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Maltese vs Greyhound vs Irish Setter

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 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 Greyhound
size

Greyhounds are large dogs, weighing 60-70 lbs, with a height of 27-30 inches.

energy level

Greyhounds have a medium energy level, with bursts of energy followed by periods of relaxation.

exercise needs

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

trainability

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

intelligence

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

adaptability

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

with kids

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

with other pets

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

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

in hot climates

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

shedding

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

grooming

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

bark tendency

Greyhounds bark occasionally, usually only when necessary or provoked.

health issues

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

Full body image of a Irish Setter
size

Irish Setters are large dogs, weighing 60-70 lbs, with a height of 25-27 inches.

energy level

Irish Setters have a high energy level and need plenty of physical activity to stay happy and healthy.

exercise needs

Irish Setters require a lot of exercise, including daily walks, play sessions, and activities like fetch or dog sports.

trainability

Irish Setters are intelligent and trainable, but they can be easily distracted. Consistent, positive reinforcement is key.

intelligence

Irish Setters are highly intelligent dogs and can excel in various dog sports and activities, such as agility and obedience.

adaptability

Irish Setters can adapt to various living situations but are not well-suited for small apartments due to their high energy level.

with kids

Irish Setters are good with children, as they are generally friendly, playful, and patient.

with other pets

Irish Setters can get along well with other pets, especially when raised together.

in cold climates

Irish Setters can tolerate colder temperatures due to their thick, medium-length coats.

in hot climates

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

shedding

Irish Setters have a medium-length coat and shed moderately, requiring regular grooming.

grooming

Irish Setters require regular grooming, including brushing and occasional trimming, to keep their coats clean and healthy.

bark tendency

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

health issues

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