Maltese vs Old English Sheepdog

Bred for millennia solely for companionship, Maltese often panic when left alone. This manifests as destructive chewing, self-mutilation (licking paws raw), and relentless vocalization. Not suitable for 8-hour workdays without intervention.

Despite their size, Maltese are vigilant watchdogs. They will announce every delivery truck, neighbor, and leaf. In apartments, this high-pitched, persistent barking can lead to noise complaints and eviction notices.

The single most common frustration. Small bladders require frequent outings, and they can be sneaky about indoor accidents. Even adult Maltese may not be 100% reliable outside a crate or pen.

Because they are fragile, owners often tolerate behaviors (growling, snapping, resource guarding) that would be unacceptable in larger dogs. This can create a dog that rules the household.

This is a "Velcro" breed in the truest sense. They were bred to work closely with shepherds and drovers, never straying far. In a modern home, this translates to a dog that may panic when left alone. Destructive chewing, howling, and house soiling are common symptoms of distress if isolation training is not started immediately in puppyhood.

The OES has a unique, ringing bark often described as "two pots clanging together." It is loud, deep, and can become a nuisance. They are alert watchdogs and will vocalize at delivery trucks, neighbors, and squirrels. This makes them poor candidates for apartments with noise restrictions.

As a drover's dog, the OES controls movement. In a family setting, this often manifests as nipping at the heels of running children or "body checking" people to move them. While not aggressive, this behavior can be frightening for toddlers and annoying for guests.

While generally social, some OES lines—particularly males—can develop aggression toward other dogs of the same sex around social maturity (18-24 months). This requires vigilant management in multi-dog households.