Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese Comparison - Dog breed selector: Csivava or Moscovian Miniature Terrier or Maltese lion dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese" Compare Chihuahua and Russian Toy. Which is better: Chihuahua or Russian Toy or Maltese?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Chihuahua	Russian Toy	Maltese
Origins	Mexico	Russia	Italy
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	32	326	33
Reviews	17	0	3
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese breeds.	Csivava Chihuahueño	Moscovian Miniature Terrier Moscow Toy Terrier Russian Terrier Russian Toy Terrier	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese? Compare adult weight ranges.	2-6 pounds (1-3 kg)	3-6 pounds (1.3-2.7 kg)	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	4 pounds (2 kg)	4.5 pounds (1.3-2.7 kg)	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Chihuahua or Russian Toy or Maltese? Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese height comparison:	6-9 inches (15-23 cm)	8-10 inches (20-26 cm)	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	7.5 inches (19 cm)	9 inches (23 cm)	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. Find price differences between these breeds.	$600-$800	$600-$800	$600-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Chihuahua or Russian Toy or Maltese?	Very frequent: The Chihuahua is quite easy to get.	Average: The Russian Toy is a commonly available dog breed.	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.

Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. Which breed ranks highest?	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. Which is easiest to train?	Chihuahua dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Russian Toy dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. Which breed is most alert?	Chihuahua dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Russian Toy dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. Which breed is most protective?	Chihuahua dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Russian Toy dogs are average defenders. See more.	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese? Compare temperaments.	Alert Courageous Intelligent Quick Devoted Lively	Active Playful Protective Loyal Cheerful	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Sensitive: Chihuahua dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese?	High: Chihuahua dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Russian Toy dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese social needs comparison:	Chihuahua dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Russian Toy dogs are a social breed. See more.	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Chihuahua dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Russian Toy dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Chihuahua dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.	Russian Toy dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. Which breed is most vocal?	A lot: Chihuahua is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Average to High: The Russian Toy is a vocal breed. See more.	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. Which breed is most playful?	Average: Chihuahuas, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Russian Toy is a playful breed. See more.	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Chihuahua breed.	Apartment-friendly dog the Russian Toy breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. Which breed is most flexible?	Chihuahua dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Russian Toy dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.	Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Chihuahua or Russian Toy or Maltese?	Chihuahua dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Russian Toy dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.	Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Chihuahua has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Russian Toy has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. Which uses mouth most during play?	Chihuahua dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Russian Toy dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Chihuahua bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Russian Toy bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. Which breed lives longest?	14-18 years The average lifespan of Chihuahua: 16 years	11-13 years The average lifespan of Russian Toy: 12 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. Which handles climate changes best?	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. Which has fewer health issues?	Chihuahuas are commonly healthy dogs.	Russian Toys tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.	The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Rare The Chihuahua should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Frequent The Russian Toy should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.	Average The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese health problems comparison:	Collapsed Trachea Heart Murmurs Open Fontanel Patellar Luxation Pulmonic Stenosis Hydrocephalus Hypoglycemia Shivering	Patellar Luxation Retained Baby Teeth	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. Which breed is most active?	Chihuahua dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.	Russian Toy dogs are high-energy dogs.	Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Chihuahua or Russian Toy or Maltese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Chihuahua dogs exercise need is very minimal.	Russian Toy dogs have an average exercise need.	Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Chihuahua or Russian Toy or Maltese?	Chihuahua dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Russian Toy dogs don't need too much sleep.	Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average: The Chihuahua has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Russian Toy has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. Which needs most food?	Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cups of high-quality dry food a day.	1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	No See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. What colors are available?	Black Tan Red Cream Fawn Chocolate	Black Tan Blue Brown	White
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. Which requires most maintenance?	Effortless: The Chihuahua requires minimal grooming. See more.	Easy to groom: The Russian Toy doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. Which drools least?	The Chihuahua is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Russian Toy is an average drooler. See more.	The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. Which has least natural smell?	High 🔼 The Chihuahua has a high chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Russian Toy has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Fine	Smooth	Feathered
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. Which requires most frequent baths?	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Chihuahua or Russian Toy or Maltese? Chihuahua or Russian Toy or {name3 shedding:	Chihuahua dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Russian Toy dogs are low shedders. See more.	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. Which is best with kids?	Chihuahua dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.	Russian Toy dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Chihuahua dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Russian Toy dogs are generally with other pets.	Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Chihuahua or Russian Toy or Maltese? Which dog is more friendly?	Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Russian Toy dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Chihuahua or Russian Toy or Maltese?	Chihuahua dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Russian Toy dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Chihuahua or Russian Toy or Maltese?	Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Russian Toy dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese?	Yes Chihuahua dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Russian Toy dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Chihuahua is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Russian Toy is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Chihuahuas are not recommended for elderly people.	Russian Toys are usually recommended for elderly people.	Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.

Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. Which is best suited for service work?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. Which excels in therapy work?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. Which has best nose work ability?	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential Compare search and rescue potential between Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. Which is best for SAR work?	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Chihuahua breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Russian Toy breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. Which is best for draft work?	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. Which has most military use?	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. Which has most puppies?	2-4 puppies	4-6 puppies	3-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. What's recommended?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.

Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club as a Miscellaneous breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Chihuahueno section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Continental Toy Spaniel and Russian Toy section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Chihuahua, Russian Toy, and Maltese. Which has most recognition?	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 Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Foundation Stock Service	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

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