I have a Lhasa Apso, but a Maltese caught my eye the other day at a dog park, they seemed really friendly and approachable dog breeds. I did some research on the differences between Lhasa Apso and Maltese, I was curious to know their differences, how well they do with children, and their personalities differences.
What are the differences between Lhasa Apso and Maltese dog breeds? While Maltese is one of the smallest breeds out there, Lhasa Apso is bigger and can weigh twice as much as a Maltese dog. Lhasa Apso breed is known to have an array of different coat colors, but Maltese will always and only come in white color.
The coat of Maltese is a lot softer than the coat of Lhasa Apso, but they both require an equal amount of grooming and care. Both, Maltese and Lhasa Apso are intelligent, friendly and affectionate towards their family, they will always be ready to receive love and give back a lot more!
wners of Maltese and Lhasa Apso often speak about the loyalty and the fearless personalities of these two lovely dog breeds. They are prone to separation anxiety if left alone for a long time, and they might develop behavior or psychological issues at times because of it. If you have no time and space for a dog like this, you should not consider getting one. Both these breeds need a lot of love and training.
Lhasa Apso And Maltese Are Two Incredibly Intelligent Dog Breeds
Lhasa Apso and Maltese are often chosen because of their adorable fluff and cuteness that seems to be hypnotizing for certain people. It is important to note, these should not be the only reasons to adopt a dog, especially if that dog is Maltese or Lhasa Apso. Both of these dog breeds require a lot of care, and you might want to get as much information about them as you can before you adopt one.
Lhasa Apso dogs originate from Tibet, and their original purpose was being a watchdog at the monasteries, Maltese however, they come from the Island of Malta and they are also known as ‘’Roman Ladies Dog”, a real noblewoman at the time, was not fully dressed without a Maltese dog peeking out of her bosom or sleeve. Today, both of these breeds require a lot of attention and will prove to be loyal companions as long as they get their required training. They are two extraordinary intelligent breeds who will do their best to bring a lot of joy and laughs to your family.
When it comes to training these two breeds, Lhasa apso might seem more challenging to train, their independent character will surely make it a bit more complicated. Maltese on the other hand, they are eager to please and entertain their owners, they respond extremely well to gentle training.
It is essential to find the motivation that will appeal to your pet, this is the first step towards successful and enjoyable training! Your Maltese will be a lot happier getting a quality playtime or praise, while Lhasa Apso will appreciate food as their motivation.
In the end, both of them, Lhasa Apso and Maltese, will accomplish good obedience training results. If you are worried about potty training, it is important to mention that Lhasa Apso might be a bit more stubborn than Maltese. Make sure you start potty training your dog as soon as you bring them to your home.
Maltese dogs might have a luxuriously soft coat, but that does not mean they need any more care than Lhasa Apso. Both of these breeds need daily brushing to keep the tangles and mats under control. Those who do not get their daily brushing can end up having a really messy coat and a lot of discomforts because of it. If you are not ready to have this done every day, you should not even consider getting Lhasa Apso or Maltese.
Maltese and Lhasa Apso are both low shedding and hypoallergenic breeds, this means they produce a lesser amount of allergens than many other dog breeds out there. To keep your adorable pets happy and healthy, you are also required to brush your dog’s teeth every day. This is done using canine toothpaste and making sure your dog gets used to it as fast as possible. Maltese might have a harder time getting used to this process, but there should be no issues as long as you are gentle.
Lhasa Apso and Maltese are known to get tear stains around their eye area, this means you will need to remove the eye stains with an eye stain remover to keep the area clean.
Lhasa Apso and Maltese are good apartment dogs, but only when properly trained. As both prone to barking, it is essential to teach them the command ‘’Quiet!” and make sure they get their several walks during the day. They will always be ready to fetch, run or have a nice relaxing walk with you.
Today, Maltese dogs are a bit more popular than Lhasa Apso according to the United States rankings, but that is mainly because a lot more people heard of Maltese than they did of Lhasa Apso. Both these breeds are equally beautiful and intelligent, they got different but still adorable personalities.
Lhasa Apso And Maltese Personalities And Temperament
Unlike Lhasa Apso who loves food rewards, Maltese will be just as happy with a kind word and lots of praise. Maltese are very lively and vigorous dogs, they enjoy spending time with their family, and they aim to be the center of attention at all times.
Maltese will always be ready to show off tricks and will excel in all possible dog sports, they are obedient, loyal and trustworthy dog breed.
Lhasa Apso on the other hand, they can be very stubborn, they like to be the leaders, and they will not always do their best to get your praise. They often get lazy and refuse to follow the instructions of anyone, this is why you will need to be a little bit more patient training them.
Neither of these two breeds should be punished during their training – this will only slow down the training and reduce the possibility of success. Punishing or yelling will actually have a somewhat adverse effect on your dogs, they will most likely get scared and will no longer want to do anything with you.
Maltese might not be the best choice for families with young children, this is due to their small build and the possibility of getting injured if the play turns out to be too rough. They might also snap at the child in case of self-defense when hurt or frightened.
Unlike Maltese, Lhasa Apso is not as fragile and can easily run with children, play and get along without much worrying. Both breeds require a lot of social interaction to function around strangers and other unknown dogs properly.
When it comes to barking both of these dog breeds are known to have a reputation for being rather loud. Maltese might be even louder, but this is nothing to be worried about. Barking issues are a common thing with small sized dogs, and your own reactions might be playing a role in continuous barking your dog seems to be fond of.
If you get a Maltese or Lhasa Apso puppy you will need to know when to approach and when to ignore their barking, it will also be important to try other methods in case this one does not turn well. Other methods include:
1. Offering a companion toy
Most dogs bark at night just because they miss the company, barking in this sense is entirely reasonable and natural instinct, and you should not punish your dog for being like that. Companion toys are here, and they are designed to mimic living animals, this will get your dog the so wanted company, and will be great prevention from nighttime barking issues.
2. Make your puppy feel safe/secure
Just like us humans, your Lhasa Apso or Maltese have standards too. Make sure the environment around your puppy feels safe. This means your puppy will need a blanket, his favorite toy and a warm place to sleep on.
3. Get a canine playpen
Get a good sized canine playpen, this might give your dog enough safety because he will get a feeling of being in a ‘’den’’. Having a canine playpen will keep all of your puppy’s necessities right within his/her reach, and that could help him in a variety of ways. Make sure you do not get a crate, because usually, puppies feel claustrophobic in them, this can cause mental and physical stress.
4. Rewards at specific times
Lhasa Apso will most likely quit barking as soon as a treat gets in their sight, but Maltese might have difficulties when an unknown dog approaches them. There is a high possibility Maltese will bark until the other dog is out of sight, in this scenario, have a special treat in your pocket and reward him.
Lhasa Apso is known to be suspicious of strangers, and they might take time to trust to unknown people, but Maltese is genuinely a fearless dog breed. They assume everyone they meet is a friend and they will be ready for a round of fetch with whoever comes first.
Both of these breeds are pretty unaware of their tiny size, and you might need to protect them from taking on dogs who are five times their own size. Lhasa Apso and Maltese are one of the breeds known for having a reputation as biters, it is their way of reacting in certain situations, and the best thing you can do about it is understandable why are they biting in the first place.
Many Maltese and Lhasa Apsos bite out of real overexcitement, while others might be doing it because they are scared or trying to establish their position in the pack.
Lhasa Apso And Maltese Healthcare
While both of these breeds have a life expectancy of around 15 years, there are cases of Lhasa Apso and Maltese being 20 years old and still very healthy. The life expectancy of these two breeds is determined by overall health, lifestyle, and genetics. Neither of these two dogs requires hours of exercise every day, they are relatively active dogs who enjoy several walks a day, some indoor playtime and they will be in good mental and physical shape.
Sadly, both Lhasa Apso and Maltese are prone to eye infections and irritations, and this is due to their long hair that might be getting into their eyes too much. Try to keep your dog’s hair away from his eyes and prevent eye-related problems with ease!
See also: 7 LHASA APSO HEALTH PROBLEMS
To prevent or lessen these tear face stains, try following these steps:
1.Feed your dog from stainless steel, glass or ceramic bowl, wash it after each meal.
2.Consider purchasing purified bottled water for your dog, water with high mineral content can cause eye staining.
3.Clean the area around the eyes with warm water and wash your dog’s beard after each meal.
Maltese is a bit more prone to lack of glucose in blood and some dental problems, but this is nothing hard to solve.
Lhasa Apso is prone to a hereditary disease related to kidneys, this means the kidneys did not adequately develop, and they are not able to filter toxins in the blood. Unlike Lhasa Apso, Maltese do not seem to have any kidney issues, they are more prone to Hypoglycemia which is caused by low blood sugar.
To avoid serious health issues, it is advisable t you find a good breeder or meet the parents of the puppy you are planning to adopt.
Grooming Requirements For Lhasa Apso and Maltese Dog Breeds
Lhasa Apso and Maltese both have a luxurious stunningly beautiful coat, their coats are silky and reach all the way to the ground. They do not have the undercoat typical to many other breeds, which makes them shed a lot less than most. Sadly, Maltese and Lhasa Apso coats mat easily, and they get dirty really fast. This means you are required to give them a proper bath. Maltese will need a bath often considering they are completely white and prone to unsightly tear stains on their faces. Lhasa Apso comes in a variety of colors and does not need a bath as often as Maltese.
It is advised you give your Maltese a bath once a week, while Lhasa Apso will do just good enough with one bath every two to four weeks. Before bathing, make sure you comb the coat of your Lhasa Apso and Maltese, this is done to remove all the tangles and make the bathing less of a painful experience. There are many people buying products to whiten their dog’s hair, you need to be careful with this because many of these products can damage your dog’s hair, your Maltese is as white as it can be, you do not need to whiten him as you please!
See also: 5 SIMPLE WAYS TO GROOM YOUR LHASA APSO
Your Lhasa Apso and Maltese need a lot of care when it comes to their teeth, nails, ears, and coat. Many owners of these breeds decide to have their dog’s coat cut short, this is done to make grooming chores less frequent and to make it easier for everyone. The hair of these two breeds grows incredibly fast, you will be required to trim their hair using scissors, or you will hire a professional. Lhasa Apso will need to have his hair cut between the paw pads, but Maltese will need to have his hair cut out of the ears. The hair on these two spots is known to grow rather quickly, so it is advised you do this at least once every two weeks.
Trimming nails are going to become a thing you will need to do pretty often as well. Maltese and Lhasa Apso are known to have fast growing nails, it is important to note these need to be trimmed at least twice a month unless your dog does not wear them down naturally.
Trimming nails something you need to do to prevent painful tears and other health issues that might occur. Professionals claim if you hear your dog’s nails clicking on the floor, they are too long, and they need cutting. Knowing dog toenails have blood vessels in them, you need to be especially careful, or you should contact someone who knows how to do it, a veterinarian or groomer will give you out the pointers without any problems at all.
Lhasa Apso and Maltese will need your help with their teeth, you are required to brush their teeth at least two times a week to remove the excessive tartar and bacteria that might have built up in their tiny mouth.
While grooming might sound like a tough thing to do at first, it really isn’t. Make grooming a positive experience and make sure you end up praising and rewarding your dog for being calm and patient while you did all the things you had to. It is advised that you check for rashes, sores or signs of other known infections meanwhile you do the grooming.
Adoption of Maltese and Lhasa Apso Dog Breeds
It is always nice if you chose to get a dog from a shelter or rescue, but if you are looking for something specific, you should find a good breeder. This might not be an easy task, but with all of the information available to you, it is sure you will find someone you can trust to. Finding a good breeder is probably the best way to find the right puppy for you.
A breeder will match you with the puppy and will do all the health certifications needed to show possible health problems as close as possible. Always pick a breeder who is ready and willing to help you train and show you how to take care of your new dog. A good breeder will also be willing to give you the answers to the questions you might have. When visiting and talking to a breeder, make sure you ask about the dog’s parents, family diseases, possible allergies and other things that might occur as he grows up next to you.
See also: ULTIMATE GUIDE TO OWNING A LHASA APSO
Avoid breeders who are only interested in getting money out of you and be sure of your decisions once you make them. Before you decide to get a puppy, consider saving an adult Lhasa Apso or Maltese from a shelter. Puppies are adorable and a lot of fun, but they will require a lot of your time and patience. If you chose to adopt a Lhasa Apso or Maltese from a shelter, there is a high possibility they will already have some training and will be a lot less demanding than a puppy.
There are many websites such as PetFinder.comwhere you can search for Lhasa Apso or Maltese in your area. There is also AnimalShelter.orgthat will help you find animal rescue groups located in your area. If you are still unlucky after checking out these websites, try out looking for the local newspapers or check out various Facebook groups.
Keep in mind, saving a dog from a shelter might turn to be a better idea than buying a brand new puppy from a breeder who cannot guarantee that your puppy is completely healthy. Think things through once again before making a decision, and listen to the opinions of other people around you, do not get a dog unless everyone in the house agrees to get it. You would not want to get a dog who will feel unwanted in your home.
Feeding Lhasa Apso and Maltese Dog Breeds
Lhasa Apso breed usually weighs between 11 and 18 pounds, while Maltese weighs up to 9 pounds. Both of these breeds need to have at least two meals per day as adults, while as puppies, they need to be fed up to four times a day. Maltese and Lhasa Apso are picky eaters, they tend to pick only the best food and will refuse to eat anything else unless you teach them. Just like people, this does not have to be true for every Lhasa Apso or Maltese out there, maybe your dog will be the one who will be happy to eat anything you decide to share with him/her.
Make sure the food your pet takes is filled with proteins such as fish, chicken or lamb, these are important for Lhasa Apso and Maltese just as they are essential to most dogs out there. There is a higher possibility to see food allergies appear on Maltese than it is on Lhasa Apso, if you do notice any of these allergies, you will need to switch to a completely different type of food.
Lhasa Apso and Maltese are one of the breeds who require a lot of dental attention, it is advised you always have some dental chews on you because these chews might be a significant benefit for your Maltese or Lhasa Apso’s overall health. The dental chews are a super delicious treat every dog loves and enjoys getting, they are designed to clean your dog’s teeth, and it helps to scrape off tartar and plaque.
Just like most of the dogs featuring long glamorous coat, it is advised you try and pick foods with Omega fatty acids and Vitamins A and E. These are super healthy for your dog’s coat and will make it as silky as possible. The quality of dog food you buy makes a huge difference when it comes to your dog’s health. The better dog food you buy, the further it will nourish your dog.
Related Questions
Which another dog breed is very similar to Lhasa Apso and Maltese?
If you are looking for a breed that is very similar to Maltese or Lhasa Apso, you might want to check out Shih Tzu. Shih Tzu is a happy, outgoing and very affectionate dog breed, a little bit smaller than Lhasa Apso but still not as fragile as Maltese. Unlike Maltese and Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu is prone to getting overweight, which means you will need to track their calories a lot more often.
Are Maltese and Lhasa Apso aggressive dog breeds?
No, Lhasa Apso and Maltese are not prone to aggression at all, they are friendly, outgoing dog breeds that only want to feel loved and safe. Some Lhasa Apso and Maltese dogs tend to get bossy, but that is far away from being aggressive.