Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Maltese Versus Pug: Introduction
- Maltese versus Pug: Overview
- Maltese versus Pug: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Maltese and the Pug
- The Similarities Between the Maltese and the Pug
- Size (Weight and Height) of Maltese versus Pug
- Lifespan of Maltese versus Pug
- Temperament of the Maltese Versus the Pug
- Price of Maltese versus Price of Pug
- Adopting the Maltese versus Adopting the Pug
- The Intelligence of the Maltese versus the Intelligence of the Pug
- The Popularity of Maltese versus Popularity of Pug
- Health Problems of Maltese versus Health Problems of Pug
- Tolerates Being Alone: Maltese versus Pug
- Do Malteses shed more than Pugs?
- Which one drools more, the Maltese or the Pug
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Maltese or the Pug?
- Does the Maltese Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pug?
- Do Malteses Bark and Howl? What about Pugs?
- Can Malteses Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pugs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Maltese vs. Pug
- Can Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pugs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Maltese or the Pug?
- Are Malteses good family dogs? What about Pugs?
- How Kid-friendly are Malteses and Pugs?
- Is the Maltese Easier to Train than the Pug?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maltese
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pug
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Maltese versus Pug. Which One is a Better Pet?
Maltese Versus Pug: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Maltese and the Pug? 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 Pug 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 Pug.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Maltese and the Pug 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 Pug. 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 Pug.
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 Pug.
Maltese versus Pug: Overview
A very important difference between the Maltese and the Pug is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Maltese is a tiny-sized dog while the Pug is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, both the Maltese and the Pug are Companion Dogs. This means both the Maltese and the Pug 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.
Maltese versus Pug: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Maltese to the Pug 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 Pug
| Factor | Maltese | Pug |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder | 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | Up to 7 pounds | 14 to 18 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $2580 | $1620 |
| Price Range | $1800 – $3000 | $1200 – $1875 |
| Temperament Score | 82.4 percent | 91.7 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
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| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 33 | 31 |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 59 | 57 |
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 Pug. 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 Pug is 80 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Maltese is a better pet than the Pug. 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 Maltese and the Pug so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Maltese and the Pug
Below is a list of where the Maltese and the Pug are most different:
The Similarities Between the Maltese and the Pug
The Maltese and the Pug are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Maltese and the Pug are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Maltese versus Pug
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Maltese and the Pug.
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, Pugs weigh 14 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Pugs are 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Maltese versus Pug
The lifespan of Malteses is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Malteses is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Pugs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pugs is 13.5 years.
Temperament of the Maltese Versus the Pug
The Pug has a better temperament than the Maltese.
This is because the temperament score for the Pug is 91.7 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 82.4 percent, the Maltese has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 91.7 percent, the Pug has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Maltese and the Pug by measuring the temperaments of 17 Malteses and 48 Pugs.
Price of Maltese versus Price of Pug
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 Pug puppy is $1620. The price of the Pug typically ranges from $1200 – $1875. However, the price of the Pug can be as low as $300 and as high as $6525. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 654 Pug puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Maltese is more expensive than the Pug.
| Maltese | Pug | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2580 | $1620 |
| Price Range | $1800 to $3000 | $1200 to $1875 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Maltese and Pug. For different price points, the charts show how many Maltese puppies or how many Pug 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 Pugs
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Maltese puppy or the Pug 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 Pug
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Malteses and many Pugs 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 A1056208 that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Malteses like A1056208 on pefinder.com.
Also, like Malteses, Pugs are also available for adoption. For example, Champ is a Male Pug that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Pugs like Champ that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Scruffy is the name of another Maltese (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Niles is an adorable Male Pug on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Malteses and Pugs that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Intelligence of the Maltese versus the Intelligence of the Pug
| Maltese | Pug | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 59 out of 130 dog breeds | 57 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:
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 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 Pug has an obedience intelligence rank of 57 out of 130 dog breeds. The Pug belongs to the `Fair Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Pugs tend to learn new commands after 40 to 80 repetitions!.
The Pug 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 Maltese versus Popularity of Pug
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 Pug over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Pug is more popular with dog owners than the Maltese. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Pug is 31 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Maltese is 33 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Maltese
Popularity of Pug
| Year | Maltese Popularity Rank | Pug Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 27 | 31 |
| 2014 | 29 | 33 |
| 2015 | 31 | 33 |
| 2016 | 33 | 32 |
| 2017 | 33 | 31 |
| 2018 | 37 | 28 |
| 2019 | 36 | 31 |
| 2020 | 38 | 29 |
Health Problems of Maltese versus Health Problems of Pug
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 Pug 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 Pug is prone to more genetic health problems than the Maltese.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Pug than for the Maltese.
3 health tests are recommended for Maltese while 7 tests are recommended for the Pug.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Malteses and in Pugs.
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.
Pug Health Problems
Pugs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Pug 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 Pug puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Pug 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 Pugs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pugs here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Malteses and Pugs
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 Pug Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the Pug ranks 1 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 942 Pugs, 676 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pugs, and how common these diseases are in Pugs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Maltese and in Pug and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Maltese and the Pug:
| Disease | Maltese Rank | Pug Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Legg-Calve-Perthes problems | 6 out of 40 dog breeds | 14 out of 40 dog breeds |
| Dentition Database problems | 16 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 41 out of 145 dog breeds | 32 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 98 out of 198 dog breeds | 1 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 139 out of 182 dog breeds | 60 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Necrotizing Meningoencephalitis problems | Not Common | 1 out of 1 dog breeds |
| Tracheal Hypoplasia problems | Not Common | 1 out of 4 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 2 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | Not Common | 14 out of 70 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 Pug
Malteses do not like to be left alone.
Pugs do not like to be left alone.
Do Malteses shed more than Pugs?
Malteses do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Pugs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Maltese or the Pug
Malteses do have a very low tendency to drool.
Pugs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Maltese or the Pug?
Malteses require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Pugs are very easy to groom.
Does the Maltese Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pug?
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.
Pugs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Malteses Bark and Howl? What about Pugs?
Malteses are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Pugs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Malteses Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pugs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Malteses cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Pugs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Maltese vs. Pug
Malteses do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Pugs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Can Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pugs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Malteses can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Pugs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Maltese or the Pug?
Malteses get along very well with other dogs.
Pugs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Malteses good family dogs? What about Pugs?
Malteses are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Pugs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Malteses and Pugs?
Malteses get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Pugs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Maltese Easier to Train than the Pug?
Malteses are very easy to train.
Pugs are fairly easy to train.
Is the Maltese Better for Apartment Owners than the Pug?
Malteses adapt very well to apartment living.
Pugs adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Maltese or the Pug?
Malteses are very good for new dog owners.
Pugs are very good 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 Pug
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Pug 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 Pug:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Maltese and how the Pug compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Maltese and of the Pug to other breeds:
Maltese Versus Other Dog Breeds
Maltese versus Akbash Maltese versus Norwegian Lundehund Maltese versus Boykin Spaniel Maltese versus Akita Chow Maltese versus Skye Terrier Maltese versus Canaan Dog Maltese versus Maltipoo Maltese versus Belgian Malinois Maltese versus Labradoodle Maltese versus Pyrenean Mastiff Maltese versus Bedlington Terrier Maltese versus American Bulldog Maltese versus Boerboel Maltese versus Peek A Poo Maltese versus Weimaraner Maltese versus Boerboel Maltese versus Pomeranian Maltese versus Shiloh Shepherd Maltese versus Irish Water Spaniel Maltese versus Irish Terrier Maltese versus Golden Cocker Retriever Maltese versus English Springer Spaniel Maltese versus Pointer Maltese versus Boxer Maltese versus Afghan Hound
Pug Versus Other Dog Breeds
Pug versus Pomapoo Pug versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Pug versus Golden Retriever Pug versus Mal Shi Pug versus Shiloh Shepherd Pug versus Canaan Dog Pug versus Hovawart Pug versus Silky Terrier Pug versus Akita Chow Pug versus Manchester Terrier Pug versus Chorkie Pug versus Norfolk Terrier Pug versus Akita Pug versus Bouvier des Flandres Pug versus Clumber Spaniel Pug versus Japanese Spitz Pug versus Akita Pug versus Finnish Spitz Pug versus Boxerdoodle Pug versus Icelandic Sheepdog Pug versus American Bulldog Pug versus Belgian Sheepdog Pug versus Akbash Pug versus Samoyed
Conclusion: Maltese versus Pug. 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 Pug better suits you and your family.