Golden Retriever 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

These two are closely matched. The decision comes down to cost and coat rather than temperament — pick Maltese if monthly budget is the deciding factor.

Comparison table

Attribute	Golden Retriever	Maltese
Species	dog	dog
Origin	United Kingdom	Malta
Weight (kg)	25–34	2–4
Height (cm)	51–61	20–25
Lifespan (years)	10–12	12–15
Monthly cost (USD)	$116	$102
Yearly cost (USD)	$1392	$1224
Purchase price (USD)	$2300	$1450
Grooming need (1–5)	4	5
Shedding (1–5)	5	1
Energy (1–5)	4	2
Trainability (1–5)	5	3
Apartment fit (1–5)	2	5
Good with kids (1–5)	5	2
Vocal (1–5)	2	3

What the numbers mean

Golden Retriever weighs 25–34 kg and lives 10–12 years; Maltese weighs 2–4 kg and lives 12–15 years.
On estimated monthly cost, Maltese runs about $102/month versus $116/month for Golden Retriever — a difference of roughly $14 a month, or $168 a year.
Maltese has the higher apartment suitability score (5/5 vs 2/5) — this matters most if you rent or live in a flat.
Golden Retriever has the higher shedding score (5/5 vs 1/5) — higher means more hair on your sofa.
Maltese has the higher grooming requirement (5/5 vs 4/5) — higher means more brushing and professional trimming.
Golden Retriever has the higher energy level (4/5 vs 2/5) — higher means more daily exercise.
Golden Retriever has the higher trainability score (5/5 vs 3/5).
Golden Retriever has the higher kid-friendliness score (5/5 vs 2/5).
Maltese has the higher vocalisation score (3/5 vs 2/5) — 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 $13,920 for Golden Retriever and $12,240 for Maltese. The gap is $1,680 — usually larger than the difference in purchase price.

Health profile