Is a Maltese or Poodle better for families with kids?

The Poodle edges ahead for families with kids based on kid-friendliness, affection level, and trainability scores.

Which is easier to train, a Maltese or a Poodle?

The Poodle tends to be more trainable and picks up commands more readily.

Maltese vs Poodle

Q: What is the difference between a Maltese and a Poodle?

The Maltese and Poodle differ across several key traits. Overall, Poodle wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs. See the full side-by-side comparison above for size, shedding, trainability, energy, and family fit.

A side-by-side comparison of the Maltese and Poodle across size, temperament, grooming, family fit, and more.

Maltese

Poodle

Verdict

Overall, Poodle wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs.

Poodle

2 wins

Maltese

1 win

More family-friendly

Poodle edges ahead on kid-friendliness, affection, and trainability.

✓Poodle

Lower maintenance

These breeds require similar grooming effort.

Tie

Longer-lived

These breeds have a similar expected lifespan.

Tie

Calmer

Maltese is generally more relaxed and lower-energy.

✓Maltese

Quieter

These breeds bark about as much as each other.

Tie

More trainable

Poodle picks up commands and new behaviors more readily.

✓Poodle

Side-by-side comparison

Breed	Size	Weight	Height	Lifespan	Energy	Shedding	Grooming	Trainable	Affection	Barking	Kids	Dogs	Cats	Apartment	First-timers	Low-allergen
Maltese	Small	5–7 lb	10 in	12 yr							✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Poodle	Small	7–9 lb	11 in	12 yr							✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓

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Dog Age Calculator

Convert your dog’s age to human years using the modern, size-adjusted formula.

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Maltese vs Poodle: which is right for you?

The Maltese and Poodle are both popular breeds, but they differ meaningfully in day-to-day life. The verdict above scores them on six key dimensions — use it as a starting point, then factor in your specific home, activity level, and family situation.

Overall, Poodle wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs.

Learn more

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