Whether a Papillon Is Easier Than a Maltese
Choosing between a Papillon and a Maltese can feel harder than comparing two small, fluffy dogs should be. Both are affectionate, bright companions, but their grooming, training, exercise, and social needs differ in ways that show up every day. This guide explains where each breed may feel easier—and where an owner’s routine and expectations matter more than the breed label.
Papillon and Maltese Temperament Compared
Energy, play, and everyday attention
Papillons tend to be lively, alert, and keen to take part in whatever their people are doing. A short walk may be welcome, but many Papillons also enjoy learning tricks, searching for treats, or playing a quick game indoors. Their small size can make them seem like easy lap dogs, yet they often need regular activity and interaction to stay settled. A bored Papillon may invent its own entertainment, such as barking at a sound outside or persistently asking for attention.
Maltese dogs are playful too, but many owners experience them as more content with a gentler pace, especially when their exercise and companionship needs are met. That does not mean a Maltese will be happy with no play or training. Both breeds enjoy company and can become unsettled if left alone for long stretches without preparation. If you want a dog to join lively training games, a Papillon may be the more natural fit. If you prefer a small companion whose activity can often be met with indoor play and relaxed walks, a Maltese may suit your routine better.
Neither breed is automatically quiet or low-maintenance in the behavioral sense. Papillons can be quick to notice visitors, hallway sounds, and passing dogs. Maltese dogs may also bark to alert or seek attention. Their individual personalities, early experiences, and what their people reward all shape how vocal they become. For a closer look at the Papillon’s alert nature, see What a Papillon Barks At.
Training, confidence, and living with other people
Papillons are often highly responsive to reward-based training. They can pick up cues and tricks quickly, which is delightful when you are teaching a recall or a tidy household routine. The same quickness can work against you if a dog learns that barking, jumping, or refusing to come earns attention. Short, upbeat practice sessions help turn that intelligence into useful habits. Papillons can also be sensitive to harsh handling, so calm consistency usually works better than scolding.
Maltese dogs are intelligent as well, but training may feel different from one dog to the next. Some are eager to work for food or praise; others are more interested in doing things on their own schedule. House-training can require patience with either breed, especially in bad weather or in a home where the dog has frequent access to indoor potty options. Consistent timing, close supervision, and rewarding the behavior you want are more helpful than expecting a tiny dog to “just know” the rules.
Both breeds need careful introductions to children and larger dogs. Their small frames make rough play and accidental falls a real concern, no matter how friendly the dog is. Papillons may be bold around bigger dogs, while Maltese dogs may also need help feeling safe around boisterous play. Children should be taught to let the dog approach, handle it gently, and leave it alone while eating or resting. If your household includes young children, compare the practical considerations in Whether a Papillon Suits a Family and How a Papillon Behaves With Children.
Grooming and Daily Care
Coat maintenance is the biggest difference
The Maltese coat is long, fine, and continuously growing. Keeping it in a full-length style usually means frequent, careful brushing and regular bathing, with extra attention to tangles around the ears, legs, and underside. Some families choose a shorter “puppy cut” to make home care more manageable. That can reduce brushing time, but it does not remove the need for routine coat care or professional grooming if you do not want to do the trimming yourself.
A Papillon’s coat is also long and silky, especially around the ears, chest, legs, and tail, but it generally does not have the same full-body coat-care demands as a long-coated Maltese. Many Papillon owners can keep the coat comfortable with regular brushing and occasional baths, while paying attention to places where tangles form. The ear fringes and tail plume can catch debris, and the feathering can pick up leaves or burrs after a walk. For details on the Papillon coat itself, see What a Papillon's Coat Is Made Of.
In practical terms, the Papillon is often easier for an owner who wants a long-coated dog but does not want to maintain a floor-length coat. The Maltese may be easier if you are willing to keep the coat clipped short and schedule grooming as part of your routine. If you are comparing brushes or detangling tools, retailers such as Chewy can be one place to look for basic grooming supplies; the right tool depends on coat length and how your dog tolerates brushing.
Teeth, nails, and handling are not optional
Neither breed gets a free pass on dental care just because it is small. Small mouths can become crowded, and plaque can build up without regular home care and veterinary attention. Try to make toothbrushing a brief, predictable habit rather than an occasional wrestling match. Start by letting a puppy sniff the brush and taste pet-safe toothpaste, then gradually work up to brushing a few teeth at a time. A dog that resists can still learn to cooperate when handling is introduced gently and rewarded.
Nail care matters too. Long nails can make walking uncomfortable and affect how a dog places its feet. Feathering around a Papillon’s feet may hide nail length, so check regularly rather than relying on appearance. Maltese dogs also need routine nail checks, as well as attention to tear staining and face cleanliness if those are concerns for the individual dog. A small toothbrush, nail trimmer, or grooming comb may be available through retailers such as Chewy, but choose products that fit your dog and ask a groomer or veterinarian to show you safe technique if you are unsure.
Whichever breed you choose, make handling part of everyday life: gently touch paws, ears, and muzzle; pause before the dog becomes overwhelmed; and reward calm cooperation. These small practice moments can make brushing, nail trims, and veterinary exams easier later. For a more detailed Papillon dental routine, read Brushing a Papillon's Teeth in a Very Small Mouth.
Exercise, Home Life, and Health Considerations
Which breed fits your daily schedule
Papillons are a good match for people who enjoy engaging with their dog beyond basic walks. They often appreciate play, training, and chances to use their minds. That does not mean they need intense exercise all day. It does mean that a quick trip outside may not be enough to satisfy a bright, active dog. A few short training sessions, sniffing opportunities, and interactive games can make a noticeable difference.
Maltese dogs need daily movement and play, but some owners find their exercise easier to fit into a quieter household routine. A couple of short walks and indoor activity may work well for many individuals, with adjustments for age, health, and temperament. Neither breed should be treated as an accessory that can be carried everywhere instead of walked, trained, or allowed to explore safely. Small dogs still benefit from building confidence on the ground and learning to navigate ordinary home and neighborhood life.
Apartment living can work for either breed, provided barking, house-training, and alone-time are handled thoughtfully. In a shared building, a Papillon’s alert barking may take extra training, while a Maltese may also vocalize when excited or left alone. Before choosing, consider your work hours, the amount of time you can spend together, and whether you can arrange a midday break if needed. A puzzle toy or treat-dispensing toy can offer a little enrichment when supervised appropriately; Chewy is one possible place to browse options, but a simple food-search game at home can work just as well.
Health, size, and the everyday cost of care
Both breeds are small and delicate compared with larger dogs. Their size calls for sensible precautions around furniture, stairs, rough play, and being picked up. A dog that repeatedly jumps down from a high bed or sofa may be at risk of injury, so ramps or steps can help if the dog is comfortable using them. Some Papillons are also prone to kneecap problems, making weight management and thoughtful activity especially useful parts of a care plan. Learn more in Patellar Luxation Is the Papillon Problem You Will Actually Meet.
Dental care is an important long-term consideration for both breeds. Ask your veterinarian how to monitor your dog’s mouth and how often professional dental assessment is appropriate. A young dog may also retain baby teeth, which can crowd the adult teeth and warrant veterinary attention. For Papillons, The Teeth in a Papillon's Small Jaw explains why that issue deserves attention.
Breed tendencies are not guarantees, and a healthy-looking puppy is not a substitute for a thoughtful breeder or veterinary care. Ask about the parents’ health, what screening has been done, and how the breeder supports puppies after they go home. Papillon buyers can use What a Papillon Breeder Should Have Tested as a starting point for questions. A Maltese breeder should also be willing to discuss health history and responsible breeding practices. Routine food, grooming, dental care, and veterinary visits matter for either dog; the biggest difference is often how much coat upkeep your chosen style requires.
Which Dog Is Easier for You
A practical comparison for real households
There is no single winner because “easy” can mean less brushing, less exercise, fewer training challenges, or a better match for your home. The table below focuses on what owners are likely to notice in daily life.
| Daily consideration | Papillon | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Coat upkeep | Regular brushing, with attention to fringes and feathering | More intensive brushing if kept long; a short clip can simplify care |
| Activity | Often lively and enthusiastic about training and games | Playful, with many individuals suited to a gentler routine |
| Training | Often quick to learn; needs consistent boundaries and positive practice | Intelligent but may vary in motivation; patience and consistency matter |
| Barking | Can be alert and quick to announce sounds | May also bark for attention or in response to activity |
| Small-dog precautions | Needs protection from rough play, falls, and unsafe jumps | Needs the same care around handling, furniture, and larger dogs |
| Grooming appointment needs | Often manageable at home for routine brushing, though trimming may be desired | Regular professional grooming may be useful, especially with a long coat |
If brushing is the chore you dread most, a Papillon may be easier to maintain than a Maltese kept in a long coat. If you are happy to book regular grooming and want a dog whose exercise needs may be less training-focused, a Maltese could fit better. A clipped Maltese can change the comparison considerably: coat length and home grooming habits matter as much as the breed itself.
Training and companionship deserve equal weight. A Papillon may be easier if you enjoy teaching cues and giving your dog small jobs. A Maltese may feel easier if your preferred routine centers on companionship, gentle walks, and relaxed indoor play. But a dog left alone too long, under-stimulated, or inconsistently trained can become challenging in either breed.
Questions to ask before deciding
Be honest about the week you actually have, not the idealized version. Who will brush the dog, clean up after muddy walks, practice house-training, and arrange care when everyone is out? If the answer is that grooming will happen only when the coat looks tangled, a long-coated Maltese may not be a comfortable fit. If you cannot make time for interaction and short training sessions, an energetic Papillon may become frustrated.
Meet adult dogs of both breeds if possible, not just puppies. Ask owners what they find tiring, what they enjoy, how their dogs handle visitors, and what grooming looks like during a busy month. Watch how the dog responds to everyday sounds and handling. A calm puppy in a quiet room may behave differently in a lively household, and individual temperament can matter more than general breed descriptions.
The most useful choice is the one whose normal needs fit your normal life. A Papillon is often the easier option for someone seeking a clever, active companion with a coat that is usually simpler to maintain than a full-length Maltese coat. A Maltese may be easier for someone comfortable with grooming appointments and looking for a small, affectionate companion whose exercise routine can be more moderate. For another point of comparison, see The Papillon Against the Pomeranian and the Chihuahua and What Papillon Owners Wish They Had Known.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
