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Poodle vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs Maltese

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 Poodle
size

Poodles come in 3 sizes: Toy (up to 10 inches), Miniature (10-15 inches), and Standard (over 15 inches).

energy level

Poodles are energetic and playful, enjoying daily walks, games, and activities.

exercise needs

Poodles need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, like walks, playtime, or dog sports.

trainability

Highly intelligent and eager to please, Poodles can excel in obedience and agility training.

intelligence

Ranked among the smartest breeds, Poodles are quick learners and problem solvers.

adaptability

Poodles adapt well to various environments, from city apartments to suburban homes.

with kids

Poodles are gentle, patient, and loving companions for children of all ages.

with other pets

Friendly and social, Poodles generally get along well with other dogs and pets.

in cold climates

Poodles can tolerate cold weather, but should have access to warmth and shelter.

in hot climates

Poodles can handle hot climates, but need shade, water, and breaks during hot weather.

shedding

Poodles have minimal shedding, making them a good choice for people with allergies.

grooming

Poodles require regular grooming, including brushing, bathing, and professional clipping.

bark tendency

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

health issues

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

Full body image of a Bernese Mountain Dog
size

Bernese Mountain Dogs are large and sturdy, weighing 70-115 lbs and standing 23-28 inches tall.

energy level

Bernese Mountain Dogs have a moderate energy level, requiring regular exercise and playtime.

exercise needs

Daily exercise, like walks or playtime, keeps Bernese Mountain Dogs happy and helps prevent boredom.

trainability

Bernese Mountain Dogs are intelligent and eager to please, but can be stubborn at times.

intelligence

Bernese Mountain Dogs are smart and enjoy learning new commands and problem-solving activities.

adaptability

Bernese Mountain Dogs prefer cooler climates and need space, making them better suited for larger homes.

with kids

Gentle and patient, Bernese Mountain Dogs are wonderful playmates and companions for children.

with other pets

Friendly and sociable, Bernese Mountain Dogs typically get along well with other dogs and pets.

in cold climates

Bernese Mountain Dogs are well-suited for cold weather due to their thick, double-layered coat.

in hot climates

Bernese Mountain Dogs struggle in hot climates and require extra care, like shade, water, and limited exercise.

shedding

Bernese Mountain Dogs shed seasonally and require regular brushing to manage their coat.

grooming

Regular brushing is necessary to maintain the Bernese Mountain Dog's thick coat and prevent matting.

bark tendency

Bernese Mountain Dogs bark occasionally, usually only when necessary or provoked.

health issues

Bernese Mountain Dogs have breed-specific health issues that require additional care and attention, such as regular veterinary checkups, preventative care, and potential medication or treatments.

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.