Maltese vs Pekingese

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

Quick Summary

Below are a few quick comparisons between the two breeds.
  • Owner Experience - Both the Maltese and Pekingese are excellent choices for new or inexperienced owners.
  • Children - Both the Maltese and Pekingese are child friendly, but the Maltese is a better choice for young children.
  • Grooming - The Maltese requires moderate grooming, The Pekingese has very high grooming needs.
  • Barking - The Pekingese bark/howls frequently. The Maltese has a low tendency to bark.
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Maltese vs Pekingese
Maltese Dog Breed
Pekingese Puppy
Breed NameMaltesePekingese
General Details
Breed TypePurebredPurebred
Is Hypo­allergenicYesNo
Lifespan12-15 yrs.12-15 yrs.
Height8-10 in.6-9 in.
Weight4-9 lb7-14 lb
IntelligenceAverageAverage
History
Origin CountryMaltaChina
Origin Year200 BC20 BC
Temperament
Overall FriendlinessVery GoodGood
Family FriendlyVery GoodVery Good
Kid FriendlyGoodBelow Average
Pet FriendlyVery GoodBelow Average
Stranger FriendlyBelow AverageBelow Average
Personality
  • Affectionate
  • Enjoys Attention
  • Jealous
  • Loving
  • Does Not Like Being Alone
  • Affectionate
  • Enjoys Attention
  • Jealous
  • Does Not Like Being Alone
  • Stubborn
Living Environment
ApartmentYesYes
IndoorYesYes
Small YardNoNo
Medium YardNoNo
Large YardNoNo
Temperature Tolerance ¹55°F to 80°F55°F to 75°F
Barks/HowlsBelow AverageVery Often
Exercise Needs
Energy LevelHighLow-Medium
Exercise RequiredLowLow
Top Running Speed12 mph12 mph
StrengthLowLow
Grooming Needs
Coat Main­tenanceHighMedium
SheddingLowHigh
DanderLowMedium
Drool AmountNoneNone

¹This is estimated min/max temperature range for a healthy adult dog. Dogs that live indoors, puppies, seniors, unwell dogs, and/or dogs with improperly groomed coats may overheat sooner and get cold more quickly.
Instincts & Behavior Comparison
Breed NameMaltesePekingese
Breed Mentality
Dominant/AlphaNoYes
Family/PackYesNo
IndependentNoNo
Breed Focus
Distracted EasilyNoNo
AverageYesYes
Focused & PatientNoNo
Breed Instincts
AggressionVery LowBelow Average
Burrow/DiggingVery LowBelow Average
ChasingVery LowBelow Average
Follow CommandsVery LowBelow Average
FightingVery LowVery Low
GuardingVery LowBelow Average
HerdingVery LowBelow Average
HuntingVery LowBelow Average
ProtectionVery LowBelow Average
Remove VerminVery LowBelow Average
SleddingVery LowBelow Average
WatchVery LowAverage
Health Comparison
Breed NameMaltesePekingese
Lifespan
Lifespan12-15 yrs.12-15 yrs.
Common Health Issues
Brachycephalic SyndromeNoYes
CataractsNoYes
Cleft PalateNoYes
Collapsed TracheaYesNo
CryptorchidismNoYes
DistichiasisNoYes
Ectopic CiliaNoYes
Ectopic CiliaNoYes
EntropionNoYes
Exposure Keratopathy SyndromeNoYes
HydrocephalusNoYes
HypoglycemiaYesNo
Intervertebral Disk DiseaseNoYes
Keratoconjunctivitis SiccaNoYes
Mitral Valve DiseaseNoYes
Patellar LuxationYesYes
Portosystemic Liver ShuntYesNo
Progressive Retinal AtrophyYesYes
Reverse SneezingYesNo
White Dog Shaker SyndromeYesNo
Appearance Comparison
Breed NameMaltesePekingese
Coat
HairYesNo
FurNoYes
Coat Type
Single CoatYesNo
Double CoatNoYes
Coat Texture
SilkyYesNo
StraightYesYes
WavyNoYes
Coat Length(s)
LongYesYes
Coat Color(s)
WhiteYesYes
White & LemonYesNo
White & TanYesNo
BiscuitNoYes
BlackNoYes
Black & TanNoYes
CreamNoYes
FawnNoYes
Fawn BrindleNoYes
Fawn SableNoYes
GrayNoYes
Gray SableNoYes
Light RedNoYes
Red BrindleNoYes
Red SableNoYes