While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Highland Malties are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Unfortunately, the Labrador Retriever is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Active
Playful
Independent
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Affectionate
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing

Affectionate
Cheerful
Friendly
Intelligent
Loyal
Playful
Social
Alert
Energetic
Gentle
Loving
Going
Responsive

Highland Malties shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

Labrador Retrievers are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Avoid Highland Malties as watchdogs - they're not effective.

Labrador Retrievers are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Maltese, West Highland White Terrier (Westie)

St. John's Water Dog

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DBR = Designer Breed Registry
DDKC = Designer Dogs Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry®

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

Unknown

1800s

Brown

Hazel
Brown
Amber

Black

Black
Brown

White

Black
Brown
Cream

Highland Malties are known for their coat length.

Labrador Retrievers have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

Wavy

Straight

A Highland Maltie can have a litter of 3-5 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Labrador Retriever can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Highland Malties typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

While the Labrador Retriever breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Patellar Luxation
Cataract
Legg-Calve Perthes Disease

Gastric Torsion
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Epilepsy
Osteochondritis Dissecans

Ear Health and Infection
Eye Infections

Otitis Externa
Cataract
Progressive Retinal Atrophy

X-Rays
Eye Examinations
Urinalysis
Blood Tests
Full Physical Examination
Ear Tests and Myringotomy Tests

Eye
Hip
Elbow
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination
Ear Examination

Highland Malties are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

Labrador Retrievers thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

Highland Malties require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

Labrador Retrievers need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

Highland Malties have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

Labrador Retrievers are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

The Highland Maltie is a vocal breed that frequently barks and howls, and may not be suitable for those seeking a quiet companion.

Labrador Retrievers bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Dog Parks, Play, Fetch, Walk, Snuggle

Fetch, Tug-of-war, Chase, Dog Parks, Walk, Run, Play, Walking, Cuddling, Exploring, Sniffing, Petting, Running, Boat ride, Swim, Tracking, Chasing, Smelling, Going out, Walks, Frisbee, Road trip, Meeting people, Shake, Swimming, Playdate, Chew, Smell, Walki, Being pet

Highland Malties are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Labrador Retrievers are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Highland Maltie, it's at least 6 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Labrador Retriever, it's at least 15 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Highland Malties require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

The Labrador Retriever is a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require much grooming.

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

For an average 11-16 pound (5 - 7 kg) Highland Maltie feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 65-80 pound (29 - 36 kg) Labrador Retriever feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

The average cost of a Highland Maltie is somewhere $1.10 - $1.40 per day.

The average cost of a Labrador Retriever is somewhere $2.50 - $3.20 per day.

The average per month expenses of a Highland Maltie is between $35 - $45. This makes an average of $420 - $540 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Labrador Retriever is between $74 - $95. This makes an average of $888 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Highland Maltie has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.

Labrador Retriever is highly intelligent and very trainable.

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

The Highland Maltie is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.

Labrador Retrievers can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

Highland Malties are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

Labrador Retrievers make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

Highland Malties are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Labrador Retrievers are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

Highland Malties are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

The Labrador Retriever is highly intelligent and eager to please, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced dog owners due to its easy trainability.