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Maltese vs Italian Greyhound vs Dachshund

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 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 Dachshund
size

Dachshunds are small dogs, weighing 16-32 lbs for the standard size and 8-11 lbs for the miniature size, with a height of 8-9 inches.

energy level

Dachshunds are active and lively but don't require an excessive amount of exercise.

exercise needs

Dachshunds enjoy daily walks and playtime to maintain their physical and mental health.

trainability

Dachshunds can be stubborn, but with patience and consistency, they can learn commands and tricks.

intelligence

Dachshunds are intelligent dogs but can be independent thinkers, which may make training challenging at times.

adaptability

Dachshunds are adaptable and can thrive in various living situations, including apartments and houses.

with kids

Dachshunds can be good with kids, especially when socialized from a young age.

with other pets

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

in cold climates

Dachshunds can tolerate mild cold weather, but they should be protected from extreme cold due to their short legs and low body clearance.

in hot climates

Dachshunds can handle some heat but should be provided with shade, water, and limited time outdoors in high temperatures.

shedding

Dachshunds have low shedding, depending on their coat type (smooth, longhaired, or wirehaired).

grooming

Grooming needs for Dachshunds depend on their coat type but are generally low maintenance.

bark tendency

Dachshunds tend to bark more frequently and may require consistent training to manage their barking.

health issues

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