Comparison: Maltese and West Highland White Terrier

Maltese and West Highland White Terrier are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Maltese
Photo: Chantiquemaltese, CC0, source
West Highland White Terrier
Photo: Dominic Nelson, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
MalteseWest Highland White Terrier
FCI group9. Companion and Toy Dogs3. Terriers
Country of originMaltaUnited Kingdom
CategoryVery small (toy)Small
Height at withers21–25 cm25–28 cm
Weight3–4 kg6–10 kg
Life span12–15 years12–16 years
Recognition features
  • Long, silky pure white coat to the ground
  • Black nose and dark round eyes
  • Small dog up to 3 kg with a tail curled over the back
  • Pure white harsh coat with soft undercoat
  • Small erect pointed ears and dark eyes
  • Carrot-shaped tail, square build, about 28 cm tall
CoatLong, silky, straight coat, white.Hard wiry coat with a soft undercoat, white.
PurposeAn ancient Mediterranean lap dog favoured by classical nobility; bred purely as a companion.A Scottish terrier from Argyll bred for vermin hunting; the white coat prevented it being mistaken for quarry.

Breed page: Maltese · Breed page: West Highland White Terrier

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.