not like to be left alone.
Malteses do not like to be left alone.
Do Irish Setters shed more than Malteses?
Irish Setters 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 Irish Setter or the Maltese
Irish Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.
Malteses do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Setter or the Maltese?
Irish Setters are moderately easy to groom.
Malteses require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Irish Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maltese?
Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters Bark and Howl? What about Malteses?
Irish Setters are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Malteses are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Irish Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Malteses Tolerate Cold Weather?
Irish Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.
Malteses cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Irish Setter vs. Maltese
Irish Setters have a high tendency to wander. They are easily 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 Irish Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather?
Irish Setters 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 Irish Setter or the Maltese?
Irish Setters get along very well with other dogs.
Malteses get along very well with other dogs.
Are Irish Setters good family dogs? What about Malteses?
Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters and Malteses?
Irish Setters get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Malteses get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Is the Irish Setter Easier to Train than the Maltese?
Irish Setters are very easy to train.
Malteses are very easy to train.
Is the Irish Setter Better for Apartment Owners than the Maltese?
Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.
Malteses adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Irish Setter or the Maltese?
Irish Setters are OK for new dog owners.
Malteses are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Setter
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter:
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 Irish Setter and how the Maltese compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Irish Setter and of the Maltese to other breeds:
Irish Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds
Irish Setter versus Mudi Irish Setter versus Pug Irish Setter versus Chinook Irish Setter versus Japanese Spitz Irish Setter versus Azawakh Irish Setter versus Samoyed Irish Setter versus Brussels Griffon Irish Setter versus Basset Hound Irish Setter versus Norwich Terrier Irish Setter versus Cairn Terrier Irish Setter versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Irish Setter versus Chi-Poo Irish Setter versus Pomsky Irish Setter versus Alaskan Malamute Irish Setter versus Cavachon Irish Setter versus Saint Berdoodle Irish Setter versus German Pinscher Irish Setter versus Doberman Pinscher Irish Setter versus Shetland Sheepdog Irish Setter versus Catahoula Bulldog Irish Setter versus Briard Irish Setter versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Irish Setter versus Bloodhound Irish Setter versus Shetland Sheepdog Irish Setter versus Cockalier
Maltese Versus Other Dog Breeds
Maltese versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Maltese versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Maltese versus Tibetan Terrier Maltese versus Cockalier Maltese versus Havanese Maltese versus Boerboel Maltese versus Kuvasz Maltese versus Irish Setter Maltese versus Miniature Pinscher Maltese versus Afghan Hound Maltese versus Bluetick Coonhound Maltese versus Havanese Maltese versus Carolina Dog Maltese versus Schnoodle Maltese versus Golden Retriever Maltese versus Dutch Shepherd Maltese versus Black and Tan Coonhound Maltese versus Flat-Coated Retriever Maltese versus Toy Fox Terrier Maltese versus Shih Tzu Maltese versus Morkie Maltese versus Belgian Sheepdog Maltese versus English Cocker Spaniel Maltese versus Miniature Poodle Maltese versus Peek A Poo
Conclusion: Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Maltese better suits you and your family.