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

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Maltese Versus Schnoodle: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Maltese and the Schnoodle 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 Schnoodle. 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 Schnoodle.

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 Schnoodle.

Maltese versus Schnoodle

Maltese versus Schnoodle: Overview

A very important difference between the Maltese and the Schnoodle is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Maltese is a tiny-sized dog while the Schnoodle is a large-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 Schnoodle belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.

Maltese versus Schnoodle: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Maltese to the Schnoodle 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 Schnoodle

Factor Maltese Schnoodle
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 15 years
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
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 5/5
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 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Height 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder 10 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight Up to 7 pounds 20 to 75 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.5 years
Average Price $2580 $1720
Price Range $1800 – $3000 $1250 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
  • No Data

    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 Schnoodle. 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 Schnoodle is 84 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Schnoodle is a better pet than the Maltese. So, you should get the Schnoodle!

    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 Schnoodle so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Maltese versus Schnoodle

    The Similarities Between the Maltese and the Schnoodle

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

  • Both the Maltese and the Schnoodle do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Maltese and the Schnoodle cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Maltese and the Schnoodle do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Maltese and the Schnoodle are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Maltese and the Schnoodle do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Maltese and the Schnoodle 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 Schnoodle get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Maltese and the Schnoodle are very easy to train.
  • Both the Maltese and the Schnoodle are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Maltese and the Schnoodle have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Maltese and the Schnoodle are very playful.
  • Both the Maltese and the Schnoodle are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Maltese and the Schnoodle are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Maltese versus Schnoodle

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

    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, Schnoodles weigh 20 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Schnoodles are 10 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Maltese versus Schnoodle

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

    The lifespan of Schnoodles is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Schnoodles is 12.5 years.

    Malteses live longer than Schnoodles.

    Maltese versus Schnoodle

    Price of Maltese versus Price of Schnoodle

    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 Schnoodle puppy is $1720. The price of the Schnoodle typically ranges from $1250 – $2000. However, the price of the Schnoodle can be as low as $750 and as high as $5535. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 225 Schnoodle puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Maltese is more expensive than the Schnoodle.

    Maltese Schnoodle
    Average Price $2580 $1720
    Price Range $1800 to $3000 $1250 to $2000

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Maltese and Schnoodle. For different price points, the charts show how many Maltese puppies or how many Schnoodle 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 Schnoodles

    A breakdown of the prices of Schnoodles

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

    Maltese versus Schnoodle

    Adopting the Maltese versus Adopting the Schnoodle

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Malteses and many Schnoodles 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, Schnoodles are also available for adoption. For example, Ralphie is a Male Schnoodle that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Schnoodles like Ralphie that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

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

    Stewart (Bonded Pair With Gucci) is the name of another Maltese (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Chance is an adorable Male Schnoodle on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Maltese versus Schnoodle

    Malteses do not like to be left alone.

    Schnoodles do not like to be left alone.

    Do Malteses shed more than Schnoodles?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Maltese or the Schnoodle

    Malteses do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Schnoodles do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Maltese or the Schnoodle?

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

    Schnoodles are very easy to groom.

    Does the Maltese Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Schnoodle?

    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.

    Schnoodles have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Malteses Bark and Howl? What about Schnoodles?

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

    Schnoodles are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Malteses Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Schnoodles Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Maltese vs. Schnoodle

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

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

    Can Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Schnoodles Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Schnoodles can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Malteses get along very well with other dogs.

    Schnoodles get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Malteses good family dogs? What about Schnoodles?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Malteses and Schnoodles?

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

    Schnoodles get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Maltese Easier to Train than the Schnoodle?

    Malteses are very easy to train.

    Schnoodles are very easy to train.

    Is the Maltese Better for Apartment Owners than the Schnoodle?

    Malteses adapt very well to apartment living.

    Schnoodles adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

    Malteses are very good for new dog owners.

    Schnoodles 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:

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

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

  • Bordoodle (79 percent match with Schnoodle). Here is our comparison of the Maltese vs Bordoodle.
  • Cockalier (78 percent match with Schnoodle). Here is our comparison of the Maltese vs Cockalier.
  • Westiepoo (78 percent match with Schnoodle). Here is our comparison of the Maltese vs Westiepoo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Maltese Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maltese versus Miniature Schnauzer     Maltese versus Samoyed     Maltese versus Yorkshire Terrier     Maltese versus Spinone Italiano     Maltese versus Ibizan Hound     Maltese versus Beagle     Maltese versus Cockapoo     Maltese versus French Bulldog     Maltese versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Maltese versus Hovawart     Maltese versus West Highland White Terrier     Maltese versus Borzoi     Maltese versus Whippet     Maltese versus Whoodle     Maltese versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Maltese versus Hovawart     Maltese versus Swedish Vallhund     Maltese versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Maltese versus Portuguese Pointer     Maltese versus Saluki     Maltese versus Labradoodle     Maltese versus Chihuahua     Maltese versus Afghan Hound     Maltese versus Bull Terrier     Maltese versus Catahoula Bulldog     

    Schnoodle Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Schnoodle versus West Highland White Terrier     Schnoodle versus Boxer     Schnoodle versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Schnoodle versus Afador     Schnoodle versus Pekingese     Schnoodle versus Pomeranian     Schnoodle versus Chinese Crested     Schnoodle versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Schnoodle versus Pyredoodle     Schnoodle versus Basset Hound     Schnoodle versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Schnoodle versus Yorkshire Terrier     Schnoodle versus Akita Chow     Schnoodle versus American Foxhound     Schnoodle versus Cesky Terrier     Schnoodle versus Pug     Schnoodle versus Affenpinscher     Schnoodle versus Mastiff     Schnoodle versus Australian Kelpie     Schnoodle versus Bloodhound     Schnoodle versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Schnoodle versus Bernedoodle     Schnoodle versus Doberman Pinscher     Schnoodle versus Azawakh     Schnoodle versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     

    Conclusion: Maltese versus Schnoodle. 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 Schnoodle better suits you and your family.