Maltese vs Dalmatian - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Maltese vs Dalmatian - Breed ComparisonMaltese is originated from Italy but Dalmatian is originated from Croatia. Maltese may grow 36 cm / 14 inches shorter than Dalmatian. Maltese may weigh 27 kg / 59 pounds lesser than Dalmatian. Both Maltese and Dalmatian has same life span. Maltese may have less litter size than Dalmatian. Maltese requires Moderate maintenance. But Dalmatian requires Low maintenance

History

maltese - historyThe Maltese dog hardly needs any introduction as this is an ancient breed which is still as popular as ever. Some people refer to it as the "Maltese Lion Dog," or "Melita" which was Malta’s previous name.

It was in the 19th century, that the Kennel Club settled on the name of Maltese for the dog breed. The dog has been selectively bred to keep its small size. The exact origin of the dog is unknown and there are various stories surrounding where its origins are, thought to be Italy.

It is believed that dogs such as spaniels and poodles have been used to bring about the Maltese. The American Kennel Club, a registry for pure bred dogs, recognized the breed in 1888.

dalmatian - historyThe history of the Dalmatian dog is also fairly scant, and the information you get is often unclear.

The name Dalmatian wasn’t used until the end of the 18th century, although it seems as though, according to murals on ancient tombs, there were white hounds then with specks over the body.

It does seem firm that the modern Dalmatian is because of breeding of the English nobility. They used these dogs to accompany them on their carriages. The dogs were also bred with the purpose of getting an exquisite spotted pattern.

It was in 1890 that the first Dalmatian Club was established in England and the dog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Non sporting dog
Origin:
Italy
Croatia
Height Male:
20 - 25 cm
7 - 10 inches
58 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
Height Female:
20 - 25 cm
7 - 10 inches
56 - 60 cm
22 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
1 - 5 kg
2 - 12 pounds
22 - 32 kg
48 - 71 pounds
Weight Female:
1 - 5 kg
2 - 12 pounds
22 - 32 kg
48 - 71 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 3
3 - 8
Size:
Small dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Melita, Maltese Lion Dog
Coach Dog, Carriage Dog
Colors Available:
White
White with Black spots
Coat:
Long and silky
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate, Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

maltese puppy - descriptionThe Maltese is looked upon as a toy dog. Both male and female stand roughly between 20-25cm in height and weigh between 1 and 4kg.

He is as cute as a button with a rounded skull, a pitch black nose, brown eyes and medium length floppy ears. The tail is feathery and is curled. He has a long, silky coat without an undercoat.

The color of his coat is pure white, and because he doesn’t shed he is looked upon as being hypoallergenic. Most people who own a Maltese like having the coat short to one length all round.

Temperament:

These little dogs have been bred to be companion dogs. They may be little, but it is a good idea to have him trained and socialized as they are inclined to be a bit snappy, especially with children.

He is intelligent, so training him won’t be difficult. Brought up the right way though, he can be good with children as well as pets in the home. They love their human families and want to be constantly with them. He is an energetic little dog too, and will just love ball games both inside and outside.

His very temperament and smallness make it that he fits perfectly into life in the city or the countryside. He is sweet and gentle but he makes a good watchdog, alerting you with his barking to strangers coming close by. Don’t leave him for long period of time as he hates being on his own and then he may start barking from sheer boredom and frustration.

dalmatian puppy - descriptionThe Dalmatian is a medium sized dog with its beautiful white coat with black or liver spots being its main feature. The coat is short and dense and the Dalmatian pretty much sheds all year round.

It is notable that at birth, the puppies are pure white, with their spots starting to form about 4 weeks later.

Both the male and female stand at anything between 56–61cm in height and weigh between 22 to 35kg. He is a slender, muscular dogs with plenty of stamina. The ears of the dog are floppy, he has brown eyes and a long tail.

Temperament:

With his human family, the Dalmatian is an active, playful dog. He has the reputation of being somewhat unfriendly and aloof, but many who have kept him as a pet say this isn't so. He loves to take part in games and gets on well with children in the home.

He is intelligent, but when it comes to strangers, the Dalmatian is reserved and even aloof. If you want to get the best from your Dalmatian, make sure that he is trained and socialized as he then knows how to behave well around people. He makes a good watchdog too.

Characteristics

maltese dog - characteristicsThe Maltese is a popular dog no doubt, and his smallness is a draw-card as he adapts easily to life in the city or the countryside.

He is loving, loyal, intelligent and responsive, making him a good family dog and being an excellent playmate for children. Teach your children how to respect animals because raucous, disrespectful kids might produce a nip from an agitated Maltese.

Being a light shedder is another draw-card, with him being looked upon as a hypoallergenic breed. He has got so many good things going for him that he is guaranteed to make you an ideal pet.

dalmatian dog - characteristicsThe Dalmatian is such a beautiful dog, energetic and playful and he is good with pets and children in the home.

He is intelligent too and training and socialization for him will be easy and promise to bring out all his good points.

The Dalmatian became popular in the 1800's when they were used as coach-dogs, and their popularity has been enhanced because of films from Hollywood such as ‘101 Dalmatians’.

Unfortunately many people receive Dalmatian puppies as gifts after seeing movies like this and then hand their dogs into rescue centers when they grow up and are no longer the cute little puppy they first met.

Be a responsible dog owner. A Dalmatian has feelings and you need to commit to caring for him for up to 15 years. You’ll be rewarded by having a wonderful, loyal canine friend.

Health Problems

maltese puppies - health problemsYour Maltese is a feisty little thing who, with good care, can live for a good few years – up to 15 or even longer. As with any other dog, he can become ill. One or two illnesses to look out for include -

Skin Problems:

Sebaceous adenitis is caused by inflammation of the sebaceous glands and is an uncommon skin disease found in some breeds of dog.

There are two types - one for long coated breeds and one for short coated breeds. For long or double-coated dogs, you’ll notice a white/silvery kind of dandruff on the coat as well as hair loss. There can also be skin lesions along the back and ears. It can make your pet miserable and he will need to see a vet.

Thyroid Problems:

A common hormonal problem is canine hypothyroidism, brought on by inadequate levels of thyroid hormones. Symptoms include hair loss, weight gain, coldness and a weakened immune system.

dalmatian puppies - health problemsDalmatians, with good care, can live to be about 10 to 15 years. However, just as with other breeds, the Dalmatian is prone to certain health problems that are more specific to their breed. Some of these problems are skin allergies, deafness and urinary stones.

Skin Allergies:

Dalmatians are known to have sensitive skin and they are prone to topical allergies. When you brush your dog, you should check his skin for redness and also check for fleas and ticks.

Red bumps on his skin could mean an allergy and can be distressing for your pet. Your pet may be scratching excessively and the skin may be red and moist with runny, itchy eyes. It is time to get your dog to the vet, who may prescribe an antihistamines to get the itching and allergies under control.

Urinary Stones:

Unfortunately, the Dalmatian is a dog which has a tendency to form stones in the kidneys and bladder. A genetic mutation causes the raised uric acid levels which is more prevalent with the male Dalmatian. Straining to urinate can be tremendously stressful for your dog and you will need to get him to the vet immediately.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

maltese dogs - caringYour Maltese is going to require quality food, water, exercise and shelter to enjoy a good life. The type of food you feed any dog has a direct impact on his health.

You need to provide him with quality food, and if its commercially manufactured food, you need to read the labels carefully so that the food is appropriate to your Maltese. For instance, you can’t mistakenly pull a ‘large-breed’ packet of food off the shelves and expect your Maltese to be able to stomach it.

If you do buy him this kibble, make sure the ingredients are wholesome. To break the monotony of eating kibble every day, give him some boiled chicken, brown rice and some raw or cooked vegetables chopped up finely into his kibble. He will love you for this as it makes a tasty meal for him and will keep him healthy.

Try to keep his diet nice and simple to avoid digestive problems.

Make sure he has constant access to fresh, cool water.

General Care:

Make sure your Maltese dog has a nice warm, dry place to sleep.

Get him to the vet if you notice that he is ill.

Brush his hair twice a week and take him to have it professionally cut if you prefer.

Clip his nails when they become too long and check around his eyes and inside his ears for any kind of infection.

These little dogs are prone to dental problems and he will need to have his teeth brushed 2 or 3 times a week.

Grooming:

dalmatian dogs - caringThe Dalmatian is an easy dog to maintain and brushing twice a week will get rid of loose hairs. What is notable with the Dalmatian is that not only does he look like a well groomed dog, he also doesn’t have that typical dog smell around him.

Diet:

No matter what kind of dog you have, a high-quality dog food is always beneficial for your dog’s health. Home-made food is always good for your dog and wholesome food such as brown rice, vegetables and some cooked chicken will delight your pet and keep him interested in his food.

There are also excellent manufactured foods and kibble is a good food to have when you select it according to your dog’s age and energy levels.

These foods, especially the top quality ones, ensure your pet gets all the nutrients he needs. Adding some raw meat into the diet can be highly beneficial for your pet and will keep him bright eyed, bushy tailed and with a wet nose.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pomeranian vs Maltese - Breed Comparison
  2. Maltese vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  3. Maltese vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  4. Maltese vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  5. Maltese vs Cavachon - Breed Comparison
  6. Maltese vs Japanese Chin - Breed Comparison
  7. Maltese vs Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  8. Maltese vs Italian Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  9. Maltese vs Jug - Breed Comparison
  10. Maltese vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Maltese vs Dorgi - Breed Comparison
  12. Maltese vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison
  13. Maltese vs Carlin Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  14. Maltese vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  15. Maltese vs German Spitz (Klein) - Breed Comparison
  16. Maltese vs Doxiepoo - Breed Comparison
  17. Maltese vs Bospin - Breed Comparison
  18. Maltese vs Bantam Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  19. Maltese vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  20. Maltese vs Lowchen - Breed Comparison
  21. Maltese vs Cyprus Poodle - Breed Comparison
  22. Maltese vs Doxiepom - Breed Comparison
  23. Pug vs Maltese - Breed Comparison
  24. Maltipoo vs Maltese - Breed Comparison
  25. Papillon vs Maltese - Breed Comparison
  26. Dalmatian vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Dalmatian vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison
  28. Dalmatian vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  29. Dalmatian vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison
  30. Dalmatian vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  31. Keeshond vs Dalmatian - Breed Comparison
  32. Mexican Hairless vs Dalmatian - Breed Comparison
  33. Tibetan Terrier vs Dalmatian - Breed Comparison
  34. Standard Poodle vs Dalmatian - Breed Comparison
  35. Norwegian Lundehund vs Dalmatian - Breed Comparison
  36. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Dalmatian - Breed Comparison
  37. Dalmatian vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  38. Dalmatian vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. Dalmatian vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  40. Dalmatian vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  41. Dalmatian vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Dalmatian vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  43. Dalmatian vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  44. Dalmatian vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  45. Dalmatian vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  46. Dalmatian vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds