Maltese vs Portuguese Podengo Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Maltese Dog or Portuguese Rabbit Hound?

Compare the Maltese and Portuguese Podengo breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a Maltese Dog or a Portuguese Rabbit Hound? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you

Differences only

Other names

Maltese lion dog, Maltese Dog

Portuguese Rabbit Hound

Weight

What is the average weight of Maltese and Portuguese Podengo?

5.5 pounds ( 2 kg )

50.5 pounds ( 23 kg )

Height

What is the average height of Maltese and Portuguese Podengo

9.5 inches ( 24.1 cm )

22.0 inches ( 55.9 cm )

Hypoallergenic

Are Malteses or Portuguese Podengos hypoallergenic, or neither?

Yes

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Malteses are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Unfortunately, the Portuguese Podengo is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Maltese or Portuguese Podengo?

Malteses are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Portuguese Podengos make excellent watchdogs - they're vocal and protective of their territory.

Origin

What is the origin of Maltese and Portuguese Podengo dog breeds?

Malta

Portugal

Ancestry

What are the origins of Maltese and Portuguese Podengo breeds?

terrier

Hound

Date of Birth

When were Maltese and Portuguese Podengo breeds first developed?

ancient times

Ancient

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Maltese and Portuguese Podengo dogs?

Brown

Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Maltese and Portuguese Podengo?

Black

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Maltese and Portuguese Podengo breeds?

White

Black
Gray
Fawn

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Maltese and Portuguese Podengo breeds?

Malteses are known for their coat length.

Portuguese Podengos have medium-length coats.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Maltese and Portuguese Podengo?

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Maltese and Portuguese Podengo?

Straight

Wiry

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Maltese and Portuguese Podengo?

15-18 puppies per pregnancy

A Maltese can have a litter of 15-18 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

12-14 puppies per pregnancy

A Portuguese Podengo can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Maltese and Portuguese Podengo breeds?

Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Obesity

Muscle Strains
Foot and Toenail Injuries

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Maltese and Portuguese Podengo?

Mono/Bilateral Cryptorchidism
Hydrocephalus
Dental Disease
Portosystemic Shunt
Shaker Dog Syndrome

Eye Injuries

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Maltese and Portuguese Podengo breeds?

Eye
Knee
Liver Ultrasound
CT Scan
Dental Examination
Physical Examination

Eye Examination
Yearly Physical Examination

Energy

How do the energy levels of Malteses and Portuguese Podengos compare?

Malteses are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

Portuguese Podengos' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

Exercise Needed

Maltese vs Portuguese Podengo exercise need comparison.

Malteses require minimal physical activity for a healthy lifestyle.

Portuguese Podengos require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

Tendency to Bark

Do Malteses or Portuguese Podengos bark more/less frequently?

Maltese dogs bark and howl frequently and are not recommended for quiet homes.

Portuguese Podengos bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Maltese and Portuguese Podengo entertained?

Walk, Cuddle, Sleep, Walking, Petting, Sniffing, Exploring, Playing, Running, Snuggle, Chasing, Wrestling, Being cute, Playdate, Go to Park, Frisbee, Swim, Chase, Bath time, Hide & Seek, Off-leash, Eating Snacks, Tag

Walking, Cuddling

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Malteses or Portuguese Podengos?

Medium

Both Maltese and Portuguese Podengo are medium-energy dogs that enjoy socializing and playing with other dogs. They may engage in casual or sustained games of chase, and occasionally have bursts of barking or racing around the house.

Walks per Week

How many miles should Maltese or Portuguese Podengo walk each week?

6 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Maltese, it's at least 6 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

10 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Portuguese Podengo, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Malteses or Portuguese Podengos require more exercise?

60 minutes

In general most Malteses usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

45 minutes

In general most Portuguese Podengos usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Malteses or Portuguese Podengos?

The Maltese requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

The Portuguese Podengo is a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require much grooming.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Maltese and Portuguese Podengo dogs?

Daily

Ideally, Maltese should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Weekly

Portuguese Podengo should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Malteses and Portuguese Podengos?

Pin Brush
Dematter
Comb
Nail Clipper

Slicker Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Maltese or Portuguese Podengo in cups?

1 cups

For an average 4-7 pound (2 - 3 kg) Maltese feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

2.3 cups

For an average 35-66 pound (16 - 30 kg) Portuguese Podengo feed 2.3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Maltese or Portuguese Podengo?

$1.40 - $1.80 / day

The average cost of a Maltese is somewhere $1.40 - $1.80 per day.

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Portuguese Podengo is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Maltese or Portuguese Podengo?

$42 - $53 / month

The average per month expenses of a Maltese is between $42 - $53. This makes an average of $504 - $636 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Portuguese Podengo is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Malteses vs Portuguese Podengos

Maltese has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.

Portuguese Podengo is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Portuguese Podengo?

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Maltese or Portuguese Podengo?

Malteses and Portuguese Podengos are very friendly towards other dogs. This breed typically have a happy and affectionate temperament around dogs.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Maltese and Portuguese Podengo?

Maltese and Portuguese Podengo have an average level of playfulness. Like other dogs, they enjoy playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Malteses and Portuguese Podengos compare?

Malteses are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.

Portuguese Podengos are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.