Breed comparison
Afghan Hound vs Maltese
How the two breeds compare on the American Kennel Club's 1 to 5 trait ratings, and which one suits which home.
3Affection with family5
3Good with young children3
3Good with other dogs3
3Openness to strangers3
3Playfulness3
4Energy level3
1Trainability3
3Mental stimulation needs3
3Adaptability4
3Watchdog / protective4
3Barking3
1Shedding1
4Coat grooming4
1Drooling1
The biggest differences
- Affection with family: the Maltese scores 5 out of 5, the Afghan Hound 3.
- Trainability: the Maltese scores 3 out of 5, the Afghan Hound 1.
They score the same on good with young children, good with other dogs, openness to strangers, playfulness, mental stimulation needs, barking.
Which one should you choose?
Pick the Afghan Hound if you want an energetic exercise partner. Pick the Maltese if you prefer a calmer dog, you want a dog that is easier to train, you live in a smaller home or move often.
Ratings are general breed tendencies from the AKC. Every dog is an individual, so meet the dog, and its parents if you can, before you decide. Not sure? Try the breed selector.
Source: American Kennel Club breed ratings (compiled February 2022). How we check.