Is the Chinese Crested or the Maltese better for families with children?

Both the Chinese Crested and the Maltese are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Chinese Crested or the Maltese?

The Chinese Crested and Maltese shed a similar amount (very low).

Which is easier to train, the Chinese Crested or the Maltese?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Chinese Crested or Maltese bigger?

Chinese Crested is the larger breed; Maltese is smaller and more compact.

Which barks more, Chinese Crested or Maltese?

Both bark a similar amount (high).

Which is better for apartment living, Chinese Crested or Maltese?

For apartment or apartment living, Maltese has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Chinese Crested vs Maltese: Which Needs Less Grooming?

Chinese Crested vs Maltese: full comparison

Trait	Chinese Crested	Maltese
Size	Small	Very Small
Energy level	Medium	Medium
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	Medium	Medium
Grooming needs	High	Very High
Shedding	Very Low	Very Low
Barking	High	High
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	14 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	Yes

Key differences at a glance

The Chinese Crested is a larger dog than the Maltese, which affects space, food and exercise needs.

Size and living space

The Chinese Crested is a small but sturdy breed that lives comfortably in an apartment and asks for very little space. By comparison, the Maltese is one of the smallest breeds you can own that slots into a studio apartment without trouble and travels almost anywhere with you. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.

Exercise and energy needs

The Chinese Crested wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. The Maltese wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Chinese Crested needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and barely sheds, keeping your home and clothes clean. The Maltese demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and barely sheds, keeping your home and clothes clean. Both are considered hypoallergenic, so either works well for allergy-conscious homes. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Chinese Crested picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily and is generally good with children when socialized and supervised. The Maltese picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily and is generally good with children when socialized and supervised. On guarding instinct, Chinese Crested announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Maltese announces visitors but stops short of guarding.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Maltese has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Chinese Crested and Maltese are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Chinese Crested and Maltese are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Chinese Crested has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Chinese Crested and Maltese are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Chinese Crested if you prefer lower grooming upkeep or you want a bigger, more substantial dog.

Choose the Maltese if you want a smaller, more apartment-friendly dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Chinese Crested or the Maltese better for families with children?: Both the Chinese Crested and the Maltese are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Chinese Crested or the Maltese?: The Chinese Crested and Maltese shed a similar amount (very low).
Which is easier to train, the Chinese Crested or the Maltese?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Chinese Crested or Maltese bigger?: Chinese Crested is the larger breed; Maltese is smaller and more compact.
Which barks more, Chinese Crested or Maltese?: Both bark a similar amount (high).
Which is better for apartment living, Chinese Crested or Maltese?: For apartment or apartment living, Maltese has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Chinese Crested vs Maltese