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Chihuahua vs Maltese Comparison – Which dog is better Csivava or Maltese lion dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Chihuahua vs Maltese" Compare Chihuahua and Maltese. Which is better: Chihuahua or Maltese?
 
 
 
Name Chihuahua Maltese
OriginsMexico flagMexico Italy flagItaly
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank3233
Reviews163
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Csivava
Chihuahueño
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Chihuahua vs Maltese breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

Chihuahua vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, Chihuahua or Maltese? Is the Chihuahua bigger than the Maltese breed? Is a Chihuahua smaller than a Maltese?
Small Small
Weight
Which is heavier, Chihuahua or Maltese? Chihuahua vs Maltese weight comparison:
2-6 pounds (1-3 kg) 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
4 pounds (2 kg) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Chihuahua or Maltese? Is a Chihuahua taller than a Maltese?
6-9 inches (15-23 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) Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

Chihuahua vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Chihuahua or Maltese? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Chihuahua and Maltese?
$600-$800 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Chihuahua or Maltese?
Very frequent: The Chihuahua is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.

Chihuahua vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Chihuahua or Maltese smarter? Which is best? Chihuahua vs Maltese intelligence:
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
See more.
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
See more.
Trainability
Chihuahua vs Maltese trainability comparison. What's the difference between Chihuahua vs Maltese?
Chihuahua dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Chihuahua or Maltese?
Chihuahua dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Chihuahua 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.
Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Chihuahua vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Chihuahua or Maltese? Chihuahua vs Maltese behavior/temperament comparison:
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Quick
Devoted
Lively
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Chihuahua vs Maltese?
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.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Chihuahua vs Maltese?
High: Chihuahua 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.
Social Needs
Chihuahua vs Maltese social needs comparison:
Chihuahua dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Chihuahua vs Maltese?
Chihuahua dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Chihuahua vs Maltese? 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.
Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Chihuahua vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Chihuahua vs Maltese playfulness comparison:
Average: Chihuahuas, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Chihuahua vs Maltese?
A lot: Chihuahua is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Chihuahua or Maltese?
Very house-friendly dog the Chihuahua breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.

Chihuahua 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.
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 Maltese?
Chihuahua 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.

Chihuahua vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Chihuahua or Maltese?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Chihuahua bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.
Biting Potential
Is a Chihuahua more dangerous than a Maltese?

Low 🔽

The Chihuahua 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 Maltese mouthiness comparison:
Chihuahua 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.
See more.

Chihuahua vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Chihuahua vs Maltese health comparison. Which is the healthier: Chihuahua vs Maltese?
Chihuahuas are commonly healthy dogs.
The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Chihuahua vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Chihuahua vs Maltese health problems comparison:
Collapsed Trachea
Heart Murmurs
Open Fontanel
Patellar Luxation
Pulmonic Stenosis
Hydrocephalus
Hypoglycemia
Shivering
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: Chihuahua vs Maltese?
Rare
The Chihuahua should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Chihuahua vs Maltese lifespan comparison. How long do Chihuahua and Maltese breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Chihuahua and Maltese?
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Chihuahua: 16 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 Maltese?
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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 Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Chihuahua or Maltese? Chihuahua 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.
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
Chihuahua vs Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Chihuahua or Maltese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Chihuahua dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Chihuahua or Maltese?
Chihuahua 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.

Chihuahua vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Chihuahua or Maltese? Does the Chihuahua breed eat more than the Maltese breed?
Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cups of high-quality dry food a day. Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Chihuahua vs Maltese weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Chihuahua has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
See more.

Chihuahua vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Chihuahua vs Maltese coat comparison:
Fine Feathered
Colors
What are the original Chihuahua and Maltese color? Chihuahua vs Maltese color comparison:
Black
Tan
Red
Cream
Fawn
Chocolate
White
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Chihuahua or Maltese? Chihuahua vs Maltese grooming comparison:
Effortless: The Chihuahua requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Chihuahua or Maltese? Do Chihuahua dogs shed more than Maltese dogs?
Chihuahua dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Chihuahua 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.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Chihuahua vs Maltese hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. Yes See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Chihuahua or Maltese?

High 🔼

The Chihuahua has a high 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? What's the difference between Chihuahua vs Maltese?
The Chihuahua is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Chihuahua 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.
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Chihuahua or Maltese? Which dog is more friendly?
Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Chihuahua or Maltese?
Chihuahua dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Chihuahua or Maltese?
Chihuahua dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Chihuahua or Maltese? Can a Chihuahua and a Maltese be friends? Do Chihuahua dogs get along with Maltese dogs?
Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Chihuahua vs Maltese?
Yes
Chihuahua 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
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.
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.

Chihuahua 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.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Chihuahua 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.
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.
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.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Chihuahua vs Maltese?

Not really

Chihuahua 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.
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.

Chihuahua vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 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.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Chihuahua and Maltese have? Chihuahua vs Maltese litter size comparison:
2-4 puppies 3-5 puppies

Chihuahua 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 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 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
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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