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.

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

Active
Easygoing
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Playful
Sweet
Tempered

Agile
Cheerful
Alert
Energetic
Inquisitive

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

Icelandic Sheepdogs are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Malta

Iceland

terrier

nordic spitz

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

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.

ancient times

874 - 930 AD

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

Herding (AKC:2010 & UKC)

Brown

Brown

Black

Black
Brown

White

Brindle
Pied
Silver
Fawn
Black
Gray
Brown
Cream

Malteses are known for their coat length.

Icelandic Sheepdogs have medium-length coats.

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.

An Icelandic Sheepdog 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.

While the Maltese breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Icelandic Sheepdogs are susceptible to health issues like all breeds, so it's important to monitor their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Obesity

Patellar Luxation
Distichiasis
Hip Dysplasia

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

Cataracts
Mono/Bilateral Cryptorchidism

Eye
Knee
Liver Ultrasound
CT Scan
Dental Examination
Physical Examination

Eye
Hip
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

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

Icelandic Sheepdogs' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

Malteses require minimal physical activity for a healthy lifestyle.

Icelandic Sheepdogs need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

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

Icelandic Sheepdogs sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

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

While Icelandic Sheepdog dogs can defend their territory or owners, it's not their primary trait, and they are not ideal guard dogs.

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

Sleeping, Kissing, Barking, Chasing runners, Cuddling, Eating

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.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Icelandic Sheepdog, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

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

Icelandic Sheepdog 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

Pin Brush
Dematter
Comb
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

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.

For an average 20-30 pound (9 - 14 kg) Icelandic Sheepdog 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.

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

The average cost of an Icelandic Sheepdog is somewhere $2.50 - $3.20 per day.

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.

The average per month expenses of an Icelandic Sheepdog is between $74 - $95. This makes an average of $888 - $1140 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.

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

Icelandic Sheepdogs have average emotions and adapt well to different situations.

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

Icelandic Sheepdogs can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

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

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

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

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

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

Icelandic Sheepdogs are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Malteses are highly friendly around strangers.

Icelandic Sheepdogs are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

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

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