Labrador 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
Labrador Retriever is the easier breed to live with for most first-time owners — it is easier to train (5/5 vs 3/5); it scores better with children (5/5 vs 2/5); it needs less grooming (3/5 vs 5/5). Maltese makes more sense only if you specifically want what it offers more of.
Comparison table
| Attribute | Labrador Retriever | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Species | dog | dog |
| Origin | Canada | Malta |
| Weight (kg) | 25–36 | 2–4 |
| Height (cm) | 54–62 | 20–25 |
| Lifespan (years) | 10–13 | 12–15 |
| Monthly cost (USD) | $103 | $102 |
| Yearly cost (USD) | $1236 | $1224 |
| Purchase price (USD) | $2350 | $1450 |
| Grooming need (1–5) | 3 | 5 |
| Shedding (1–5) | 4 | 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) | 1 | 3 |
What the numbers mean
- Labrador Retriever weighs 25–36 kg and lives 10–13 years; Maltese weighs 2–4 kg and lives 12–15 years.
- On estimated monthly cost, Maltese runs about $102/month versus $103/month for Labrador Retriever — a difference of roughly $1 a month, or $12 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.
- Labrador Retriever has the higher shedding score (4/5 vs 1/5) — higher means more hair on your sofa.
- Maltese has the higher grooming requirement (5/5 vs 3/5) — higher means more brushing and professional trimming.
- Labrador Retriever has the higher energy level (4/5 vs 2/5) — higher means more daily exercise.
- Labrador Retriever has the higher trainability score (5/5 vs 3/5).
- Labrador Retriever has the higher kid-friendliness score (5/5 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 $12,360 for Labrador Retriever and $12,240 for Maltese. The gap is $120 — usually larger than the difference in purchase price.
Health profile
Labrador Retriever
Maltese
Which one should you pick?
- Choose Labrador Retriever if you want a more substantial dog to work with, can commit to serious daily exercise, and your budget covers about $103 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.