Is the Maltese or the Toy Poodle better for families with children?

Both the Maltese and the Toy Poodle are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Maltese or the Toy Poodle?

The Maltese and Toy Poodle shed a similar amount (very low).

Which is easier to train, the Maltese or the Toy Poodle?

The Toy Poodle is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Maltese or Toy Poodle bigger?

Maltese and Toy Poodle are a similar size (Very Small).

Which barks more, Maltese or Toy Poodle?

Maltese tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Toy Poodle is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Maltese or Toy Poodle?

For apartment or flat living, Maltese and Toy Poodle are an even match — either can work well.

Maltese vs Toy Poodle: Which Trains Easier?

Maltese vs Toy Poodle: full comparison

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

Key differences at a glance

The Toy Poodle has noticeably higher trainability than the Maltese.

Size and living space

The Maltese is one of the smallest breeds you can own that takes up almost no room at home and is simple to transport. By comparison, the Toy Poodle is one of the smallest breeds you can own that takes up almost no room at home and is simple to transport. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Maltese wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. The Toy Poodle demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Maltese demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and sheds almost nothing, so your sofa stays clear. The Toy Poodle demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and sheds almost nothing, so your sofa stays clear. Both are considered hypoallergenic, so either works well for allergy-conscious homes. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Maltese is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks fairly often, especially to alert you and is generally good with children when socialised and supervised. The Toy Poodle is highly intelligent and learns new commands remarkably fast, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is generally good with children when socialised and supervised. On guarding instinct, Maltese will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive, whereas Toy Poodle will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.

Which is better for…

For apartment or flat living, Maltese and Toy Poodle are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Maltese and Toy Poodle are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Toy Poodle has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Toy Poodle has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Maltese and Toy Poodle are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Maltese if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.

Choose the Toy Poodle if you want an easier dog to train, you want a more adaptable dog, or you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Maltese or the Toy Poodle better for families with children?: Both the Maltese and the Toy Poodle are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Maltese or the Toy Poodle?: The Maltese and Toy Poodle shed a similar amount (very low).
Which is easier to train, the Maltese or the Toy Poodle?: The Toy Poodle is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Maltese or Toy Poodle bigger?: Maltese and Toy Poodle are a similar size (Very Small).
Which barks more, Maltese or Toy Poodle?: Maltese tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Toy Poodle is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Maltese or Toy Poodle?: For apartment or flat living, Maltese and Toy Poodle are an even match — either can work well.

Maltese vs Toy Poodle