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Boston Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese Comparison - Dog breed selector: American Gentlemen or Bichon Habanero or Maltese lion dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Boston Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese" Compare Boston Terrier and Havanese. Which is better: Boston Terrier or Havanese or Maltese?
 
 
 
Name Boston Terrier Havanese Maltese
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States Cuba flagCuba Italy flagItaly
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank212333
Reviews273
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese breeds.
American Gentlemen
Boston Bull Terrier
Boxwood
Boston Bull
Bichon Habanero
Bichon Havanais
Bichon Havanes
Havanese Cuban Bichon
Havaneser
Havanezer
Bichon Havanese
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Boston Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese? Compare adult weight ranges.
10-25 pounds (6-11kg) 7-13 pounds (3-6 kg) 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
17.5 pounds (8.5 kg) 10 pounds (4.5 kg) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Boston Terrier or Havanese or Maltese? Boston Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese height comparison:
15-17 inches (38-43 cm) 8-11 inches (21-29 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?
16 inches (40.5 cm) 10 inches (25 cm) Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

Boston Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese. Find price differences between these breeds.
$600-$800 $900-$1200 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Boston Terrier or Havanese or Maltese?
Very frequent: The Boston Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Havanese is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.

Boston Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese. Which is easiest to train?
Boston Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
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Havanese dogs are very easy to train.
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Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese. Which breed is most alert?
Boston Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Havanese dogs are good watchdogs.
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Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese. Which breed is most protective?
Boston Terrier dogs are average defenders.
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Havanese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Boston Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Aggressive
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Companionable
Sturdy
Amiable
Charming
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Boston Terrier dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Boston Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese?
High: Boston Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Havanese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Boston Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese social needs comparison:
Boston Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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Havanese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Boston Terrier dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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Havanese dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Boston Terrier dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Havanese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Boston Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Boston Terrier rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Havanese rarely barks.
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A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Boston Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Havanese is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Boston Terrier breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Havanese breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.

Boston Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese. Which breed is most flexible?
Boston Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Havanese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Boston Terrier or Havanese or Maltese?
Boston Terrier 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.
Havanese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Boston Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese. Which has lowest bite risk?

Moderate

The Boston Terrier has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Havanese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese. Which uses mouth most during play?
Boston Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Havanese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Boston Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Havanese bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Boston Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Boston Terrier: 13 years
14-16 years
The average lifespan of Havanese: 15 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese. Which handles climate changes best?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese. Which has fewer health issues?
The Boston Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Havanese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Boston Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Havanese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Boston Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Boston Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Heart Murmurs
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Deafness
Cherry Eye
Brain Tumors
Megaesophagus
Reverse Sneezing
Cataracts
Heart Murmurs
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Deafness
Chondrodysplasia
Elbow Dysplasia
Mitral Valve Disease
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Boston Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese. Which breed is most active?
Boston Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Havanese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Boston Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Boston Terrier or Havanese or Maltese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Boston Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Havanese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Boston Terrier or Havanese or Maltese?
Boston Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Havanese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Boston Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Boston Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Havanese's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese. Which needs most food?
0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Boston Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese. What colors are available?
Black
White
Brindle
Seal
Black
White
Fawn
Reddish-Brown
Havana Brown
Tobacco
White
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese. Which requires most maintenance?
Effortless: The Boston Terrier requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The Havanese requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese. Which drools least?
The Boston Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Havanese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Boston Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Havanese has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fine Soft
Wavy
Woolly
Flat
Long
Feathered
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Boston Terrier, Havanese, 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.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Boston Terrier or Havanese or Maltese? Boston Terrier or Havanese or {name3 shedding:
Boston Terrier dogs shed moderately.
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Havanese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Boston Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese. Which is best with kids?
Boston Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Havanese dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Boston Terrier dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Havanese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Boston Terrier or Havanese or Maltese? Which dog is more friendly?
Boston Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Havanese dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Boston Terrier or Havanese or Maltese?
Boston Terrier dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Havanese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Boston Terrier or Havanese or Maltese?
Boston Terrier dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Havanese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Boston Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese?
Yes
Boston Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Havanese 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
Boston Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Havanese 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?
Boston Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Havaneses are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.

Boston Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Boston Terrier, Havanese, 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 Boston Terrier, Havanese, 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 Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Boston Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Havanese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Boston Terrier, Havanese, 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.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese. Which has most military use?

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

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.

Boston Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese. Which has most puppies?
3-5 puppies 1-9 puppies, average 4 3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Boston Terrier, Havanese, 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 Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Boston Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1893 as a Non-Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Boston Terrier, Havanese, and Maltese. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Small Molossian type Dogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds 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 Boston Terrier, Havanese, 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
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
United Kennel Club
Havanese Club of America
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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