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American Eskimo Dog vs Italian Greyhound vs Maltese

Three friendly breeds enter—one emerges as your best match. Use the trait grids below to spot practical differences in lifestyle fit.

Full body image of a American Eskimo Dog
size

American Eskimo Dogs can vary in size, with Toy, Miniature, and Standard varieties. They weigh between 10-40 lbs and have a height of 9-19 inches.

energy level

American Eskimo Dogs have a high energy level and need regular physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

exercise needs

American Eskimo Dogs require daily exercise, including walks, playtime, and activities that challenge their minds.

trainability

American Eskimo Dogs are intelligent and eager to please, making them highly trainable with consistent, positive reinforcement.

intelligence

American Eskimo Dogs are intelligent dogs known for their versatility in various dog sports and activities.

adaptability

American Eskimo Dogs can adapt to different living situations, but their high energy levels and bark tendencies may make them less suited for small spaces like apartments.

with kids

American Eskimo Dogs can be good with children, but supervision and proper handling are important to ensure safe interactions.

with other pets

American Eskimo Dogs can get along well with other pets, especially when raised together. Early socialization is important to ensure they develop good social skills.

in cold climates

American Eskimo Dogs have a thick double coat that allows them to tolerate cold climates well.

in hot climates

American Eskimo Dogs can tolerate hot climates, but they need to be monitored for signs of overheating during exercise. Regular grooming can also help keep them comfortable.

shedding

American Eskimo Dogs have a thick double coat that sheds heavily, requiring regular grooming to keep their coats clean and healthy.

grooming

American Eskimo Dogs require regular grooming, including brushing several times a week and occasional bathing.

bark tendency

American Eskimo Dogs tend to bark more frequently and may require consistent training to manage their barking.

health issues

American Eskimo Dogs are generally healthy dogs but may still require regular veterinary checkups and preventative care.

Full body image of a Italian Greyhound
size

Italian Greyhounds are small dogs, weighing 7-14 lbs, with a height of 13-15 inches.

energy level

Italian Greyhounds have a medium energy level, enjoying bursts of activity but also appreciating relaxation time.

exercise needs

Italian Greyhounds need regular exercise, including daily walks and opportunities to run off-leash in a securely fenced area.

trainability

Italian Greyhounds are intelligent and trainable, but they can be independent thinkers. Consistent, positive reinforcement is key.

intelligence

Italian Greyhounds are highly intelligent dogs and can excel in various dog sports and activities, especially those involving speed.

adaptability

Italian Greyhounds can adapt well to different living situations, including apartments and larger homes, as long as their exercise needs are met.

with kids

Italian Greyhounds can be okay with children, but their slender build makes them more susceptible to injury. Supervision and proper handling are important.

with other pets

Italian Greyhounds can get along well with other pets, especially when raised together. However, their prey drive may require caution around smaller animals.

in cold climates

Italian Greyhounds can tolerate colder temperatures, but their short coats and lean bodies require proper protection during extreme cold.

in hot climates

Italian Greyhounds can tolerate hot climates but need to be monitored for signs of overheating during exercise.

shedding

Italian Greyhounds have a short coat and shed minimally, making grooming relatively easy.

grooming

Italian Greyhounds require minimal grooming, including occasional brushing and bathing to keep their coats clean and healthy.

bark tendency

Italian Greyhounds bark occasionally, usually only when necessary or provoked.

health issues

Italian Greyhounds are generally healthy, but regular veterinary checkups and preventative care are still necessary.

Full body image of a Maltese
size

Maltese are toy-sized dogs, weighing 4-7 lbs, with a height of 8-10 inches.

energy level

Maltese have a moderate energy level and enjoy short walks and indoor playtime.

exercise needs

Maltese require minimal exercise, with daily walks and playtime indoors being sufficient.

trainability

Maltese are moderately easy to train, but they may require patience and consistency.

intelligence

Maltese are of average intelligence and can learn new commands with proper training.

adaptability

Maltese are highly adaptable and do well in various living situations, including apartments and houses.

with kids

Maltese are generally okay with kids but are better suited for families with older children who understand how to handle small dogs gently.

with other pets

Maltese can get along well with other pets when properly socialized.

in cold climates

Maltese can tolerate some cold weather but should be protected from extreme cold with appropriate clothing and shelter.

in hot climates

Maltese can tolerate hot climates reasonably well but should always have access to shade and water.

shedding

Maltese have minimal shedding due to their long, silky coats.

grooming

Maltese require regular grooming, including daily brushing and occasional trims, to maintain their long coats.

bark tendency

Maltese have average bark tendencies and may bark for various reasons, such as alerting their owners or during playtime.

health issues

Maltese are generally healthy, but regular veterinary checkups and preventative care are still necessary.