Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Maltese Versus Sealyham Terrier: Introduction
- Maltese versus Sealyham Terrier: Overview
- Maltese versus Sealyham Terrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Maltese and the Sealyham Terrier
- The Similarities Between the Maltese and the Sealyham Terrier
- Size (Weight and Height) of Maltese versus Sealyham Terrier
- Lifespan of Maltese versus Sealyham Terrier
- Temperament of the Maltese Versus the Sealyham Terrier
- The Intelligence of the Maltese versus the Intelligence of the Sealyham Terrier
- The Popularity of Maltese versus Popularity of Sealyham Terrier
- Health Problems of Maltese versus Health Problems of Sealyham Terrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Maltese versus Sealyham Terrier
- Do Malteses shed more than Sealyham Terriers?
- Which one drools more, the Maltese or the Sealyham Terrier
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Maltese or the Sealyham Terrier?
- Does the Maltese Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sealyham Terrier?
- Do Malteses Bark and Howl? What about Sealyham Terriers?
- Can Malteses Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sealyham Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Maltese vs. Sealyham Terrier
- Can Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sealyham Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Maltese or the Sealyham Terrier?
- Are Malteses good family dogs? What about Sealyham Terriers?
- How Kid-friendly are Malteses and Sealyham Terriers?
- Is the Maltese Easier to Train than the Sealyham Terrier?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maltese
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Sealyham Terrier
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Maltese versus Sealyham Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Maltese Versus Sealyham Terrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Maltese and the Sealyham Terrier? 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 Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Maltese and the Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier. 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 Sealyham Terrier.
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 Sealyham Terrier.
Maltese versus Sealyham Terrier: Overview
A very important difference between the Maltese and the Sealyham Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Maltese is a tiny-sized dog while the Sealyham Terrier is a small-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 Sealyham Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
Maltese versus Sealyham Terrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Maltese to the Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier
| Factor | Maltese | Sealyham Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder | Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | Up to 7 pounds | 22 to 24 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $2580 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1800 – $3000 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 82.4 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 33 | 157 |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 59 | 56 |
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 Sealyham Terrier. 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 Sealyham Terrier is 80 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Maltese is a better pet than the Sealyham Terrier. 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 Sealyham Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Maltese and the Sealyham Terrier
Below is a list of where the Maltese and the Sealyham Terrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the Maltese and the Sealyham Terrier
The Maltese and the Sealyham Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Maltese and the Sealyham Terrier are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Maltese versus Sealyham Terrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Maltese and the Sealyham Terrier.
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, Sealyham Terriers weigh 22 to 24 pounds when fully grown. Sealyham Terriers are Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Maltese versus Sealyham Terrier
The lifespan of Malteses is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Malteses is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Sealyham Terriers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Sealyham Terriers is 13.0 years.
Malteses live longer than Sealyham Terriers.
Temperament of the Maltese Versus the Sealyham Terrier
The Sealyham Terrier has a better temperament than the Maltese.
This is because the temperament score for the Sealyham Terrier is 100.0 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 100.0 percent, the Sealyham Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Maltese and the Sealyham Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 17 Malteses and 1 Sealyham Terriers.
The Intelligence of the Maltese versus the Intelligence of the Sealyham Terrier
| Maltese | Sealyham Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 59 out of 130 dog breeds | 56 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 Sealyham Terrier has an obedience intelligence rank of 56 out of 130 dog breeds. The Sealyham Terrier belongs to the `Fair Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Sealyham Terriers tend to learn new commands after 40 to 80 repetitions!.
The Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier
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 Sealyham Terrier over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Maltese is more popular with dog owners than the Sealyham Terrier. 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 Sealyham Terrier is 157 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Maltese
Popularity of Sealyham Terrier
| Year | Maltese Popularity Rank | Sealyham Terrier Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 27 | 158 |
| 2014 | 29 | 169 |
| 2015 | 31 | 158 |
| 2016 | 33 | 155 |
| 2017 | 33 | 150 |
| 2018 | 37 | 164 |
| 2019 | 36 | 154 |
| 2020 | 38 | 148 |
Health Problems of Maltese versus Health Problems of Sealyham Terrier
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 Sealyham Terrier are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Maltese is prone to more genetic health problems than the Sealyham Terrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Maltese than for the Sealyham Terrier.
3 health tests are recommended for Maltese while 2 tests are recommended for the Sealyham Terrier.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Malteses and in Sealyham Terriers.
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.
Sealyham Terrier Health Problems
Sealyham Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Sealyham Terriers here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Malteses and Sealyham Terriers
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 Sealyham Terrier Breed is Primary Lens Luxation problems.
This is because the Sealyham Terrier ranks 4 out of 17 dog breeds for Primary Lens Luxation problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 542 Sealyham Terriers, 10 of them had Primary Lens Luxation problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Sealyham Terriers, and how common these diseases are in Sealyham Terriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Maltese and in Sealyham Terrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Maltese and the Sealyham Terrier:
| Disease | Maltese Rank | Sealyham Terrier 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 | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 139 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Primary Lens Luxation problems | Not Common | 4 out of 17 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 Sealyham Terrier
Malteses do not like to be left alone.
Sealyham Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Do Malteses shed more than Sealyham Terriers?
Malteses do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Sealyham Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Maltese or the Sealyham Terrier
Malteses do have a very low tendency to drool.
Sealyham Terriers drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Maltese or the Sealyham Terrier?
Malteses require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Sealyham Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Maltese Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sealyham Terrier?
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.
Sealyham Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.
Do Malteses Bark and Howl? What about Sealyham Terriers?
Malteses are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Sealyham Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Malteses Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sealyham Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Malteses cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Sealyham Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Maltese vs. Sealyham Terrier
Malteses do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Sealyham Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sealyham Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Malteses can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Sealyham Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Maltese or the Sealyham Terrier?
Malteses get along very well with other dogs.
Sealyham Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Are Malteses good family dogs? What about Sealyham Terriers?
Malteses are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Sealyham Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Malteses and Sealyham Terriers?
Malteses get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Sealyham Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Maltese Easier to Train than the Sealyham Terrier?
Malteses are very easy to train.
Sealyham Terriers are fairly easy to train.
Is the Maltese Better for Apartment Owners than the Sealyham Terrier?
Malteses adapt very well to apartment living.
Sealyham Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Maltese or the Sealyham Terrier?
Malteses are very good for new dog owners.
Sealyham Terriers 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 Sealyham Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Maltese and how the Sealyham Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Maltese and of the Sealyham Terrier to other breeds:
Maltese Versus Other Dog Breeds
Maltese versus Pekingese Maltese versus Border Terrier Maltese versus Miniature Pinscher Maltese versus Neapolitan Mastiff Maltese versus Kerry Blue Terrier Maltese versus Chorkie Maltese versus Norwich Terrier Maltese versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Maltese versus Golden Retriever Maltese versus Basenji Maltese versus Patterdale Terrier Maltese versus Affenpinscher Maltese versus Black Russian Terrier Maltese versus English Cocker Spaniel Maltese versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Maltese versus Beaglier Maltese versus American Staffordshire Terrier Maltese versus Australian Terrier Maltese versus Redbone Coonhound Maltese versus Fila Brasileiro Maltese versus Puggle Maltese versus Doberman Pinscher Maltese versus Australian Terrier Maltese versus Catahoula Bulldog
Sealyham Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Sealyham Terrier versus Shihpoo Sealyham Terrier versus Akbash Sealyham Terrier versus Affenpinscher Sealyham Terrier versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Sealyham Terrier versus Cockapoo Sealyham Terrier versus Chi-Poo Sealyham Terrier versus Norwich Terrier Sealyham Terrier versus Catahoula Bulldog Sealyham Terrier versus Sheepadoodle Sealyham Terrier versus West Highland White Terrier Sealyham Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel Sealyham Terrier versus Giant Schnauzer Sealyham Terrier versus Patterdale Terrier Sealyham Terrier versus Kooikerhondje Sealyham Terrier versus Belgian Sheepdog Sealyham Terrier versus Cavachon Sealyham Terrier versus Papillon Sealyham Terrier versus Cesky Terrier Sealyham Terrier versus Bulldog Sealyham Terrier versus Australian Cattle Dog Sealyham Terrier versus Cavachon Sealyham Terrier versus Irish Setter Sealyham Terrier versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Sealyham Terrier versus Chinese Crested Sealyham Terrier versus Dutch Shepherd
Conclusion: Maltese versus Sealyham Terrier. 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 Sealyham Terrier better suits you and your family.