Maltese vs Saint Bernard: Which Suits Your Home?

The most extreme size gap on this site: a Maltese at 3-7 lbs against a Saint Bernard at 120-180 lbs — over twenty times heavier, and classed as a giant breed against the Maltese's small. Height runs 7-9 inches versus 26-30. Feeding, bathing, vet visits, even the couch — nearly everything about daily life scales differently between these two.

Surprisingly, both tie at Low (2/5) exercise need — the Saint Bernard is a famously low-key giant, content with moderate walks rather than vigorous activity. Don't mistake that for no space requirement, though: a 150-lb dog still needs room to simply exist and turn around comfortably, even if it's not asking for runs.

The Saint Bernard grooms slightly easier (Moderate, 3/5, versus the Maltese's High, 4/5) but sheds far more (High, 4/5, versus Very Low, 1/5) — that dense double coat comes off in real volume, especially seasonally. Expect a lot more vacuuming with the Saint Bernard and a lot more brushing time with the Maltese.

This is the starkest apartment gap on this site: Very High (5/5) for the Maltese versus Very Low (1/5) for the Saint Bernard. A dog this size simply needs a house with real space, ideally a yard. On the plus side, the Saint Bernard barks less (Low vs Moderate) and tolerates being alone slightly better (Moderate vs Low).

The Maltese trains slightly better on paper (High, 4/5, versus Moderate, 3/5), and rates higher for first-time owners too (High vs Moderate). Saint Bernards are gentle and eager to please but their sheer size means basic manners like not leaning on people or pulling on leash matter far more — mistakes are heavier, literally, with a giant breed.

The Saint Bernard rates Very High with kids against the Maltese's Moderate — its famously gentle, patient temperament is a big part of the breed's reputation. Both tie on friendliness with other dogs and with strangers. If you have a house full of kids and their friends, the data leans toward the Saint Bernard's steadier, unflappable nature.

The Maltese lives considerably longer — 12-15 years versus just 8-10 for the Saint Bernard, a steep lifespan cost common to giant breeds. The Saint Bernard's health list includes hip and elbow dysplasia, dilated cardiomyopathy and bloat, all serious large-breed concerns. The Maltese's risks are generally less severe, centered on small-dog joint, dental and eye conditions.

The Saint Bernard is the most expensive breed to keep in this comparison: $150-310 monthly and $2,200-4,200 in year one, against the Maltese's $100-180 and $1,400-2,300 — roughly double in some categories. Food volume for a 150-lb dog alone is a major driver, before factoring in larger-dog vet and medication dosing.