Coton de Tulear vs Maltese

Cotons du Tulear are happy, easy-going and lovable, with a talent for charming the pants off people. They were bred to be your canine BFFs, and they take that job seriously (it may, in fact, be the only thing they do take seriously). With their comedic sense of timing, good humor and the way they try to “talk” to you with their human-like vocalizations, Cotons will keep your loneliness at bay and bring sunshine to even your gloomiest days.

Although they’re not yappy like some small dogs, Cotons will bark to let you know someone’s at the door or in the yard. But don’t expect them to make good watchdogs unless you prefer your burglars to be greeted with kisses. Cotons are way more bark than bite, and once they’ve told you company’s arrived, they’ll rush to be the first to welcome the newcomers with sweet, slobbery greetings.

These bubbly extroverts love meeting new people and also get along well with other dogs and cats. If you can’t be home most of the day or take your Coton with you when you leave, a pet sibling will soothe their loneliness and help prevent separation anxiety. Cotons de Tulear get along great with kids of all ages, which make them terrific family dogs.

Cotons’ eagerness to please makes them obedient and easy to train. They also do well in agility and conformation (dog show) sports. But while they have a lot of energy to burn, they’re not hyper, and it doesn’t take much to tire them out. They’re really happiest just keeping you company and following you around all day. Sure, your therapist might accuse them of being co-dependent, but you’ll be too charmed to care.

Due to their long history as companions animals, Maltese dogs have a love for laps and their people. Truly, their favorite place is to be wherever you are, and although they are not as energetic as herding breeds, they are lively and playful little dogs.

These friendly dogs are fairly social and generally get along well with other pets, provided they were properly trained and socialized. But even though they’re they have a gentle manner, their small weight and height make them fragile. So, they should always be supervised around very young children and babies to make sure the pup isn’t injured or overwhelmed by rough play.

The tiny Maltese has a sweet personality that makes them great therapy dogs. But more than anything else, they just want a chance to sit in your lap and be close to you.