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

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
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
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
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. 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
Trainability Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese trainability comparison.	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 Ability Which is the better watchdog: Chihuahua or Russian Toy or Maltese?	Chihuahua dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Russian Toy dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
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. 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

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
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

Playfulness Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese playfulness comparison:	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
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese?	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
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.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

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.
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.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
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. 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.

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.
Healthiest 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
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.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
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
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
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. 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.

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.
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

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.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
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. 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

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
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. 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
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
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. 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.
Hypoallergenic Chihuahua vs Russian Toy vs Maltese hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	No See more.	No See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
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. 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.

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.
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
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.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
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 Which one could be a service dog?	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 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. 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
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. 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.
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. 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.
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.
Litter Frequency	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.
Litter Size How many puppies can Chihuahua and Russian Toy and Maltese have?	2-4 puppies	4-6 puppies	3-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

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.
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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