What is the difference between a German Shepherd Dog and a Maltese?

The German Shepherd Dog is 50–90 lbs, 22–26 in sized while the Maltese is 4–7 lbs, 7–9 in sized. They differ in size (50–90 lbs, 22–26 in vs 4–7 lbs, 7–9 in), lifespan (9–13 years vs 12–15 years), and care requirements.

Which breed is better with kids, German Shepherd Dog or Maltese?

German Shepherd Dog is generally good with kids. Maltese is not typically good with kids.

Which breed lives longer, German Shepherd Dog or Maltese?

The German Shepherd Dog has a lifespan of 9–13 years while the Maltese has a lifespan of 12–15 years.

German Shepherd Dog vs Maltese — Breed Comparison

About the German Shepherd Dog

The German Shepherd Dog — created by Captain Max von Stephanitz in 1899 — was meticulously developed to be the ultimate herding and working dog, combining intelligence, strength, and versatility in one powerful package. Standing 22–26 inches tall and weighing 50–90 pounds, this noble breed has a dense double coat most commonly seen in black and tan, though sable, all-black, and bi-color variations also occur. German Shepherds are the world's leading police, military, and service dog breed — a testament to their extraordinary trainability and work ethic.

Temperament & Personality

German Shepherds are confident, courageous, and deeply loyal — forming an unbreakable bond with their handler or family. They are naturally protective and will position themselves between their family and any perceived threat without hesitation. With proper socialization, they are excellent with children in their household — patient and watchful — though their herding instinct may lead them to nip at the heels of running kids.

Pros

Among the top 3 most intelligent breeds — capable of learning complex tasks and commands
Versatile working ability — excels in protection, search and rescue, detection, and service roles
Loyal and naturally protective — an outstanding family guardian without excessive aggression
Athletic and eager to participate in virtually any outdoor activity with their owner

Cons

High incidence of hip and elbow dysplasia — especially in poorly bred lines
Sheds profusely year-round with intense seasonal "coat blows" twice yearly
Prone to degenerative myelopathy — a progressive spinal cord disease with no cure
Requires significant daily exercise and mental stimulation — at least 90 minutes — or develops neurotic behaviors

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About the Maltese

The Maltese is one of the most ancient toy breeds — pampered by royalty and aristocrats across the Mediterranean for at least 2,000 years, with origins possibly linked to the island of Malta, though their exact birthplace remains debated by historians. Standing 7–9 inches tall and weighing just 4–7 pounds, these delicate dogs are draped in a stunning floor-length coat of pure, silky white hair that flows like a mantle — completely lacking an undercoat, which gives the hair its signature straight, silky texture. Their dark, round eyes and black button nose set against the brilliant white coat create a face of undeniable charm.

Temperament & Personality

Maltese are lively, playful, and remarkably fearless for their tiny size — they carry themselves with an aristocratic confidence that has charmed dog lovers for millennia. They are deeply devoted to their owners and thrive on attention, often developing a charming repertoire of tricks and antics to keep the spotlight on themselves. While generally friendly, they can be suspicious of strangers and intolerant of rough handling, making them better suited to households with older children or adults.

Pros

Hypoallergenic coat — no undercoat means minimal shedding and reduced allergen production
Compact size and low exercise needs — thrives in apartments and small living spaces
Long lifespan of 12–15 years with many individuals living well beyond that
Playful and entertaining personality without the hyperactivity of many small breeds

Cons

Luxurious white coat requires daily brushing, frequent baths, and professional grooming to prevent tangles and staining
Prone to tear staining — reddish-brown streaks below the eyes require constant maintenance
Susceptible to dental disease, patellar luxation, and liver shunt — a congenital condition common in the breed
Can develop small dog syndrome with excessive barking and snappiness if overindulged and under-trained

A Maltese could bring centuries of royal companionship into your home — explore adoptable Maltese dogs on Puplister.

German Shepherd Dog vs Maltese