Lhasa Apso vs Maltese: two ancient fluffballs compared

The Lhasa Apso and the Maltese are both small, white-coated (sometimes), and ancient breeds that have been charming humans for thousands of years. They get confused for each other more often than either breed would appreciate, but beyond the surface-level similarities, they are quite different dogs with different needs, personalities, and quirks.

If you are weighing up these two breeds, the choice comes down to what kind of relationship you want with your dog. One is a devoted lapdog who lives to be loved. The other is an independent thinker who loves you on their own terms. Both are brilliant in their own way.

Origins

The Lhasa Apso originated in Tibet over a thousand years ago, bred as monastery sentinel dogs. Their job was to alert monks to intruders, and that watchdog instinct is still very much alive today. They carry themselves with a quiet authority that says, “I may be small, but I am in charge here.”

The Maltese has roots in the central Mediterranean, with a history stretching back at least 2,000 years. They were the companions of aristocrats, royalty, and anyone wealthy enough to have a dog whose sole purpose was looking beautiful and being adored. The Greeks built tombs for their Maltese. The Romans wrote poetry about them. This breed has been spoiled since antiquity, and they expect the tradition to continue. Poppy, our Lhasa, carries herself with the quiet authority of someone who owns the building and merely tolerates the tenants. Maltese owners we have spoken to describe a very different kind of dog.

Temperament

This is the biggest difference between the two. The Lhasa Apso is independent, confident, and selectively affectionate. They bond deeply with their family but take their time warming up to strangers. They are watchful, sometimes stubborn, and have a strong sense of personal dignity. They will sit near you because they choose to, not because they need constant reassurance.

The Maltese is the polar opposite in temperament. They are affectionate, people-oriented, and genuinely distressed when separated from their owner. They want to be on your lap, in your arms, or at minimum touching some part of you at all times. They are sweet-natured, gentle, and charming, though they can develop small dog syndrome if overindulged, which happens easily because they are very hard to say no to.

If you want a dog that adores everyone and craves constant companionship, the Maltese is your breed. If you want a dog with more backbone and independence, the Lhasa Apso is the one.

Size

The Lhasa Apso is the larger of the two, typically weighing 5 to 8kg and standing 25 to 28cm at the shoulder. They are sturdy and well-built for a small dog, with a solid frame beneath all that coat.

The Maltese is daintier, usually weighing 1.5 to 3.5kg and standing around 20 to 25cm. They are delicate dogs that feel fragile when you pick them up, which is something worth keeping in mind if you have young children or larger pets in the house.

Coat and grooming

Both breeds have long, flowing coats, but the texture and structure differ. The Lhasa has a dense double coat with a harder outer layer and softer undercoat, designed for insulation in the Tibetan climate. It mats easily and requires daily brushing when kept long. Our grooming styles guide covers the options.

The Maltese has a single-layered, silky coat that is finer and lighter. It does not have an undercoat, which means less bulk but still plenty of potential for tangles. The Maltese coat is often described as “hair” rather than “fur” because of its texture. It flows beautifully when maintained but needs daily attention to prevent matting, especially around the ears and legs.

Both are low-shedding breeds and both need professional grooming every six to eight weeks. The Maltese coat stains more visibly, particularly around the eyes (tear staining is a common cosmetic issue) and mouth. Keeping the face clean requires daily wiping.

Training

The Maltese is generally easier to train. They are eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement. They enjoy the attention that training sessions bring and are quick to pick up tricks. Housebreaking can be slow with the Maltese (small bladder, stubborn moments), but obedience training typically goes smoothly.

The Lhasa Apso is intelligent but independent. They learn quickly but do not always see why they should comply. Training requires patience, consistency, and a sense of humour. They respond best to short, varied sessions with high-value rewards. Repetitive drills bore them, and a bored Lhasa simply stops participating.

Health

The Lhasa Apso is a solid breed with a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Common health concerns include eye problems, dental disease, skin allergies, and kidney issues. Overall, they are considered a hardy small breed.

The Maltese has a similar lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Their health concerns include luxating patella, heart problems (patent ductus arteriosus and mitral valve disease), liver shunts, and dental disease. The Maltese’s tiny size makes them more fragile physically, and injuries from jumping off furniture or being dropped are not uncommon.

Barking

Both breeds can be vocal, but the Lhasa Apso’s bark is sharper, louder, and more purposeful. They were bred to bark at intruders, and they still do, whether the intruder is a burglar or a pigeon. The Maltese barks too, often from excitement or anxiety rather than alerting. Neither breed is silent, but the Lhasa’s bark carries more authority.

With children and other pets

Neither breed is the ideal choice for homes with very young children, but for different reasons. The Lhasa can be intolerant of rough handling and may snap if boundaries are pushed. The Maltese is so small and fragile that a toddler could accidentally injure them. Both breeds do much better with older, gentler children.

With other pets, the Lhasa tends to be more dominant and selective about their companions. The Maltese is generally more accepting, though they can be nervous around much larger dogs due to their tiny size.

Separation anxiety

The Maltese is significantly more prone to separation anxiety than the Lhasa. Their intense attachment to their owner means being left alone is genuinely stressful for them. This is a serious consideration if you work full-time outside the home.

The Lhasa Apso can develop separation anxiety too, but their independent nature means they generally cope better with alone time. They are content to supervise the house from their favourite spot until you return, provided their basic needs are met.

Which one is right for you?

Choose a Maltese if you want a devoted, affectionate companion who thrives on constant togetherness and will be your shadow for life. Choose a Lhasa Apso if you want a dog with more character, independence, and the kind of personality that keeps you guessing. Both breeds reward good ownership with years of loyalty and entertainment.

Have you lived with either breed? Or both? Share your comparison in the comments!