Australian Terrier vs Maltese

Compare the Australian Terrier to the Maltese. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Australian Terriers and Maltese.

Australian Terrier vs Maltese
Australian Terrier
Maltese
Australian Terrier
Maltese
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General Details
Australian Terrier
Maltese
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
Yes
Yes
Lifespan
11-14 Years
12-15 Years
Height
9-11 Inches
8-10 Inches
Weight
12-16 Pounds
4-9 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Average
History
Australian Terrier
Maltese
Origin Country
Australia
Malta
Origin Year
1820 AD
-200 BC
Temperament
Australian Terrier
Maltese
Overall Friendliness
Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Average
Average
Pet Friendly
Below Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Average
Below Average
Personality
Australian Terrier
Maltese
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Affectionate
Jealous
Loving
Needy
Separation Anxiety
Living Environment
Australian Terrier
Maltese
Apartment
No
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
No
Medium Yard
Yes
No
Large Yard
Yes
No
Temperature Tolerance
50-80 °F
55-80 °F
Barks/Howls
Above Average
Average
Exercise Needs
Australian Terrier
Maltese
Energy Level
Very High
High
Exercise Required
High to Very High
Low
Top Running Speed
20 MPH
12 MPH
Strength
Low
Low
Grooming Needs
Australian Terrier
Maltese
Coat Maintenance
Low
High
Shedding
Low
Low
Dander
Low
Low
Drool
None
None
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Australian Terrier
Maltese
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
No
Breed Focus
Australian Terrier
Maltese
Distracted Easy
Yes
No
Focused & Patient
No
No
Breed Instincts
Australian Terrier
Maltese
Aggression
Below Average
Below Average
Burrow / Digging
Below Average
None
Chasing
Average
None
Follow Commands
Average
None
Fighting
Below Average
None
Guarding
Below Average
None
Herding
Below Average
None
Hunting
Average
None
Protection
Below Average
None
Remove Vermin
Above Average
None
Sled Pulling
None
None
Watch / Guardian
Above Average
None
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Australian Terrier
Maltese
Average Lifespan
11-14 Years
12-15 Years
Health Concerns
Australian Terrier
Maltese
Common Health Issues
Patellar luxation
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
Allergies
Diabetes
Patellar luxation
Collapsed trachea
Progressive retinal atrophy
Portosystemic shunt
Reverse sneezing
Hypoglycemia
Shaker syndrome
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Australian Terrier
Maltese
Coat Type
Fur
Hair
Coat Layering
Double
Single
Coat Texture
Rough
Silky
Straight
Coat Length
Medium
Long
Coat Coloring
Australian Terrier
Maltese
Breed Colors
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