Living
Which fits a small living space better?
The Maltese, rated very high (5/5) for apartments against the Pit Bull's low (2/5), its low exercise needs make it a much easier fit for compact living.
American Pit Bull Terrier vs Maltese: Which Suits Your Home?
American Pit Bull Terrier or Maltese? On paper they differ most on grooming need, and on the scales American Pit Bull Terrier is the heavier at 30–65 lbs. Here is how the two compare on everything that shapes an ordinary week.
This is for someone already down to American Pit Bull Terrier and Maltese and deciding between them. For this pair the decision usually turns on grooming need and apartment suitability, so those are covered first and in most detail. Anyone choosing from a flat has a clear answer here: Maltese rates 5/5 against 2/5. Breed history is left out; what follows is what you will actually live with.
Quick verdict
Between American Pit Bull Terrier and Maltese, grooming need is what separates them, and Maltese is the lower-effort dog of the two to keep.
Choose american pit bull terrier if...
Choose American Pit Bull Terrier if you do not want a standing grooming appointment, the dog will be alone during the working day and there are young children at home.
Choose maltese if...
Choose Maltese if you are in a flat or a smaller home, this is your first dog and shedding is a problem in your house.
Head-to-head comparison
| Feature | american pit bull terrier | maltese | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size class | large | small | Equal |
| Weight | 30–65 lbs | 3–7 lbs | Equal |
| Height | 17–21 in | 7–9 in | Equal |
| Lifespan | 12–14 years | 12–15 years | maltese |
| Exercise need | High (4/5) | Low (2/5) | maltese |
| Grooming need | Very low (1/5) | High (4/5) | american pit bull terrier |
| Shedding | Moderate (3/5) | Very low (1/5) | maltese |
| Energy level | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) | Equal |
| Barking | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) | american pit bull terrier |
| Apartment suitability | Low (2/5) | Very high (5/5) | maltese |
| Good for first-time owners | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) | maltese |
| Tolerates being alone | Moderate (3/5) | Low (2/5) | american pit bull terrier |
| Trainability | High (4/5) | High (4/5) | Equal |
| Good with kids | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) | american pit bull terrier |
| Good with other dogs | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) | maltese |
| Friendly to strangers | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) | maltese |
| Cost level | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) | american pit bull terrier |
| Coat | Short, glossy | Long, silky, white | Equal |
| Origin | United States | Malta | Equal |
| Typical monthly cost | $80–$150 | $100–$180 | Equal |
| Typical first-year cost | $1,200–$2,200 | $1,400–$2,300 | Equal |
Deep dive
Size and build
The size gap here rivals the Havanese comparison, a Maltese weighs just 3-7 lbs and stands 7-9 inches, while the Pit Bull runs 30-65 lbs and 17-21 inches. A full-grown Maltese could weigh less than a large bag of flour; a Pit Bull could weigh as much as a heavy suitcase.
Energy and exercise
The Maltese needs far less physical activity, rated low (2/5) against the Pit Bull's high (4/5). Short walks and indoor play sessions are typically enough for a Maltese, while the Pit Bull needs sustained daily exertion to stay balanced. This is one of the clearest lifestyle-fit signals in the whole comparison.
Grooming and shedding
The Maltese's long silky white coat demands serious upkeep, rated high (4/5) for grooming, against the Pit Bull's very low (1/5). Shedding flips though, very low (1/5) for the Maltese versus moderate (3/5) for the Pit Bull, so while you'll brush the Maltese constantly, you'll find far less hair around the house.
Apartment living, noise and time alone
The Maltese rates very high (5/5) for apartment suitability, the strongest possible score, against the Pit Bull's low (2/5). It does bark more, rated moderate (3/5) against the Pit Bull's low (2/5), which matters if your walls are thin. Alone time favors the Pit Bull, moderate (3/5) versus the Maltese's low (2/5).
Training and owner experience
The Maltese is the notably easier breed to bring home without experience, high (4/5) for first-time owners against the Pit Bull's low (2/5), while both train about equally well, rated high (4/5) for both. Size plays a role here too: mistakes with a small, eager dog carry lower stakes than they do with a large, powerful one.
Kids, other dogs and visitors
The Pit Bull actually edges ahead with kids, rated high (4/5) against the Maltese's moderate (3/5), small dogs can be more fragile around rough play from young children. The Maltese pulls ahead everywhere else social, rated high (4/5) with other dogs and strangers against the Pit Bull's low (2/5) and moderate (3/5).
Health and lifespan
The Maltese edges out a slightly longer life, 12-15 years against the Pit Bull's 12-14. Their health lists barely overlap, heart murmurs and allergy issues show up on both, but otherwise the Maltese's risks trend toward dental disease, hypoglycemia, and tear staining, small-breed concerns that simply don't apply to a dog the Pit Bull's size.
Cost to keep
Cost level is moderate (3/5) for the Maltese against low (2/5) for the Pit Bull, and the monthly numbers follow, $100-180 versus $80-150. First-year costs run $1,400-2,300 for the Maltese against $1,200-2,200 for the Pit Bull. Grooming again explains most of the gap for a dog this small.
American Pit Bull Terrier vs Maltese at a glance
American Pit Bull Terrier weighs 30–65 lbs and lives 12–14 years; Maltese weighs 3–7 lbs and lives 12–15 years. The two diverge most on grooming need, apartment suitability and exercise need and 3 other rated axes. Almost every rated axis separates them at least slightly. The comparison marks an easier option only where one exists. Facts like weight and country of origin are not scored. Both dogs are rated from the same dataset, which is what makes the numbers comparable with each other even though any individual dog sits somewhere inside its breed's range.
Frequently asked questions
How much smaller is a Maltese than a Pit Bull?
Dramatically, a Maltese tops out around 7 lbs, while the smallest Pit Bulls still weigh 30 lbs. It's one of the widest size gaps you'll find in a breed comparison.
Which needs less exercise?
The Maltese, rated low (2/5) against the Pit Bull's high (4/5), a short daily walk and some indoor play is typically enough for a Maltese.
Is a Maltese good for apartment living?
Yes, rated very high (5/5), the top possible score. It does bark more than a Pit Bull though, so thin walls are worth considering.
Which is better for a first-time owner?
The Maltese, rated high (4/5) against the Pit Bull's low (2/5), easier for a new owner in part because mistakes carry lower physical stakes with a small dog.
Which is better with kids?
The Pit Bull, rated high (4/5) against the Maltese's moderate (3/5), smaller dogs can be more easily injured by rough play from young kids, which factors into that score.
Do their health risks overlap?
Only partially, heart murmurs and allergy issues appear on both lists, but the Maltese carries several small-breed-specific risks like dental disease and tear staining that don't apply to the Pit Bull.
Which costs more to keep?
The Maltese, slightly, $100-180 monthly against the Pit Bull's $80-150, mostly due to its heavier grooming needs.
Quick answers
View more answersCosts
What's the monthly cost?
$100-180 for the Maltese, $80-150 for the Pit Bull, a modest gap driven mostly by grooming.
Behavior
Which needs more exercise?
The Pit Bull, rated high (4/5) against the Maltese's low (2/5), a significant difference if your schedule doesn't allow for long daily walks.
Health
Which lives longer?
The Maltese, slightly, at 12-15 years against the Pit Bull's 12-14, both are relatively long-lived compared to larger breeds.
Related DogBreedCompass guides
- American Pit Bull Terrier breed guide – Readers comparing the two usually want the full profile of American Pit Bull Terrier before deciding.
- Maltese breed guide – The same for Maltese, so the comparison can be checked against the detail.
- American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier – American Staffordshire Terrier is the closest breed to American Pit Bull Terrier on the measured axes, so it is the natural next comparison.
- Maltese vs Bichon Frise – Bichon Frise sits closest to Maltese, which makes it the alternative worth ruling out.
- What American Pit Bull Terrier costs to keep – Anyone weighing these two is usually also pricing them, and the cost pages carry city-level figures.
- Maltese health problems – The health pages set out what each breed is actually screened for.
Related guides
List
Best Dogs for Busy Professionals: Independent Breeds That Handle Alone Time
ListRead guide->
Guide
Best Dog for Runners Half Marathon: Complete Guide
GuideRead guide->
List
Best Dog Breeds for Multi-Dog Households: Social, Pack-Friendly Picks
ListRead guide->
Cost
Yorkshire Terrier Cost in Portland: What to Expect
CostRead guide->
Guide
Best Dog for Small Apartment No Yard: A Complete Guide
GuideRead guide->
Cost
Yorkshire Terrier Cost in Wilmington: What to Expect
CostRead guide->
Important reminder
Health information here is general and is not veterinary advice. If your dog shows pain, sudden behaviour change, or worsening symptoms, consult a licensed veterinarian.
Some links on this site are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you, and we only suggest products we believe are helpful for dog owners.
Find Your Perfect Breed
Match your lifestyle to the right dog.
Take quizFind your match
Not sure which breed is right for you? Take our 2-minute quiz to find out.
Take the quiz