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Maltese vs Cocker Spaniel vs Border Collie

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 Cocker Spaniel
size

Cocker Spaniels are medium-sized dogs, weighing 20-30 lbs, with a height of 14-16 inches.

energy level

Cocker Spaniels are lively dogs with a moderate energy level.

exercise needs

Cocker Spaniels enjoy daily walks, playtime, and moderate exercise to maintain their physical and mental health.

trainability

Cocker Spaniels are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train with patience and consistency.

intelligence

Cocker Spaniels are intelligent dogs known for their problem-solving skills and quick learning ability.

adaptability

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

with kids

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

with other pets

Cocker Spaniels can get along well with other pets when properly socialized.

in cold climates

Cocker Spaniels can tolerate cold weather but should be protected from extreme cold with appropriate clothing and shelter.

in hot climates

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

shedding

Cocker Spaniels have medium shedding due to their long, silky coats.

grooming

Cocker Spaniels require regular grooming, including brushing, to keep their coats healthy and free of mats.

bark tendency

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

health issues

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

Full body image of a Border Collie
size

Border Collies are medium-sized dogs, weighing 30-45 lbs, with a height of 18-22 inches.

energy level

Border Collies have a high energy level, requiring plenty of physical and mental stimulation.

exercise needs

Border Collies need extensive exercise, including daily walks, runs, and mental challenges like training or dog sports.

trainability

Border Collies are highly intelligent and trainable, excelling in obedience and various dog sports.

intelligence

Border Collies are considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds and can learn a wide range of commands and tasks.

adaptability

Border Collies can adapt to different living situations, but they thrive in environments with plenty of space to run and exercise.

with kids

Border Collies can be good with children, but their herding instincts may cause them to nip or chase. Proper supervision and training are essential.

with other pets

Border Collies can get along with other pets, but early socialization and proper training are important to manage their herding instincts.

in cold climates

Border Collies can tolerate colder temperatures thanks to their double coat, but proper protection is necessary during extreme cold.

in hot climates

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

shedding

Border Collies have a double coat that sheds seasonally, requiring regular brushing to manage shedding.

grooming

Border Collies require regular grooming, including brushing, bathing, and trimming to keep their coats clean and healthy.

bark tendency

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

health issues

Border Collies may experience some health issues and require additional care and attention, such as regular veterinary checkups, preventative care, and potential medication or treatments.