Living
Which fits apartment life better?
The Maltese, rated 5 out of 5 for apartment suitability versus the Jack Russell's 2 out of 5.
Jack Russell Terrier vs Maltese: Which Suits Your Home?
Jack Russell Terrier or Maltese? On paper they differ most on exercise need, and on the scales Jack Russell Terrier is the heavier at 13–17 lbs. Here is how the two compare on everything that shapes an ordinary week.
This is for someone already down to Jack Russell Terrier and Maltese and deciding between them. For this pair the decision usually turns on exercise 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. It is written for the decision rather than the breed history.
Quick verdict
Between Jack Russell Terrier and Maltese, exercise need is what separates them, and Maltese is the lower-effort dog of the two to keep.
Choose jack russell terrier if...
Choose Jack Russell Terrier if you do not want a standing grooming appointment, you want a dog that can keep up with an active routine and you want a dog that is more watchful with visitors.
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 | jack russell terrier | maltese | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size class | small | small | Equal |
| Weight | 13–17 lbs | 3–7 lbs | Equal |
| Height | 10–15 in | 7–9 in | Equal |
| Lifespan | 13–16 years | 12–15 years | jack russell terrier |
| Exercise need | Very high (5/5) | Low (2/5) | maltese |
| Grooming need | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) | jack russell terrier |
| Shedding | Moderate (3/5) | Very low (1/5) | maltese |
| Energy level | Very high (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) | Equal |
| Barking | Very high (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) | maltese |
| 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 | Low (2/5) | Low (2/5) | Equal |
| Trainability | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) | maltese |
| Good with kids | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) | Equal |
| 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) | jack russell terrier |
| Coat | Short, dense | Long, silky, white | Equal |
| Origin | England | Malta | Equal |
| Typical monthly cost | $70–$140 | $100–$180 | Equal |
| Typical first-year cost | $1,100–$2,000 | $1,400–$2,300 | Equal |
Deep dive
Size and build
Both breeds are small, but not equally small: the Maltese runs 3 to 7 lbs and 7 to 9 inches, while the Jack Russell runs 13 to 17 lbs and 10 to 15 inches -- the terrier can outweigh the Maltese by more than double. The Maltese's long, silky white coat and the Jack Russell's short, dense one couldn't look more different on a dog of similar footprint.
Energy and exercise
The gap here is stark: the Jack Russell rates 5 out of 5 for exercise need, the Maltese just 2 out of 5. Energy level ties at moderate, 3 out of 5, which is a bit misleading -- the Jack Russell's energy comes out as intensity and drive, while the Maltese's shows up as lap-dog liveliness rather than a need to run.
Grooming and shedding
The Maltese needs far more grooming, 4 out of 5 against the Jack Russell's 2 out of 5 -- that long white coat mats and stains without regular care. Shedding runs the opposite way: the Maltese rates a minimal 1 out of 5, the Jack Russell a moderate 3 out of 5. Less hair on the floor, more time at the grooming table.
Apartment living, noise and time alone
The Maltese rates 5 out of 5 for apartment suitability, the Jack Russell just 2 out of 5 -- a direct result of that exercise gap. Barking splits the same way: 3 out of 5 for the Maltese versus 5 out of 5 for the Jack Russell. Both tolerate time alone equally poorly, tied at 2 out of 5.
Training and owner experience
The Maltese rates 4 out of 5 for trainability and, more notably, 4 out of 5 for first-time owners against the Jack Russell's 2 out of 5. The terrier's independent streak, useful for a dog historically bred to hunt vermin on its own initiative, makes it a harder first dog than the Maltese's more biddable nature.
Kids, other dogs and visitors
Both breeds rate 3 out of 5 with kids, a tie. Elsewhere the Maltese pulls ahead: 4 out of 5 with other dogs against the Jack Russell's 2 out of 5, and 4 out of 5 with strangers against 3 out of 5. The Jack Russell's low score with other dogs is the one to weigh carefully in a multi-dog home.
Health and lifespan
Lifespans run close -- 13 to 16 years for the Jack Russell, 12 to 15 for the Maltese. Patellar luxation, allergies, and heart murmurs appear on both lists, and both are also prone to liver shunts, listed as 'Hepatic Shunts' for the Jack Russell and 'Liver Shunts' for the Maltese -- the same underlying condition. The Maltese's list adds white shaker syndrome and hypoglycemia, both known toy-breed concerns.
Cost to keep
The Jack Russell is cheaper across the board: 2 out of 5 for cost, $70-$140 monthly, $1,100-$2,000 in year one. The Maltese rates 3 out of 5 for cost, running $100-$180 monthly and $1,400-$2,300 in year one -- that heavy grooming need is the likely driver.
Jack Russell Terrier vs Maltese at a glance
Jack Russell Terrier weighs 13–17 lbs and lives 13–16 years; Maltese weighs 3–7 lbs and lives 12–15 years. The two diverge most on exercise need, apartment suitability and grooming need and 5 other rated axes. They are level on tolerates being alone and good with kids, so those cannot decide it. In the table, a "winner" means easier for an ordinary household — not better. Size, coat and origin are recorded without a verdict. Because both breeds are scored the same way, the gaps are reliable even where the absolute numbers are rough.
Frequently asked questions
How much smaller is the Maltese?
Considerably -- 3 to 7 lbs and 7 to 9 inches, versus the Jack Russell's 13 to 17 lbs and 10 to 15 inches. The terrier can weigh more than double the Maltese.
Which sheds less?
The Maltese, rated 1 out of 5 versus the Jack Russell's 3 out of 5. It needs considerably more grooming to keep that coat in shape, though -- 4 out of 5 versus 2 out of 5.
Which is better for a first-time owner?
The Maltese, rated 4 out of 5 versus the Jack Russell's 2 out of 5. Its more biddable temperament suits a new owner better than the Jack Russell's independent, terrier-bred instincts.
Does either suit an apartment?
The Maltese does, rated 5 out of 5. The Jack Russell rates just 2 out of 5, held back by its very high exercise need and a 5-out-of-5 barking rating.
What's the cost gap?
The Jack Russell runs cheaper -- $70-$140 monthly and $1,100-$2,000 in year one, against the Maltese's $100-$180 and $1,400-$2,300.
Do their health risks overlap?
Patellar luxation, allergies, and heart murmurs appear on both lists, and both breeds are prone to liver shunts under different names. The Maltese's list additionally includes white shaker syndrome and hypoglycemia.
Which is better with other dogs?
The Maltese, rated 4 out of 5 against the Jack Russell's low 2 out of 5 -- worth noting if you're adding a second dog to an existing household.
Quick answers
View more answersCosts
Which costs less monthly?
The Jack Russell, at $70-$140 versus the Maltese's $100-$180 -- though the Maltese's grooming needs are the main reason for the gap.
Behavior
How much exercise does each need?
The Jack Russell needs a lot, 5 out of 5. The Maltese needs comparatively little, 2 out of 5.
Health
Which breed lives longer?
The Jack Russell, 13 to 16 years, versus the Maltese's 12 to 15 -- a modest edge for the terrier.
Related DogBreedCompass guides
- Jack Russell Terrier breed guide – Readers comparing the two usually want the full profile of Jack Russell Terrier before deciding.
- Maltese breed guide – The same for Maltese, so the comparison can be checked against the detail.
- Jack Russell Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier – American Pit Bull Terrier is the closest breed to Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell 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.
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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.
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