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Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Keeshond

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 Labrador Retriever
size

Sturdy and muscular, Labs weigh 55-80 lbs and stand 21.5-24.5 inches tall.

energy level

Labs are energetic and playful, always ready for adventure or a fun game of fetch.

exercise needs

Keep your Lab happy and fit with daily exercise like walks, runs, or playtime.

trainability

Labs are eager to please, making them a breeze to train for both beginners and experts.

intelligence

Quick learners, Labs excel at problem-solving and mastering new tasks.

adaptability

Labs adapt to various environments and lifestyles, from city apartments to country homes.

with kids

Known as gentle giants, Labs are patient, loving, and fantastic playmates for children.

with other pets

Friendly and sociable, Labs get along swimmingly with other dogs and even cats.

in cold climates

Labs' double coats help them handle cold weather, but they still need shelter and warmth.

in hot climates

Labs can manage hot climates, but provide shade, water, and avoid excessive exercise.

shedding

Expect Labs to shed, especially during seasonal coat changes. Keep that brush handy!

grooming

Regular brushing keeps Labs' coats healthy and controls shedding.

bark tendency

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

health issues

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

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 Keeshond
size

Keeshonds are medium-sized dogs, weighing 35-45 lbs, with a height of 17-18 inches.

energy level

Keeshonds have a medium energy level and enjoy a balance of activity and relaxation.

exercise needs

Keeshonds need regular exercise, including daily walks and play sessions, to stay happy and healthy.

trainability

Keeshonds are intelligent and highly trainable, responding well to positive reinforcement and consistency.

intelligence

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

adaptability

Keeshonds can adapt to various living situations, including apartments and larger homes, as long as their exercise needs are met.

with kids

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

with other pets

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

in cold climates

Keeshonds can tolerate cold climates well due to their thick, double-layered coats.

in hot climates

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

shedding

Keeshonds have a thick double coat and shed heavily, especially during seasonal changes. Regular grooming is necessary.

grooming

Keeshonds require frequent grooming, including brushing and occasional trimming, to keep their coats clean and healthy.

bark tendency

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

health issues

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