Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Maltese Versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Introduction
- Maltese versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Overview
- Maltese versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Maltese and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the Maltese and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Maltese versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Lifespan of Maltese versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Temperament of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog Versus the Maltese
- The Popularity of Maltese versus Popularity of Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Health Problems of Maltese versus Health Problems of Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Maltese versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Do Malteses shed more than Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
- Which one drools more, the Maltese or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Maltese or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
- Does the Maltese Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
- Do Malteses Bark and Howl? What about Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
- Can Malteses Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Polish Lowland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Maltese vs. Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Can Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Polish Lowland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Maltese or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
- Are Malteses good family dogs? What about Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Malteses and Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
- Is the Maltese Easier to Train than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maltese
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Maltese versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Maltese Versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Maltese and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog? 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 Maltese and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Maltese and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Maltese and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Maltese and for the Polish Lowland Sheepdog. 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 Maltese and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Maltese or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
Maltese versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Overview
A very important difference between the Maltese and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Maltese is a tiny-sized dog while the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, 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.
On the other hand, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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.
Maltese versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Maltese to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Maltese and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
| Factor | Maltese | Polish Lowland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder | 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | Up to 7 pounds | 35 to 55 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $2580 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1800 – $3000 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 82.4 percent | 54.5 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 33 | 169 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Maltese 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog. 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 Maltese is 82 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is 84 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a better pet than the Maltese. So, you should get the Polish Lowland Sheepdog!
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 Maltese and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Maltese and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the Maltese and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Maltese and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
The Maltese and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Maltese and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Maltese versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Maltese and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
Malteses weigh Up to 7 pounds when fully grown. Malteses are 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs weigh 35 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Maltese versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog
The lifespan of Malteses is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Malteses is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Polish Lowland Sheepdogs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Polish Lowland Sheepdogs is 11.0 years.
Malteses live longer than Polish Lowland Sheepdogs.
Temperament of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog Versus the Maltese
The Maltese has a better temperament than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
This is because the temperament score for the Maltese is 82.4 percent while the temperament score for the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is 54.5 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 82.4 percent, the Maltese has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 54.5 percent, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Maltese and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog by measuring the temperaments of 17 Malteses and 11 Polish Lowland Sheepdogs.
The Popularity of Maltese versus Popularity of Polish Lowland Sheepdog
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 Maltese and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Maltese is more popular with dog owners than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog. 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog is 169 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Maltese
Popularity of Polish Lowland Sheepdog
| Year | Maltese Popularity Rank | Polish Lowland Sheepdog Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 27 | 157 |
| 2014 | 29 | 170 |
| 2015 | 31 | 164 |
| 2016 | 33 | 169 |
| 2017 | 33 | 176 |
| 2018 | 37 | 170 |
| 2019 | 36 | 173 |
| 2020 | 38 | 175 |
Health Problems of Maltese versus Health Problems of Polish Lowland Sheepdog
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 Maltese and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 more genetic health problems than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Maltese than for the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
3 health tests are recommended for Maltese while 2 tests are recommended for the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Malteses and in Polish Lowland Sheepdogs.
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.
Polish Lowland Sheepdog Health Problems
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Polish Lowland Sheepdogs here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Malteses and Polish Lowland Sheepdogs
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:
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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog Breed is Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.
This is because the Polish Lowland Sheepdog ranks 1 out of 8 dog breeds for Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 341 Polish Lowland Sheepdogs, 60 of them had Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Polish Lowland Sheepdogs, and how common these diseases are in Polish Lowland Sheepdogs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Maltese and in Polish Lowland Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Maltese and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog:
| Disease | Maltese Rank | Polish Lowland Sheepdog Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Legg-Calve-Perthes problems | 6 out of 40 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | 16 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 41 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 98 out of 198 dog breeds | 60 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 139 out of 182 dog breeds | 106 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | Not Common | 1 out of 8 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 116 out of 144 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: Maltese versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Malteses do not like to be left alone.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Malteses shed more than Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
Malteses do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Maltese or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Malteses do have a very low tendency to drool.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Maltese or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
Malteses require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Maltese Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
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.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Malteses Bark and Howl? What about Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
Malteses are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Malteses Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Polish Lowland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Malteses cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Maltese vs. Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Malteses do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Polish Lowland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Malteses can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Maltese or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
Malteses get along very well with other dogs.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Malteses good family dogs? What about Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
Malteses are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Malteses and Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
Malteses get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Maltese Easier to Train than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
Malteses are very easy to train.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.
Is the Maltese Better for Apartment Owners than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
Malteses adapt very well to apartment living.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Maltese or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
Malteses are very good for new dog owners.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
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 Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Maltese and how the Polish Lowland Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Maltese and of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog to other breeds:
Maltese Versus Other Dog Breeds
Maltese versus Irish Terrier Maltese versus Irish Wolfhound Maltese versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Maltese versus Kishu Ken Maltese versus Belgian Tervuren Maltese versus Shihpoo Maltese versus Bull Terrier Maltese versus Dogo Argentino Maltese versus Valley Bulldog Maltese versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Maltese versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Maltese versus Estrela Mountain Dog Maltese versus Standard Poodle Maltese versus Japanese Chin Maltese versus Sealyham Terrier Maltese versus Xoloitzcuintli Maltese versus American Foxhound Maltese versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Maltese versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Maltese versus Maltipoo Maltese versus Morkie Maltese versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Maltese versus Puggle Maltese versus Spanish Mastiff Maltese versus Great Pyrenees
Polish Lowland Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Clumber Spaniel Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Toy Poodle Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Shihpoo Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Cane Corso Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus German Shepherd Dog Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Estrela Mountain Dog Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Chinese Shar-Pei Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Portuguese Pointer Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Bichon Frise Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Portuguese Water Dog Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Airedale Terrier Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Leonberger Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Scottish Deerhound Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus English Toy Spaniel Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Afghan Hound Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Dogo Argentino Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus German Pinscher Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Afghan Hound Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Havanese Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Lakeland Terrier Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Shiloh Shepherd
Conclusion: Maltese versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog. 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 Maltese and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog better suits you and your family.