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?

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	Maltese
Origins	Mexico	Italy
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	32	33
Reviews	17	3
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare different names used for Chihuahua and Maltese. What other names are these breeds known by?	Csivava Chihuahueño	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog
Breed Classification Compare breed classifications between a Chihuahua and a Maltese. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.	Purebred	Purebred

Chihuahua vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Which is bigger: a Chihuahua or a Maltese? Compare size differences between these breeds.	Small	Small
Weight Statistics Compare weight ranges between a Chihuahua and a Maltese. Which breed is heavier?	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 Range Compare puppy prices between a Chihuahua and a Maltese. Which breed costs more?	$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

Intelligence Rating Which is smarter: a Chihuahua or a Maltese? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.	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.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Which is easier to train: a Chihuahua or a Maltese? Compare training requirements.	Chihuahua 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 Which makes a better watchdog: a Chihuahua or a Maltese? Compare alertness levels.	Chihuahua dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Which is more protective: a Chihuahua or a Maltese? Compare territorial behaviors.	Chihuahua dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Chihuahua vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits Compare personalities of a Chihuahua and a Maltese. How do their temperaments differ?	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.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
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.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
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.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Chihuahua vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Which breed barks more: a Chihuahua or a Maltese? Compare vocalization tendencies.	A lot: Chihuahua is a particularly loud 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 Which breed is more playful: a Chihuahua or a Maltese? Compare play drive and energy.	Average: Chihuahuas, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Which is better for apartments: a Chihuahua or a Maltese? Compare living space needs.	Very house-friendly dog the Chihuahua breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Chihuahua vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Which adapts better to changes: a Chihuahua or a Maltese? Compare adaptability levels.	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.
Alone Time Tolerance 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 Risk Assessment Which has lower bite risk: a Chihuahua or a Maltese? Compare biting tendencies.	Low 🔽 The Chihuahua has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Which is more mouthy: a Chihuahua or a Maltese? Compare mouthing behaviors.	Chihuahua 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 Which has a stronger bite: a Chihuahua or a Maltese? Compare bite force PSI.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Chihuahua 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 Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Which lives longer: a Chihuahua or a Maltese? Compare average lifespans.	14-18 years The average lifespan of Chihuahua: 16 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Which handles weather better: a Chihuahua or a Maltese? Compare climate tolerances.	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.
Health Concerns Compare common health issues between a Chihuahua and a Maltese. Which breed is healthier?	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.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency 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.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
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

Chihuahua vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Which breed is more energetic: a Chihuahua or a Maltese? Compare activity levels.	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.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
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.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Chihuahua vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Which gains weight easier: a Chihuahua or a Maltese? Compare obesity risks.	Average: The Chihuahua 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 Which eats more: a Chihuahua or a Maltese? Compare daily food needs.	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.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Chihuahua vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Which is more hypoallergenic: a Chihuahua or a Maltese? Compare allergy friendliness.	No See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors What color variations exist for Chihuahua and Maltese? Compare breed colors.	Black Tan Red Cream Fawn Chocolate	White
Grooming Requirements Which needs more grooming: a Chihuahua or a Maltese? Compare maintenance needs.	Effortless: The Chihuahua requires minimal grooming. See more.	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Which drools more: a Chihuahua or a Maltese? Compare drooling amounts.	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.
Stinkiness Rating Which has less odor: a Chihuahua or a Maltese? Compare natural smell levels.	High 🔼 The Chihuahua has a high chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics How do coats differ between a Chihuahua and a Maltese? Compare fur types.	Fine	Feathered
Bathing Needs Which needs more baths: a Chihuahua or a Maltese? Compare bathing frequencies.	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.
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.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Chihuahua vs Maltese Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Which is better with children: a Chihuahua or a Maltese? Compare kid-friendliness.	Chihuahua dogs are not 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.	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.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
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 Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
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 Capability Which makes a better service dog: a Chihuahua or a Maltese? Compare service capabilities.	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 Which is better for therapy work: a Chihuahua or a Maltese? Compare therapy capabilities.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Which is better at detection work: a Chihuahua or a Maltese? Compare scenting abilities.	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 Which is better for search and rescue: a Chihuahua or a Maltese? Compare SAR abilities.	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 Which is better on boats: a Chihuahua or a Maltese? Compare maritime abilities.	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.
Draft Work Capability Which is better at pulling: a Chihuahua or a Maltese? Compare draft work capabilities.	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 history between Chihuahua and Maltese. Which has stronger military background?	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

Puppy Litter Size Compare litter sizes between Chihuahua and Maltese. Which has larger litters?	2-4 puppies	3-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare pregnancy duration between Chihuahua and Maltese breeds.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding frequencies between Chihuahua and Maltese. Which needs longer recovery?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.

Chihuahua vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC classifications of Chihuahua and Maltese. Which groups do they belong to?	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 Classification Compare FCI classifications of Chihuahua and Maltese. Which groups are they in?	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.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare kennel club recognition between Chihuahua and Maltese. Which is more widely recognized?	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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