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?
Name | Chihuahua | Russian Toy | Maltese |
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Origins | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Group | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 32 | 326 | 33 |
Reviews | 17 | 0 | 3 |
User Ratings |
Other Names
What other names do they have? |
Csivava Chihuahueño |
Moscovian Miniature Terrier Moscow Toy Terrier Russian Terrier Russian Toy Terrier |
Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog |
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Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese breed type comparison: | Purebred | Purebred | Purebred |
Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison
Size
Which is bigger, Chihuahua or Russian Toy or Maltese? Which is the smallest dog, Chihuahua or Russian Toy or Maltese? | Small | Small | Small |
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Weight
Which is heavier, Chihuahua or Russian Toy or Russian Toy? Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese weight comparison: | 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
Which is cheaper, Chihuahua or Russian Toy or Maltese? Which is more expensive? | $600-$800 | $600-$800 | $600-$800 |
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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
Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese intelligence: | Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. | Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. | Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. |
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Trainability
Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese trainability comparison. | Chihuahua dogs are quite easy to train. | Russian Toy dogs are quite easy to train. | Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. |
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Chihuahua or Russian Toy or Maltese? | Chihuahua dogs are average watchdogs. | Russian Toy dogs are average watchdogs. | Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. |
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Chihuahua or Russian Toy or Maltese?
Which dog is most likely to protect its owner?
Which is the best dog to use for protection? | Chihuahua dogs strongly protect their territory. | Russian Toy dogs are average defenders. | Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. |
Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison
Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Chihuahua or Russian Toy or Maltese? Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese behavior/temperament comparison: |
Alert Courageous Intelligent Quick Devoted Lively |
Active Playful Protective Loyal Cheerful |
Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing |
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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. | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. | They are a little bit more sensitive than other 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. | High: Russian Toy dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
Social Needs
Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese social needs comparison: | Chihuahua dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Russian Toy dogs are a social breed. | Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? | Chihuahua dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. | Russian Toy dogs have average wanderlust potential. | Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. |
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. | Russian Toy dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. |
Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Playfulness
Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese playfulness comparison: | Average: Chihuahuas, like any other dog breed, like playing. | The Russian Toy is a playful breed. | Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. |
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese? | A lot: Chihuahua is a particularly loud breed. | Average to High: The Russian Toy is a vocal breed. | A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. |
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Chihuahua or Russian Toy or Maltese? | Very house-friendly dog the Chihuahua breed. | Apartment-friendly dog the Russian Toy breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed. |
Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison
Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog? | 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. |
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Tolerates Being Left Alone
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 Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Chihuahua or Russian Toy or Maltese? | 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. |
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Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison: | 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. |
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese mouthiness comparison: | Chihuahua dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Russian Toy dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. |
Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison
Health Issues
Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese health comparison. Which is the healthier: Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese? | 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. |
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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 |
Veterinarian Visits
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. |
Life Expectancy
Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese lifespan comparison. How long do Chihuahua, Russian Toy and Maltese breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? |
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 |
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese? | Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. | Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. | Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. |
Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Level
Who has more energy a Chihuahua or Russian Toy or Maltese?
Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese energy level comparison: | 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. |
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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. |
Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Chihuahua or Russian Toy or Maltese? | 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. |
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Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese weight gain potential comparison: | Average: The Chihuahua has an average risk for obesity. | Average: The Russian Toy has an average risk for obesity. | Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. |
Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese coat comparison: | Fine | Smooth | Feathered |
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Colors
What are the original Chihuahua, Russian Toy and Maltese color? |
Black Tan Red Cream Fawn Chocolate |
Black Tan Blue Brown | White |
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Chihuahua or Russian Toy or Maltese? Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese grooming comparison: | Effortless: The Chihuahua requires minimal grooming. | Easy to groom: The Russian Toy doesn't require a lot of grooming. | Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Chihuahua or Russian Toy or Maltese? Chihuahua or Russian Toy or {name3 shedding: | Chihuahua dogs shed none to minimal. | Russian Toy dogs are low shedders. | Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. |
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Chihuahua or Russian Toy or Maltese? | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. | 6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. |
Hypoallergenic
Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not? | No See more. | No See more. | Yes See more. |
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese? | 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. |
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? | The Chihuahua is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Russian Toy is an average drooler. | The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese Good With Comparison
Pet Friendly
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. |
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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. |
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Chihuahua or Russian Toy or Maltese? | Chihuahua dogs are not kid-friendly dogs. | Russian Toy dogs are kid-friendly dogs. | Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs. |
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 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
Which one could be a service dog? | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Chihuahua or Russian Toy or Maltese? Which is better for autism? | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. |
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog? | 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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be 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. | Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. |
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese? | Not really Chihuahua breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Russian Toy breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog? | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
Fighting Dog / Military 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. | Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog. |
Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison
Gestation Length | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
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Litter Frequency | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Litter Size
How many puppies can Chihuahua and Russian Toy and Maltese have? | 2-4 puppies | 4-6 puppies | 3-5 puppies |
Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese Recognition Comparison
AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC? | 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. |
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FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI? | 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. |
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds? |
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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