Australian Shepherd has high obesity risk, needs regular exercise and food control to maintain healthy weight.

Maltese has average risk of obesity, needs daily walks and quality diet to maintain healthy weight.

Unfortunately, the Australian Shepherd is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Malteses are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Active
Friendly
Intelligent
Loving
Affectionate
Good-natured
Protective

Active
Easygoing
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Playful
Sweet
Tempered

Australian Shepherds are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Malteses shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

Choose an Australian Shepherd if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

Malteses are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

United States

Malta

Basque Shepherd

terrier

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Australian Shepherd Club Of America

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

1800s

ancient times

Herding (AKC:1991 & UKC)

Toy (AKC:1888)
Companion Breed & Show Breed (UKC)

Blue
Brown
Amber

Brown

Black
Brown

Black

Black
Red
Blue

White

Australian Shepherds have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Malteses are known for their coat length.

An Australian Shepherd can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Maltese can have a litter of 15-18 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Cataract
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hip Dysplasia
CEA
Von Willebrand's Disease

Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Obesity

Distichiasis
Deafness
OCD
Nasal Solar Dermatitis
Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Mono/Bilateral Cryptorchidism
Hydrocephalus
Dental Disease
Portosystemic Shunt
Shaker Dog Syndrome

Eye
Hip
Blood
Hearing

Eye
Knee
Liver Ultrasound
CT Scan
Dental Examination
Physical Examination

Australian Shepherds thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

Malteses are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

Australian Shepherd has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Maltese has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Australian Shepherds need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

Malteses require minimal physical activity for a healthy lifestyle.

Australian Shepherds are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Malteses have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

Australian Shepherd dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

Maltese dogs bark and howl frequently and are not recommended for quiet homes.

Australian Shepherd dogs are highly protective and make excellent guard dogs due to their strong instinct to defend their territory and owners, and their high level of vigilance.

Maltese dogs have a strong protective nature and territorial instinct. They are highly vigilant and will fiercely defend their home and family.

Go to Beach, Walk, Frisbee, Hike, Backpacking, High Five, Speak, Walking, Petting, Sniffing, Tug-of-war, Play, Run, Chase, Jogging, Being chased, Tug of war, Running, Walks, Fetch, Sticks, Toys, Fetching, Napping, Kissing, Jumping, Heel, Squirrel gazing, Stare, Greet humans

Walk, Cuddle, Sleep, Walking, Petting, Sniffing, Exploring, Playing, Running, Snuggle, Chasing, Wrestling, Being cute, Playdate, Go to Park, Frisbee, Swim, Chase, Bath time, Hide & Seek, Off-leash, Eating Snacks, Tag

Australian Shepherds are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Malteses are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Australian Shepherd, it's at least 14 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Maltese, it's at least 6 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most Australian Shepherds usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Malteses usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Australian Shepherd should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Ideally, Maltese should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Dematter
Comb
Nail Clipper

For an average 55-70 pound (25 - 32 kg) Australian Shepherd feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 4-7 pound (2 - 3 kg) Maltese feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

The average cost of an Australian Shepherd is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

The average cost of a Maltese is somewhere $1.40 - $1.80 per day.

The average per month expenses of an Australian Shepherd is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Maltese is between $42 - $53. This makes an average of $504 - $636 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Australian Shepherd is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Maltese has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

Australian Shepherds are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

Malteses make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

Australian Shepherds make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

Malteses are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

Australian Shepherds are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Malteses are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.

Australian Shepherds are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Malteses are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

Australian Shepherds are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

Malteses are highly friendly around strangers.

Australian Shepherds are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

Malteses have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

The Australian Shepherd is highly intelligent and eager to please, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced dog owners due to its easy trainability.

Malteses are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.