Maltese vs Rat Terrier
Compare the Maltese to the Rat Terrier. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Maltese and Rat Terriers.
Maltese
Rat Terrier
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
Yes
No
Lifespan
12-15 Years
12-18 Years
Height
8-10 Inches
10-18 Inches
Weight
4-9 Pounds
10-24 Pounds
Intelligence
Maltese
Rat Terrier
Origin Country
Malta
United States
Origin Year
-200 BC
1800 AD
Maltese
Rat Terrier
Overall Friendliness
Family Friendly
Child Friendly
Pet Friendly
Stranger Friendly
Maltese
Rat Terrier
Maltese
Rat Terrier
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
No
Yes
Medium Yard
No
Yes
Large Yard
No
No
Temperature Tolerance
55-80 °F
45-80 °F
Barks/Howls
Maltese
Rat Terrier
Energy Level
High
Medium
Exercise Required
Low
Medium
Top Running Speed
12 MPH
27 MPH
Strength
Low
Low to Medium
Maltese
Rat Terrier
Coat Maintenance
High
Low to Medium
Shedding
Low
Medium
Dander
Low
Medium
Drool
None
None
Maltese
Rat Terrier
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
No
Maltese
Rat Terrier
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
No
Yes
Maltese
Rat Terrier
Aggression
Burrow / Digging
Chasing
Follow Commands
Fighting
Guarding
Herding
Hunting
Protection
Remove Vermin
Sled Pulling
Watch / Guardian
Maltese
Rat Terrier
Average Lifespan
12-15 Years
12-18 Years
Maltese
Rat Terrier
Maltese
Rat Terrier
Coat Type
Hair
Fur
Coat Layering
Single
Single
Coat Texture
Silky
Straight
Straight
Coat Length
Long
Short
Maltese
Rat Terrier
