Which is Better between the Italian Greyhound and the Maltese? A Very Detailed Review.

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Italian Greyhound Versus Maltese: Introduction

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

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

Italian Greyhound versus Maltese

Italian Greyhound versus Maltese: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Italian Greyhound and the Maltese are Companion Dogs. This means both the Italian Greyhound and the Maltese 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.

Italian Greyhound versus Maltese: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound and the Maltese

Factor Italian Greyhound Maltese
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 14 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Does NOT Shed 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 5/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Weight 6 to 15 pounds Up to 7 pounds
Average Lifespan 14.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1930 $2580
Price Range $1500 – $2250 $1800 – $3000
Temperament Score 81.5 percent 82.4 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination at 36 months, recommend annual testing to age 10
  • Hip Dysplasia/Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 70 33
    Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) 60 59

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound is 82 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 not better or worse than the Italian Greyhound. So, you can get the Maltese or the Italian Greyhound!

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

    Italian Greyhound versus Maltese

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Italian Greyhound and the Maltese

    Below is a list of where the Italian Greyhound and the Maltese are most different:

  • Italian Greyhounds are very easy to groom. However, Malteses require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the Italian Greyhound and the Maltese

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

  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Maltese do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Maltese cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Maltese do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Maltese do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Maltese are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Maltese do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Maltese get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Maltese are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Maltese have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Maltese are very playful.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Maltese adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Maltese are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound and the Maltese are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Maltese have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Italian Greyhound versus Maltese

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

    Italian Greyhounds weigh 6 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Italian Greyhounds are 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Malteses weigh Up to 7 pounds when fully grown. Malteses are 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Italian Greyhound versus Maltese

    The lifespan of Italian Greyhounds is between 14 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Italian Greyhounds is 14.5 years.

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

    Italian Greyhounds live longer than Malteses.

    Italian Greyhound versus Maltese

    Temperament of the Maltese Versus the Italian Greyhound

    The Maltese has a better temperament than the Italian Greyhound.

    This is because the temperament score for the Maltese is 82.4 percent while the temperament score for the Italian Greyhound is 81.5 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 81.5 percent, the Italian Greyhound has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 82.4 percent, the Maltese has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Italian Greyhound and the Maltese by measuring the temperaments of 54 Italian Greyhounds and 17 Malteses.

    Price of Italian Greyhound versus Price of Maltese

    The average price of the Italian Greyhound puppy is $1930. The price of the Italian Greyhound typically ranges from $1500 – $2250. However, the price of a Italian Greyhound can be as low as $750 and as high as $3500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 141 Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound.

    Italian Greyhound Maltese
    Average Price $1930 $2580
    Price Range $1500 to $2250 $1800 to $3000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Italian Greyhounds. 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 Italian Greyhound 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.

    Italian Greyhound versus Maltese

    Adopting the Italian Greyhound versus Adopting the Maltese

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Italian Greyhounds 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 Italian Greyhound named Massimo (Houston) that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Italian Greyhounds like Massimo (Houston) on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Italian Greyhounds, Malteses are also available for adoption. For example, A1134579 is a Male Maltese that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Malteses like A1134579 that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Italian Greyhound and the Maltese can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Beamer (Houston) is the name of another Italian Greyhound (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

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

    Italian Greyhounds and Malteses are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Italian Greyhounds and Malteses that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    The Intelligence of the Italian Greyhound versus the Intelligence of the Maltese

    Italian Greyhound Maltese
    Intelligence Rank 60 out of 130 dog breeds 59 out of 130 dog breeds
    Trainability Tend To Learn New Commands After 40 To 80 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:

  • Instinctive Intelligence: This is the natural intelligence a dog has because of what the dog was bred for. This type of intelligence comes from instinct. For example, dog breeds that were bred for guarding will have high `guarding` instinctive intelligence, while dog breeds that were bred for hunting will what high `hunting` instinctive intelligence. However, you cannot compare the intelligence of dog breeds based on instinctive intelligence because such a comparison will not make sense.
  • Adaptive Intelligence (learning and problem-solving ability): This indicates what a dog can learn to do for himself or herself. It includes learning and benefiting from experience with his environment, solving new problems, and so forth. Adaptive intelligence is specific to each dog, and not breed specific. Thus, two dogs can have remarkably different levels of adaptive intelligence even if they are of the same breed.
  • Working/Obedience Intelligence: This intelligence is the closest to what we might call school-learning ability and it is based upon what the dog can learn to do when instructed by humans. Importantly, different dog breeds have different learning abilities. Also, science has shown that some dog breeds can learn faster than some other breeds. This means certain dog breeds tend to have higher working/obedience intelligence than some other breeds. Dogs with high Working/Obedience Intelligence are smart and easy to train.
  • 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 Italian Greyhound has an obedience intelligence rank of 60 out of 130 dog breeds. The Italian Greyhound belongs to the `Fair Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Italian Greyhounds tend to learn new commands after 40 to 80 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 Maltese is more intelligent than the Italian Greyhound.

    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 Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound. 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 Italian Greyhound is 70 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Italian Greyhound

    Popularity of Italian Greyhound

    Popularity of Maltese

    Popularity of Maltese

    Year Italian Greyhound Popularity Rank Maltese Popularity Rank
    2013 66 27
    2014 74 29
    2015 71 31
    2016 72 33
    2017 74 33
    2018 73 37
    2019 67 36
    2020 69 38

    Health Problems of Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound is prone to more genetic health problems than the Maltese.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Italian Greyhound than for the Maltese.

    4 health tests are recommended for Italian Greyhound while 3 tests are recommended for the Maltese.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Italian Greyhounds and in Malteses.

    Italian Greyhound Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination at 36 months, recommend annual testing to age 10
  • Hip Dysplasia/Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Italian Greyhounds 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.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Italian Greyhounds 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 Italian Greyhound Breed is Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.

    This is because the Italian Greyhound ranks 3 out of 32 dog breeds for Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 96 Italian Greyhounds, 4 of them had Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Italian Greyhounds, and how common these diseases are in Italian Greyhounds relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems: Rank 3 out of 32 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 30 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 58 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 62 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • 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:

  • Legg-Calve-Perthes problems: Rank 6 out of 40 Dog Breeds
  • Dentition Database problems: Rank 16 out of 49 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 41 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 98 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 139 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Italian Greyhound and in Maltese and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Italian Greyhound and the Maltese:

    Disease Italian Greyhound Rank Maltese Rank
    Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems 3 out of 32 dog breeds Not Common
    Eyes problems 30 out of 182 dog breeds 139 out of 182 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems 58 out of 115 dog breeds Not Common
    Patella problems 62 out of 145 dog breeds 41 out of 145 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
    Hips problems Not Common 98 out of 198 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: Italian Greyhound versus Maltese

    Italian Greyhounds do not like to be left alone.

    Malteses do not like to be left alone.

    Do Italian Greyhounds shed more than Malteses?

    Italian Greyhounds 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 Italian Greyhound or the Maltese

    Italian Greyhounds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Malteses do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Italian Greyhound or the Maltese?

    Italian Greyhounds are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Italian Greyhound Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maltese?

    Italian Greyhounds 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 Italian Greyhounds Bark and Howl? What about Malteses?

    Italian Greyhounds bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Italian Greyhounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Malteses Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Italian Greyhounds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Italian Greyhound vs. Maltese

    Italian Greyhounds have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Malteses do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Italian Greyhounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Italian Greyhounds 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 Italian Greyhound or the Maltese?

    Italian Greyhounds get along very well with other dogs.

    Malteses get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Italian Greyhounds good family dogs? What about Malteses?

    Italian Greyhounds 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 Italian Greyhounds and Malteses?

    Italian Greyhounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Italian Greyhound Easier to Train than the Maltese?

    Italian Greyhounds are fairly easy to train.

    Malteses are very easy to train.

    Is the Italian Greyhound Better for Apartment Owners than the Maltese?

    Italian Greyhounds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Malteses adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Italian Greyhounds are very good for new dog owners.

    Malteses are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Italian Greyhound

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

  • Whippet (78 percent match with Italian Greyhound). Here is our comparison of the Maltese vs Whippet.
  • 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 Italian Greyhound vs Pomapoo.
  • Peek A Poo (81 percent match with Maltese). Here is our comparison of the Italian Greyhound vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Italian Greyhound Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Italian Greyhound versus Newfoundland     Italian Greyhound versus Scottish Deerhound     Italian Greyhound versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Italian Greyhound versus Brittany     Italian Greyhound versus Basset Hound     Italian Greyhound versus Standard Poodle     Italian Greyhound versus Akita Chow     Italian Greyhound versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Italian Greyhound versus Cockalier     Italian Greyhound versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Italian Greyhound versus Beaglier     Italian Greyhound versus Australian Shepherd     Italian Greyhound versus Norwich Terrier     Italian Greyhound versus Bullmastiff     Italian Greyhound versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Italian Greyhound versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Italian Greyhound versus Chow Chow     Italian Greyhound versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Italian Greyhound versus Cocker Spaniel     Italian Greyhound versus Yorkipoo     Italian Greyhound versus Dogo Argentino     Italian Greyhound versus Saint Bernard     Italian Greyhound versus Cairn Terrier     Italian Greyhound versus Irish Wolfhound     Italian Greyhound versus Briard     

    Maltese Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maltese versus Belgian Tervuren     Maltese versus Bordoodle     Maltese versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Maltese versus Giant Schnauzer     Maltese versus Dalmatian     Maltese versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Maltese versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Maltese versus Norwegian Buhund     Maltese versus Maremma Sheepdog     Maltese versus Scottish Terrier     Maltese versus Afador     Maltese versus Affenpinscher     Maltese versus Bullmastiff     Maltese versus Shiranian     Maltese versus English Cocker Spaniel     Maltese versus Gordon Setter     Maltese versus Australian Cattle Dog     Maltese versus Sloughi     Maltese versus Shetland Sheepdog     Maltese versus Tibetan Terrier     Maltese versus Catahoula Bulldog     Maltese versus Tibetan Terrier     Maltese versus Havanese     Maltese versus Saint Bernard     Maltese versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     

    Conclusion: Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound and the Maltese better suits you and your family.