Which is Better between the Maltese and the Portuguese Water Dog? A Very Detailed Review.

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Maltese Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Maltese and the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Portuguese Water Dog.

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 Portuguese Water Dog.

Maltese versus Portuguese Water Dog

Maltese versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview

A very important difference between the Maltese and the Portuguese Water Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Maltese is a tiny-sized dog while the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Maltese versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Maltese to the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog

Factor Maltese Portuguese Water Dog
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
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 14 years
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Height 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the
Weight Up to 7 pounds 35 to 60 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.0 years
Average Price $2580 $2860
Price Range $1800 – $3000 $2500 – $3300
Temperament Score 82.4 percent 77.9 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- recommend annual exams until age 10
  • GM1 GANGLIOSIDOSIS
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy – Univ of Pennsylvania –
  • NYU
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Sebaceous Adenitis
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 33 50

    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 Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Portuguese Water Dog is 84 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Portuguese Water Dog is a better pet than the Maltese. So, you should get the Portuguese Water 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 Maltese and the Portuguese Water Dog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Maltese versus Portuguese Water Dog

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Maltese and the Portuguese Water Dog

    Below is a list of where the Maltese and the Portuguese Water Dog are most different:

  • Malteses cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Portuguese Water Dogs can tolerate cold weather.
  • Malteses have low exercise needs. However, Portuguese Water Dogs require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • The Similarities Between the Maltese and the Portuguese Water Dog

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

  • Both the Maltese and the Portuguese Water Dog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Maltese and the Portuguese Water Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Maltese and the Portuguese Water Dog are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Maltese and the Portuguese Water Dog do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Maltese and the Portuguese Water Dog require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Maltese and the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Maltese and the Portuguese Water Dog get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Maltese and the Portuguese Water Dog are very easy to train.
  • Both the Maltese and the Portuguese Water Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Maltese and the Portuguese Water Dog have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Maltese and the Portuguese Water Dog are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Maltese and the Portuguese Water Dog are very playful.
  • Both the Maltese and the Portuguese Water Dog adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Maltese and the Portuguese Water Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Maltese versus Portuguese Water Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Maltese and the Portuguese Water Dog.

    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, Portuguese Water Dogs weigh 35 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Portuguese Water Dogs are 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Maltese versus Portuguese Water Dog

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

    The lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is 12.0 years.

    Malteses live longer than Portuguese Water Dogs.

    Temperament of the Maltese Versus the Portuguese Water Dog

    The Maltese has a better temperament than the Portuguese Water Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Maltese is 82.4 percent while the temperament score for the Portuguese Water Dog is 77.9 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 77.9 percent, the Portuguese Water Dog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Maltese and the Portuguese Water Dog by measuring the temperaments of 17 Malteses and 163 Portuguese Water Dogs.

    Price of Maltese versus Price of Portuguese Water Dog

    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 reviewing the prices of 413 Maltese puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Portuguese Water Dog puppy is $2860. The price of the Portuguese Water Dog typically ranges from $2500 – $3300. However, the price of the Portuguese Water Dog can be as low as $900 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 140 Portuguese Water Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Portuguese Water Dog is more expensive than the Maltese.

    Maltese Portuguese Water Dog
    Average Price $2580 $2860
    Price Range $1800 to $3000 $2500 to $3300

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

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Portuguese Water Dogs

    A breakdown of the prices of Portuguese Water Dogs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Maltese puppy or the Portuguese Water Dog 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.

    Adopting the Maltese versus Adopting the Portuguese Water Dog

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Malteses and many Portuguese Water Dogs 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 Maltese named Koki that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Malteses like Koki on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Malteses, Portuguese Water Dogs are also available for adoption. For example, Ziggy is a Male Portuguese Water Dog that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Portuguese Water Dogs like Ziggy that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Maltese and the Portuguese Water Dog can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    A1056208 is the name of another Maltese (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    You can find more Malteses and Portuguese Water Dogs that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    The Popularity of Maltese versus Popularity of Portuguese Water Dog

    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 Portuguese Water Dog over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Maltese is more popular with dog owners than the Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Portuguese Water Dog is 50 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Maltese

    Popularity of Maltese

    Popularity of Portuguese Water Dog

    Popularity of Portuguese Water Dog

    Year Maltese Popularity Rank Portuguese Water Dog Popularity Rank
    2013 27 49
    2014 29 52
    2015 31 52
    2016 33 51
    2017 33 54
    2018 37 50
    2019 36 49
    2020 38 49

    Health Problems of Maltese versus Health Problems of Portuguese Water Dog

    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 Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Maltese.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Portuguese Water Dog than for the Maltese.

    3 health tests are recommended for Maltese while 11 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Water Dog.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Malteses and in Portuguese Water Dogs.

    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.

    Portuguese Water Dog Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- recommend annual exams until age 10
  • GM1 GANGLIOSIDOSIS
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy – Univ of Pennsylvania –
  • NYU
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Sebaceous Adenitis
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Portuguese Water Dogs here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Malteses and Portuguese Water Dogs

    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
  • 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 Portuguese Water Dog Breed is Early Onset Pra problems.

    This is because the Portuguese Water Dog ranks 1 out of 1 dog breeds for Early Onset Pra problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 788 Portuguese Water Dogs, 0 of them had Early Onset Pra problems.

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

  • Early Onset Pra problems: Rank 1 out of 1 Dog Breeds
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems: Rank 15 out of 32 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 59 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 94 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 111 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 140 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Maltese and in Portuguese Water Dog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Maltese and the Portuguese Water Dog:

    Disease Maltese Rank Portuguese Water Dog 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 94 out of 198 dog breeds
    Eyes problems 139 out of 182 dog breeds 140 out of 182 dog breeds
    Early Onset Pra problems Not Common 1 out of 1 dog breeds
    Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems Not Common 15 out of 32 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems Not Common 59 out of 115 dog breeds
    Elbow problems Not Common 111 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 Portuguese Water Dog

    Malteses do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Malteses shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Maltese or the Portuguese Water Dog

    Malteses do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Water Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Maltese or the Portuguese Water Dog?

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Maltese Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?

    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.

    Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Malteses Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Malteses Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Maltese vs. Portuguese Water Dog

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Maltese or the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Malteses get along very well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Malteses good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?

    Malteses are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Portuguese Water Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Malteses and Portuguese Water Dogs?

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Maltese Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Malteses are very easy to train.

    Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.

    Is the Maltese Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Malteses adapt very well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Malteses are very good for new dog owners.

    Portuguese Water Dogs are OK 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:

  • Pomapoo (80 percent match with Maltese). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog vs Pomapoo.
  • Peek A Poo (81 percent match with Maltese). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Water Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Portuguese Water 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 Portuguese Water Dog:

  • Bernedoodle (83 percent match with Portuguese Water Dog). Here is our comparison of the Maltese vs Bernedoodle.
  • Polish Lowland Sheepdog (79 percent match with Portuguese Water Dog). Here is our comparison of the Maltese vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Maltese Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maltese versus Afghan Hound     Maltese versus Afghan Hound     Maltese versus Doberman Pinscher     Maltese versus Kai Ken     Maltese versus Bluetick Coonhound     Maltese versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Maltese versus Miniature Poodle     Maltese versus American Hairless Terrier     Maltese versus Spanish Mastiff     Maltese versus Cavachon     Maltese versus Weimaraner     Maltese versus Sealyham Terrier     Maltese versus Shichon     Maltese versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Maltese versus American Bulldog     Maltese versus Cavachon     Maltese versus Portuguese Water Dog     Maltese versus Bichon Frise     Maltese versus Boston Terrier     Maltese versus Australian Shepherd     Maltese versus Goldador     Maltese versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Maltese versus Basset Hound     Maltese versus Puli     Maltese versus Patterdale Terrier     

    Portuguese Water Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Water Dog versus Redbone Coonhound     Portuguese Water Dog versus Miniature Schnauzer     Portuguese Water Dog versus Bull Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Beagle     Portuguese Water Dog versus Dutch Shepherd     Portuguese Water Dog versus Newfoundland     Portuguese Water Dog versus Shiba Inu     Portuguese Water Dog versus Papillon     Portuguese Water Dog versus Xoloitzcuintli     Portuguese Water Dog versus Cocker Spaniel     Portuguese Water Dog versus Scottish Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Briard     Portuguese Water Dog versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Italian Greyhound     Portuguese Water Dog versus Tibetan Spaniel     Portuguese Water Dog versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Portuguese Water Dog versus Affenhuahua     Portuguese Water Dog versus Italian Greyhound     Portuguese Water Dog versus English Toy Spaniel     Portuguese Water Dog versus Leonberger     Portuguese Water Dog versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Portuguese Water Dog versus Weimaraner     Portuguese Water Dog versus Affenhuahua     Portuguese Water Dog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Portuguese Water Dog versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     

    Conclusion: Maltese versus Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Portuguese Water Dog better suits you and your family.