Skip to content 
The Maltese, a beloved toy breed, is known for its elegance, grace, and charming personality. However, when it comes to canine intelligence, there has been ongoing debate about where the Maltese stands. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the multifaceted intelligence of the Maltese breed, how they rank in comparison to other dog breeds, and delve into the captivating world of canine cognition.
When we talk about understanding the smarts of our furry friends, it’s important to take a few things into account. Doggie intelligence comes in various flavors – from how quickly they learn tricks to how well they tackle puzzles, and even how they handle new adventures.
While some dog breeds shine with their impressive problem-solving skills and eagerness to follow your lead, others may have their own unique strengths. One of these lovely breeds that you might not find at the tippy-top of the “intelligence” list is the Maltese. But remember, intelligence isn’t everything! These little companions bring a lot of love and charm into your life.
Understanding Canine Intelligence
a. Instinctive Intelligence: This dimension of intelligence relates to a dog’s innate abilities and behaviors, often honed through centuries of breeding for specific tasks. For instance, herding breeds like the Border Collie exhibit high instinctive intelligence due to their natural herding instincts.
b. Adaptive Intelligence: Adaptive intelligence measures a dog’s capacity to learn from its environment, adapt to new situations, and solve problems. This aspect is crucial for assessing a dog’s overall intelligence.
c. Working/Obedience Intelligence: Working or obedience intelligence focuses on a dog’s ability to understand and execute commands, which is vital for companion animals. It is this aspect of intelligence that is usually evaluated in terms of ranking breeds.
The Maltese Breed: A Brief Overview
The Maltese breed, with its long, silky white coat and lively personality, has captured the hearts of dog enthusiasts worldwide. They are a small toy breed, typically weighing between 5 to 9 pounds and measuring 7 to 12 inches in height. Maltese dogs possess a friendly and charming disposition, endearing them to their owners. While they are often regarded as lap dogs, they exhibit surprising levels of intelligence and possess a unique set of characteristics that distinguish them within the world of canine breeds.
Where Does a Maltese Rank in Intelligence?
Determining the exact intelligence ranking of the Maltese can be a challenging task, as canine intelligence can significantly vary between individual dogs. However, Dr. Stanley Coren, a distinguished canine psychologist and professor, conducted extensive research on dog intelligence and ranked breeds based on their working and obedience intelligence in his book “The Intelligence of Dogs.”
According to Dr. Coren’s classification, the Maltese falls under the “Bright” category. This category includes breeds like the Maltese, which typically require fewer than five repetitions to understand a new command and can obey the first command given to them 95% of the time or better. Maltese dogs demonstrate a strong aptitude for learning, which is not surprising given their long history as companion animals.
However, it’s important to emphasize that intelligence is not the sole criterion when selecting a breed. Different breeds possess unique characteristics and temperaments, and Maltese’s intelligence is complemented by their charm and adaptability, which makes them excellent as companion animals.
How Smart is a Maltese Compared to Other Dog Breeds?
When comparing the intelligence of the Maltese to other dog breeds, it’s important to consider the multifaceted nature of canine intelligence. While Maltese dogs excel in obedience and adaptability, other breeds may surpass them in different aspects of intelligence.
Here’s a closer look at how the intelligence of a Maltese compares to a few other popular breeds:
a. Border Collie: Border Collies are often considered the most intelligent dog breed, excelling in problem-solving, agility, and obedience training. They are renowned for their remarkable herding abilities and exhibit high adaptive intelligence. In comparison, Maltese dogs may not match their problem-solving skills but can be trained effectively in obedience and adapt well to different environments.
b. Labrador Retriever: Labrador Retrievers are known for their social intelligence and are one of the most popular family breeds. They excel in obedience and working intelligence, making them excellent assistance dogs and loyal companions. While Maltese dogs may not reach the same level of working intelligence, they can match Labradors in adaptability and obedience.
c. German Shepherd: German Shepherds are recognized for their protective instincts and working intelligence. They are commonly employed as police and search-and-rescue dogs. In terms of working intelligence, German Shepherds outperform Maltese dogs, but the latter can match them in adaptability and obedience.
It’s essential to understand that intelligence is only one aspect of a dog’s suitability as a pet. Different breeds have their unique strengths and temperaments. While Maltese dogs may not top the charts in working intelligence, they excel in adaptability, obedience, and extremely charming nature, making them ideal for those seeking a loving and loyal canine companion.
Can you increase the intelligence of your Maltese?
While it’s true that their genetics influences the intelligence of your Maltese, there are several ways you can help boost their cognitive abilities and stimulate their minds. My Maltese is very stubborn and always has been. But I know he is fairly smart by his actions. When lying on the bed at night, I can tell him to go get his toy and he will run across the house and bring back a specific toy that I have asked him to bring. He has also been known to bring me his leash when he wants to go for a walk!
My Maltese will also choose the type of dog treat that he wants after doing a good deed.
Here are some tips on how to increase the intelligence of your Maltese:
- Interactive Toys and Puzzle Games: Maltese dogs, like many other breeds, enjoy mentally stimulating games and puzzles. Invest in interactive toys and puzzle games that challenge their problem-solving skills. These toys often hide treats that your Maltese needs to figure out how to access, keeping them engaged and mentally active.
- Obedience Training: Consistent obedience training is an excellent way to enhance your Maltese’s intelligence. Teach them new commands, tricks, and behaviors. Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, to encourage them to learn and obey. Maltese dogs are quick learners, so they’ll likely pick up new commands with enthusiasm.
- Socialization: Socialization is a critical aspect of canine intelligence. Expose your Maltese to different environments, people, and other animals. This helps them adapt to new situations and develop better social intelligence. It also prevents behavioral issues that can arise from fear or anxiety in unfamiliar circumstances.
- Regular Exercise: Physical activity is closely linked to mental well-being in dogs. Regular exercise not only keeps your Maltese physically fit but also provides mental stimulation. Play games like fetch or take your Maltese on walks to keep their mind engaged. Physical and mental exercise go hand in hand in enhancing intelligence.
- Engage in Learning Challenges: Set up learning challenges for your Maltese. For example, hide treats around the house and encourage them to find them. You can also create obstacle courses for them to navigate. These challenges encourage problem-solving and keep their minds sharp.
- Rotate Toys: Maltese dogs can get bored with their toys if they see them every day. Rotate their toys to keep them curious and engaged. Novelty sparks their curiosity and encourages them to think and explore.
- Teach and Practice New Tricks: Teach your Maltese new tricks regularly. This not only adds to their repertoire of skills but also keeps their brain active. Tricks like “roll over,” “play dead,” or “fetch the newspaper” provide mental stimulation and strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend.
- Positive Reinforcement: Always use positive reinforcement when training your Maltese. Reward them with treats, praise, and affection when they follow commands or exhibit good behavior. Positive reinforcement motivates them to learn and solve problems.
- Use Puzzle Feeders: Puzzle feeders are an excellent way to combine mealtime with mental exercise. These devices dispense food piece by piece, encouraging your Maltese to figure out how to get their meal. It’s both mentally stimulating and rewarding.
- Rotate Training Sessions: Keep training sessions short and engaging. Maltese dogs can have short attention spans, so it’s essential to keep them interested. Break training into short sessions throughout the day and vary the training tasks to maintain their interest.
FAQs
Q1: Are Maltese dogs easy to train?
A1: Yes, Maltese dogs are generally easy to train. They possess a high level of intelligence and are eager to please their owners, which makes them receptive to obedience training. However, consistent and positive reinforcement-based training methods, along with patience, are essential when training a Maltese.
Q2: Do Maltese dogs make good family pets?
A2: Maltese dogs can make wonderful family pets. They are affectionate, friendly, and adaptable, and their small size makes them suitable for apartment living. When socialized properly, they tend to get along well with children and other pets, making them an excellent choice for families.
Q3: Are Maltese dogs hypoallergenic?
A3: Yes, Maltese dogs are considered hypoallergenic because they have hair, not fur. Their long, silky coat doesn’t shed much, which can be a relief for allergy sufferers. However, it’s important to note that their coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and to maintain their hypoallergenic qualities.
Conclusion
The Maltese breed, with its charming personality, silky coat, and small size, is not only a beloved companion but also a bright and adaptable canine. Their intelligence, although not at the top of the list in terms of working intelligence, makes them excellent pets for those seeking a loyal and affectionate furry friend. While their diminutive stature might make them appear delicate, their adaptability and charming nature more than compensate for it.
When selecting a dog breed, it’s crucial to consider various factors beyond intelligence, including temperament, energy level, and grooming requirements. In the case of the Maltese, their intelligence, combined with their charm, makes them an excellent choice for those in search of a loving and loyal canine companion.
