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 Shetinese 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

Playful
Stubborn
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Aggressive
Good-natured
Opinionated

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

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

Malta

United States

terrier

Shetland Sheepdog and Pekingese

ancient times

2000's

Brown

Blue
Brown

Black

Black

White

Black
Gray
Brown
White
Blue
Sable
Red

Malteses are known for their coat length.

Shetineses have longer coats compared to most dogs.

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.

A Shetinese can have a litter of 4-6 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.

Shetineses typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Obesity

Patellar Luxation
Deafness
Dermatomyositis
Von Willebrand's Disease
Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
Ulcerative Dermatosis

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

Cataracts
Mono/Bilateral Cryptorchidism
Hydrocephalus
Eyelid Defects
Color Dilution Alopecia
Brachycephalic Syndrome
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye)
Mitral Valve Dysplasia

Eye
Knee
Liver Ultrasound
CT Scan
Dental Examination
Physical Examination

Brain Auditory Evoked Response (BAER)
Internal Imaging (x-ray, CT scan, MRI, etc.)
Blood And Urine Analysis
Ear Tests and Myringotomy Tests
Blood Sugar and Thyroid Tests
Yearly Physical Examination
Full Chemistry Panel Tests and Blood Count
Various Blood Testing Modalities
Eye Examinations (both internal as well as external)
X-rays of various parts of the skeletal system
Echocardiography (ultrasound)

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

Shetinese has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other 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.

Shetineses 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.

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 Shetinese, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

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.

In general most Shetineses usually need at least 120 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

The Maltese requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

Shetineses have high grooming needs, requiring regular trims and professional grooming assistance to keep their coat healthy.

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

Shetinese 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
Dematter
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 11-24 pound (5 - 11 kg) Shetinese feed 2 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 a Shetinese is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 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 a Shetinese 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.

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

The Shetinese is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.

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

Shetineses have an average level of friendliness towards children.

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

Shetineses are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

Malteses are highly friendly around strangers.

Shetineses are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

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

Shetineses are not known for being a highly playful breed.

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

Shetineses are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.