Boston Terrier vs Maltese
A side-by-side breakdown of size, cost, grooming load and lifestyle fit — with a straight answer on which suits which household.
Short answer
Boston Terrier is the easier breed to live with for most first-time owners — it is easier to train (4/5 vs 3/5); it scores better with children (4/5 vs 2/5); it needs less grooming (1/5 vs 5/5). Maltese makes more sense only if you specifically want what it offers more of.
Comparison table
| Attribute | Boston Terrier | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Species | dog | dog |
| Origin | United States | Malta |
| Weight (kg) | 5–11 | 2–4 |
| Height (cm) | 23–38 | 20–25 |
| Lifespan (years) | 11–15 | 12–15 |
| Monthly cost (USD) | $58 | $102 |
| Yearly cost (USD) | $696 | $1224 |
| Purchase price (USD) | $1600 | $1450 |
| Grooming need (1–5) | 1 | 5 |
| Shedding (1–5) | 2 | 1 |
| Energy (1–5) | 3 | 2 |
| Trainability (1–5) | 4 | 3 |
| Apartment fit (1–5) | 5 | 5 |
| Good with kids (1–5) | 4 | 2 |
| Vocal (1–5) | 1 | 3 |
What the numbers mean
- Boston Terrier weighs 5–11 kg and lives 11–15 years; Maltese weighs 2–4 kg and lives 12–15 years.
- On estimated monthly cost, Boston Terrier runs about $58/month versus $102/month for Maltese — a difference of roughly $44 a month, or $528 a year.
- Both have the same apartment suitability score (5/5).
- Boston Terrier has the higher shedding score (2/5 vs 1/5) — higher means more hair on your sofa.
- Maltese has the higher grooming requirement (5/5 vs 1/5) — higher means more brushing and professional trimming.
- Boston Terrier has the higher energy level (3/5 vs 2/5) — higher means more daily exercise.
- Boston Terrier has the higher trainability score (4/5 vs 3/5).
- Boston Terrier has the higher kid-friendliness score (4/5 vs 2/5).
- Maltese has the higher vocalisation score (3/5 vs 1/5) — higher means more barking or meowing.
Cost over ten years
At the estimated monthly rates above, ten years of routine care (food, treats, grooming, medication, vet visits and supplies — excluding insurance, emergency treatment and purchase price) works out to roughly $6,960 for Boston Terrier and $12,240 for Maltese. The gap is $5,280 — usually larger than the difference in purchase price.
Health profile
Boston Terrier
Maltese
Both breeds are associated with Patellar luxation, so screening for these is worth raising with a breeder either way.
Which one should you pick?
- Choose Boston Terrier if you want a breed that copes well in a smaller home, prefer a calmer daily routine, and your budget covers about $58 a month.
- Choose Maltese if you want a breed that copes well in a smaller home, prefer a calmer daily routine, and your budget covers about $102 a month.
- Neither, if the grooming load is more than you can sustain; both need regular coat care.