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Border Collie vs Maltese vs Great Dane

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 Border Collie
size

Border Collies are medium-sized dogs, weighing 30-45 lbs, with a height of 18-22 inches.

energy level

Border Collies have a high energy level, requiring plenty of physical and mental stimulation.

exercise needs

Border Collies need extensive exercise, including daily walks, runs, and mental challenges like training or dog sports.

trainability

Border Collies are highly intelligent and trainable, excelling in obedience and various dog sports.

intelligence

Border Collies are considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds and can learn a wide range of commands and tasks.

adaptability

Border Collies can adapt to different living situations, but they thrive in environments with plenty of space to run and exercise.

with kids

Border Collies can be good with children, but their herding instincts may cause them to nip or chase. Proper supervision and training are essential.

with other pets

Border Collies can get along with other pets, but early socialization and proper training are important to manage their herding instincts.

in cold climates

Border Collies can tolerate colder temperatures thanks to their double coat, but proper protection is necessary during extreme cold.

in hot climates

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

shedding

Border Collies have a double coat that sheds seasonally, requiring regular brushing to manage shedding.

grooming

Border Collies require regular grooming, including brushing, bathing, and trimming to keep their coats clean and healthy.

bark tendency

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

health issues

Border Collies may experience some health issues and require additional care and attention, such as regular veterinary checkups, preventative care, and potential medication or treatments.

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.

Full body image of a Great Dane
size

Great Danes are giant-sized dogs, weighing 110-175 lbs, with a height of 28-32 inches.

energy level

Great Danes have a medium energy level, enjoying daily walks and playtime but also appreciating relaxation time.

exercise needs

Great Danes need regular exercise, including daily walks and playtime, but should not be overexerted due to their size.

trainability

Great Danes are intelligent and trainable, but can be stubborn at times. Consistent, positive reinforcement is key.

intelligence

Great Danes are intelligent dogs, capable of learning a variety of commands and tasks.

adaptability

Great Danes can adapt to different living situations, but their size requires enough space to move comfortably.

with kids

Great Danes can be good with children due to their gentle nature, but their size requires supervision and proper handling.

with other pets

Great Danes can get along well with other pets, especially when raised together. However, early socialization is important.

in cold climates

Great Danes can tolerate colder temperatures, but their short coats require proper protection during extreme cold.

in hot climates

Great Danes can tolerate hot climates, but they need to be monitored for signs of overheating during exercise.

shedding

Great Danes have a short coat and shed moderately, requiring regular brushing to manage shedding.

grooming

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

bark tendency

Great Danes bark occasionally, usually only when necessary or provoked.

health issues

Great Danes may have some health issues, requiring regular veterinary checkups and preventative care.