Irish Saint Terrier vs. Maltese: Breed Differences and Similarities

Hypoallergenic

Are Irish Saint Terriers or Malteses hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, the Irish Saint Terrier is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

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.

Temperament

What are the personalities of Irish Saint Terrier and Maltese dogs?

Independent
Happy
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Dominant
Lively
Gentle
Going
Social
Trainable
Quiet
Respectful

Active
Easygoing
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Playful
Sweet
Tempered

Shedding Level

Do Irish Saint Terriers shed more than Malteses, or which breed sheds more, Irish Saint Terriers or Malteses?

3 / 5

Irish Saint Terriers are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

1 / 5

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

Origin

What is the origin of Irish Saint Terrier and Maltese dog breeds?

United States

Malta

Ancestry

What are the origins of Irish Saint Terrier and Maltese breeds?

Saint Bernard and Irish Terrier

terrier

Date of Birth

When were Irish Saint Terrier and Maltese breeds first developed?

Unknown

ancient times

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Irish Saint Terrier and Maltese dogs?

Brown

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Irish Saint Terrier and Maltese?

Black

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Irish Saint Terrier and Maltese breeds?

Red
White
Fawn

White

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Irish Saint Terrier and Maltese breeds?

3 / 5

Irish Saint Terriers have medium-length coats.

5 / 5

Malteses are known for their coat length.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Irish Saint Terrier and Maltese?

4 / 5

3 / 5

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Irish Saint Terrier and Maltese?

Wavy

Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Irish Saint Terrier and Maltese?

An Irish Saint Terrier can have a litter of 6-8 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 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.

Adaptability

5 / 5

Irish Saint Terrier and Malteses are known for their adaptability and versatility. They are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments, making them great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Health Issues

Between Irish Saint Terrier and Maltese, which breed is more prone to health problems?

4 / 5

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

3 / 5

While the Maltese breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Irish Saint Terrier and Maltese breeds?

Entropion
Gastric Torsion
Elbow Dysplasia
Allergies
Hip Dysplasia

Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Obesity

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Irish Saint Terrier and Maltese?

None Known

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

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Irish Saint Terrier and Maltese breeds?

X-Rays
CT Scan
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Eye
Knee
Liver Ultrasound
CT Scan
Dental Examination
Physical Examination

Social Needs

Irish Saint Terrier vs Maltese social needs comparison

5 / 5

Irish Saint Terrier and Maltese have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Irish Saint Terrier or Maltese?

3 / 5

Irish Saint Terrier and Maltese breeds are known to have moderate energy levels and normal sleep patterns, typically sleeping around 12-14 hours per day.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Irish Saint Terrier vs Maltese?

1 / 5

3 / 5

Roaming urge

Irish Saint Terrier vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

2 / 5

1 / 5

Prey Drive

Irish Saint Terrier or Maltese - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

2 / 5

4 / 5

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Irish Saint Terriers or Malteses?

Both Irish Saint Terrier and Maltese are medium-energy dogs that enjoy socializing and playing with other dogs. They may engage in casual or sustained games of chase, and occasionally have bursts of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

1 / 5

Walks per Week

How many miles should Irish Saint Terrier or Maltese walk each week?

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Irish Saint Terrier, it's at least 10 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 Maltese, it's at least 6 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Irish Saint Terriers or Malteses require more exercise?

In general most Irish Saint Terriers usually need at least 45 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 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.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Irish Saint Terriers or Malteses?

4 / 5

Irish Saint Terriers require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

3 / 5

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

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Irish Saint Terrier and Maltese dogs?

Ideally, both Irish Saint Terrier and Maltese should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) to improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Irish Saint Terriers and Malteses?

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Dematter
Comb
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Irish Saint Terrier or Maltese in cups?

For an average 90-120 pound (41 - 54 kg) Irish Saint Terrier feed 4 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 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.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Irish Saint Terrier or Maltese?

The average cost of an Irish Saint Terrier is somewhere $3.90 - $4.20 per day.

The average cost of a Maltese is somewhere $1.40 - $1.80 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Irish Saint Terrier or Maltese?

The average per month expenses of an Irish Saint Terrier is between $112 - $126. This makes an average of $1344 - $1512 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 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.

Sensitivity Level

How do Irish Saint Terrier and Maltese compare in sensitivity?

4 / 5

These breeds are more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. Irish Saint Terrier and Maltese need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Irish Saint Terrier or Maltese?

3 / 5

Irish Saint Terriers are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

5 / 5

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

Child Friendly

Do Irish Saint Terriers or Malteses have a friendlier temperament towards children?

4 / 5

Irish Saint Terrier and Maltese are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Irish Saint Terrier or Maltese?

4 / 5

Cat Friendly

Do Irish Saint Terrier or Maltese breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

4 / 5

Irish Saint Terriers are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

5 / 5

Malteses are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Irish Saint Terrier or Maltese?

4 / 5

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

5 / 5

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

Pet friendly

How do Irish Saint Terrier or Maltese dogs interact with other pets?

4 / 5

5 / 5

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Irish Saint Terrier or Maltese?

3 / 5

Irish Saint Terriers are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

5 / 5

Malteses are highly friendly around strangers.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Irish Saint Terrier and Maltese?

3 / 5

Irish Saint Terrier and Maltese have an average level of playfulness. Like other dogs, they enjoy playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Irish Saint Terriers and Malteses compare?

3 / 5

Irish Saint Terrier and Maltese dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.