Maltese vs Shetland Sheepdog
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 | Maltese | Shetland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Species | dog | dog |
| Origin | Malta | United Kingdom |
| Weight (kg) | 2–4 | 6–12 |
| Height (cm) | 20–25 | 33–41 |
| Lifespan (years) | 12–15 | 12–14 |
| Monthly cost (USD) | $102 | $109 |
| Yearly cost (USD) | $1224 | $1308 |
| Purchase price (USD) | $1450 | $1650 |
| Grooming need (1–5) | 5 | 5 |
| Shedding (1–5) | 1 | 4 |
| Energy (1–5) | 2 | 4 |
| Trainability (1–5) | 3 | 5 |
| Apartment fit (1–5) | 5 | 3 |
| Good with kids (1–5) | 2 | 4 |
| Vocal (1–5) | 3 | 5 |
What the numbers mean
- Maltese weighs 2–4 kg and lives 12–15 years; Shetland Sheepdog weighs 6–12 kg and lives 12–14 years.
- On estimated monthly cost, Maltese runs about $102/month versus $109/month for Shetland Sheepdog — a difference of roughly $7 a month, or $84 a year.
- Maltese has the higher apartment suitability score (5/5 vs 3/5) — this matters most if you rent or live in a flat.
- Shetland Sheepdog has the higher shedding score (4/5 vs 1/5) — higher means more hair on your sofa.
- Both have the same grooming requirement (5/5).
- Shetland Sheepdog has the higher energy level (4/5 vs 2/5) — higher means more daily exercise.
- Shetland Sheepdog has the higher trainability score (5/5 vs 3/5).
- Shetland Sheepdog has the higher kid-friendliness score (4/5 vs 2/5).
- Shetland Sheepdog has the higher vocalisation score (5/5 vs 3/5) — 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 $12,240 for Maltese and $13,080 for Shetland Sheepdog. The gap is $840 — usually larger than the difference in purchase price.
Health profile
Maltese
Shetland Sheepdog
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 Shetland Sheepdog if you want a more substantial dog to work with, can commit to serious daily exercise, and your budget covers about $109 a month.
- Neither, if the grooming load is more than you can sustain; both need regular coat care.