Side-by-side comparison of two popular breeds — temperament, exercise, grooming, lifespan and common health issues. Use it to decide which breed fits your home.
| Lhasa Apso | Maltese | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Non-Sporting | Toy |
| Origin | Tibet | Malta / Mediterranean |
| Weight | 5–8 kg | 3–4 kg |
| Height | 25–28 cm | 20–25 cm |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years | 12–15 years |
| Energy level | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Good with kids | ||
| Good with other pets | ||
| Hypoallergenic | ||
| Watchdog instinct | ||
| Novice-owner OK |
Alert, watchful, affectionate with family, suspicious of strangers. Lhasas are independent and can be stubborn.
30–45 minutes of daily walking plus indoor play.
Floor-length coat needs daily brushing if kept long; most owners get a "puppy clip" every 4–6 weeks. Eyes need daily wiping.
Cherry eye. Patellar luxation. Hip dysplasia. Renal dysplasia. Brachycephalic features (mild).
Full Lhasa Apso profile →Affectionate, fearless, bonded, sometimes barky. Maltese form intense bonds with one or two people and can suffer separation anxiety.
20–30 minutes of gentle walking plus indoor play. Easy to over-exercise.
Daily brushing if kept long — the coat tangles and mats easily. Most pet owners choose a "puppy cut" every 6 weeks. Tear staining around eyes is very common.
Patellar luxation. Liver shunts. Hypoglycaemia (puppies). Dental disease. Tracheal collapse — always use a harness, never a collar.
Full Maltese profile →Apartment dwellers, retirees, families with older children.
Apartment dwellers, retirees, allergy-sensitive owners, single-pet households.
