Maltese vs Poodle
A side-by-side breakdown of size, cost, grooming load and lifestyle fit — with a straight answer on which suits which household.
Short answer
Poodle 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 (4/5 vs 2/5). Maltese makes more sense only if you specifically want what it offers more of.
Comparison table
| Attribute | Maltese | Poodle |
|---|---|---|
| Species | dog | dog |
| Origin | Malta | Germany / France |
| Weight (kg) | 2–4 | 3–30 |
| Height (cm) | 20–25 | 24–38 |
| Lifespan (years) | 12–15 | 12–16 |
| Monthly cost (USD) | $102 | $116 |
| Yearly cost (USD) | $1224 | $1392 |
| Purchase price (USD) | $1450 | $1900 |
| Grooming need (1–5) | 5 | 5 |
| Shedding (1–5) | 1 | 1 |
| Energy (1–5) | 2 | 4 |
| Trainability (1–5) | 3 | 5 |
| Apartment fit (1–5) | 5 | 5 |
| Good with kids (1–5) | 2 | 4 |
| Vocal (1–5) | 3 | 3 |
What the numbers mean
- Maltese weighs 2–4 kg and lives 12–15 years; Poodle weighs 3–30 kg and lives 12–16 years.
- On estimated monthly cost, Maltese runs about $102/month versus $116/month for Poodle — a difference of roughly $14 a month, or $168 a year.
- Both have the same apartment suitability score (5/5).
- Both have the same shedding score (1/5).
- Both have the same grooming requirement (5/5).
- Poodle has the higher energy level (4/5 vs 2/5) — higher means more daily exercise.
- Poodle has the higher trainability score (5/5 vs 3/5).
- Poodle has the higher kid-friendliness score (4/5 vs 2/5).
- Both have the same vocalisation score (3/5).
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 $12,240 for Maltese and $13,920 for Poodle. The gap is $1,680 — usually larger than the difference in purchase price.
Health profile
Maltese
Poodle
Both breeds are associated with Tear staining, Patellar luxation, so screening for these is worth raising with a breeder either way.
Which one should you pick?
- 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.
- Choose Poodle if you want a breed that copes well in a smaller home, can commit to serious daily exercise, and your budget covers about $116 a month.
- Neither, if the grooming load is more than you can sustain; both need regular coat care.