Golden Retriever vs Maltese
Side-by-side comparison of Golden Retriever and Maltese: energy, shedding, trainability, apartment fit, and more.
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Stats at a Glance
| Trait | Golden Retriever | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Small |
| Energy | Moderate-High | Low-Moderate |
| Shedding | Very High | Low |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Trainability | Very High | Moderate |
| Barking | Low-Moderate | High |
| Apartment Friendly | Depends | Yes |
| Good With Kids | Yes | Older kids onlySmall size makes them vulnerable to rough handling; best with calm, older children |
| Good With Dogs | Often | Often, with socializationSocialization from an early age improves relations with other dogs |
| Daily Exercise | 60–90 min/day | 20–30 min/day |
| Origin | — | Malta |
Quick Verdict
Best for apartments
Maltese
Golden Retriever: "Depends"Maltese: "Yes"
Best with kids
Golden Retriever
Golden Retriever: "Yes"Maltese: "Older kids only"
Easiest to train
Golden Retriever
Golden Retriever: "Very High"Maltese: "Moderate"
Lower shedding
Maltese
Golden Retriever: "Very High"Maltese: "Low"
Lower grooming burden
Similar
Golden Retriever: "High"Maltese: "High"
More active households
Golden Retriever
Golden Retriever: "Moderate-High"Maltese: "Low-Moderate"
Verdicts are based on trait ratings. Always evaluate individual dogs and confirm behaviour with the shelter, foster, or rescue organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Golden Retriever or Maltese better for apartments?
Golden Retriever is rated "Depends" for apartment living, while Maltese is rated "Yes". Consider your building's space and noise policies when choosing.
Which breed sheds more, Golden Retriever or Maltese?
Golden Retriever has very high shedding. Maltese has low shedding.
Are Golden Retrievers or Malteses easier to train?
Golden Retriever trainability is rated "Very High" and Maltese is rated "Moderate". Both breeds respond best to early, consistent positive-reinforcement training.
Which needs more exercise, a Golden Retriever or a Maltese?
A Golden Retriever typically needs 60–90 min/day, while a Maltese needs 20–30 min/day. Actual needs vary by individual dog, age, and health.
Which is better with kids, a Golden Retriever or a Maltese?
Golden Retriever is rated "Yes" with children; Maltese is rated "Older kids only" (small size makes them vulnerable to rough handling; best with calm, older children). Supervision and early socialisation are recommended for any breed around young children.
How much grooming does a Golden Retriever need compared to a Maltese?
Golden Retriever requires high grooming, while Maltese needs high grooming.