Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Maltese Versus Puli: Introduction
- Maltese versus Puli: Overview
- Maltese versus Puli: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Maltese and the Puli
- The Similarities Between the Maltese and the Puli
- Size (Weight and Height) of Maltese versus Puli
- Lifespan of Maltese versus Puli
- Temperament of the Maltese Versus the Puli
- Price of Maltese versus Price of Puli
- The Intelligence of the Maltese versus the Intelligence of the Puli
- The Popularity of Maltese versus Popularity of Puli
- Health Problems of Maltese versus Health Problems of Puli
- Tolerates Being Alone: Maltese versus Puli
- Do Malteses shed more than Pulis?
- Which one drools more, the Maltese or the Puli
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Maltese or the Puli?
- Does the Maltese Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Puli?
- Do Malteses Bark and Howl? What about Pulis?
- Can Malteses Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pulis Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Maltese vs. Puli
- Can Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pulis Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Maltese or the Puli?
- Are Malteses good family dogs? What about Pulis?
- How Kid-friendly are Malteses and Pulis?
- Is the Maltese Easier to Train than the Puli?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maltese
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Puli
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Maltese versus Puli. Which One is a Better Pet?
Maltese Versus Puli: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Maltese and the Puli? 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 Puli 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 Puli.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Maltese and the Puli 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 Puli. 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 Puli.
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 Puli.
Maltese versus Puli: Overview
A very important difference between the Maltese and the Puli is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Maltese is a tiny-sized dog while the Puli 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 Puli 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 Puli: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Maltese to the Puli 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 Puli
| Factor | Maltese | Puli |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 1/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 15 years |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder | 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | Up to 7 pounds | 25 to 35 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 12.5 years |
| Average Price | $2580 | $2250 |
| Price Range | $1800 – $3000 | $1875 – $2750 |
| Temperament Score | 82.4 percent | 92.3 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 33 | 150 |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 59 | 27 |
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 Puli. 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 Puli is 74 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Maltese is a better pet than the Puli. 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 Puli so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Maltese and the Puli
Below is a list of where the Maltese and the Puli are most different:
The Similarities Between the Maltese and the Puli
The Maltese and the Puli are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Maltese and the Puli are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Maltese versus Puli
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Maltese and the Puli.
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, Pulis weigh 25 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Pulis are 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Maltese versus Puli
The lifespan of Malteses is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Malteses is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Pulis is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pulis is 12.5 years.
Malteses live longer than Pulis.
Temperament of the Maltese Versus the Puli
The Puli has a better temperament than the Maltese.
This is because the temperament score for the Puli is 92.3 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 92.3 percent, the Puli has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Maltese and the Puli by measuring the temperaments of 17 Malteses and 26 Pulis.
Price of Maltese versus Price of Puli
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 Puli puppy is $2250. The price of the Puli typically ranges from $1875 – $2750. However, the price of the Puli can be as low as $1250 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 3 Puli puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Maltese is more expensive than the Puli.
| Maltese | Puli | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2580 | $2250 |
| Price Range | $1800 to $3000 | $1875 to $2750 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Maltese and Puli. For different price points, the charts show how many Maltese puppies or how many Puli 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 Pulis
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Maltese puppy or the Puli 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.
The Intelligence of the Maltese versus the Intelligence of the Puli
| Maltese | Puli | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 59 out of 130 dog breeds | 27 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 40 To 80 Repetitions! | Tend To Learn New Commands After 15 To 25 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 Puli has an obedience intelligence rank of 27 out of 130 dog breeds. The Puli belongs to the `Above Average Working Dogs` category. This means that Pulis tend to learn new commands after 15 to 25 repetitions.
The Puli 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 Puli
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 Puli over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Maltese is more popular with dog owners than the Puli. 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 Puli is 150 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Maltese
Popularity of Puli
| Year | Maltese Popularity Rank | Puli Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 27 | 136 |
| 2014 | 29 | 151 |
| 2015 | 31 | 154 |
| 2016 | 33 | 159 |
| 2017 | 33 | 142 |
| 2018 | 37 | 160 |
| 2019 | 36 | 160 |
| 2020 | 38 | 143 |
Health Problems of Maltese versus Health Problems of Puli
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 Puli 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 Puli is prone to more genetic health problems than the Maltese.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Puli than for the Maltese.
3 health tests are recommended for Maltese while 7 tests are recommended for the Puli.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Malteses and in Pulis.
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.
Puli Health Problems
Pulis are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Puli 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 Puli puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Puli 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 Pulis for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pulis here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Malteses and Pulis
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 Puli Breed is Degenerative Myelopathy problems.
This is because the Puli ranks 37 out of 70 dog breeds for Degenerative Myelopathy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 201 Pulis, 6 of them had Degenerative Myelopathy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pulis, and how common these diseases are in Pulis relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Maltese and in Puli and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Maltese and the Puli:
| Disease | Maltese Rank | Puli 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 | 39 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 98 out of 198 dog breeds | 115 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 139 out of 182 dog breeds | 144 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | Not Common | 37 out of 70 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 70 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 Puli
Malteses do not like to be left alone.
Pulis do not like to be left alone.
Do Malteses shed more than Pulis?
Malteses do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Pulis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Maltese or the Puli
Malteses do have a very low tendency to drool.
Pulis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Maltese or the Puli?
Malteses require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Pulis require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Maltese Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Puli?
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.
Pulis 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 Malteses Bark and Howl? What about Pulis?
Malteses are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Pulis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Malteses Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pulis Tolerate Cold Weather?
Malteses cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Pulis can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Maltese vs. Puli
Malteses do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Pulis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pulis Tolerate Hot Weather?
Malteses can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Pulis can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Maltese or the Puli?
Malteses get along very well with other dogs.
Pulis get along very well with other dogs.
Are Malteses good family dogs? What about Pulis?
Malteses are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Pulis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Malteses and Pulis?
Malteses get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Pulis get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Maltese Easier to Train than the Puli?
Malteses are very easy to train.
Pulis are not easy to train.
Is the Maltese Better for Apartment Owners than the Puli?
Malteses adapt very well to apartment living.
Pulis adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Maltese or the Puli?
Malteses are very good for new dog owners.
Pulis 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 Puli
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Puli 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 Puli:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Maltese and how the Puli compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Maltese and of the Puli to other breeds:
Maltese Versus Other Dog Breeds
Maltese versus Affenhuahua Maltese versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Maltese versus Kooikerhondje Maltese versus Bearded Collie Maltese versus Boerboel Maltese versus Brussels Griffon Maltese versus Xoloitzcuintli Maltese versus West Highland White Terrier Maltese versus Puli Maltese versus Scottish Terrier Maltese versus Italian Greyhound Maltese versus Silky Terrier Maltese versus Berger Picard Maltese versus Field Spaniel Maltese versus West Highland White Terrier Maltese versus Standard Schnauzer Maltese versus Cesky Terrier Maltese versus Plott Maltese versus Bordoodle Maltese versus Lhasapoo Maltese versus Scottish Deerhound Maltese versus Pekingese Maltese versus Beagle Maltese versus Rottweiler Maltese versus Sussex Spaniel
Puli Versus Other Dog Breeds
Puli versus Irish Water Spaniel Puli versus Pomchi Puli versus German Shorthaired Pointer Puli versus American Hairless Terrier Puli versus Spanish Mastiff Puli versus Labradoodle Puli versus Clumber Spaniel Puli versus Mountain Cur Puli versus Irish Terrier Puli versus Australian Shepherd Puli versus Dachshund Puli versus Mudi Puli versus Coton de Tulear Puli versus Doberman Pinscher Puli versus Maremma Sheepdog Puli versus Patterdale Terrier Puli versus Valley Bulldog Puli versus Miniature Poodle Puli versus American Staffordshire Terrier Puli versus Toy Poodle Puli versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Puli versus Newfoundland Puli versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puli versus Chihuahua Puli versus Irish Setter
Conclusion: Maltese versus Puli. 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 Puli better suits you and your family.