Chihuahua vs Maltese vs Golden Retriever Comparison - Dog breed selector: Csivava or Maltese lion dog or Golden Flat Coat? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Chihuahua vs Maltese vs Golden Retriever" Compare Chihuahua and Maltese. Which is better: Chihuahua or Maltese or Golden Retriever?

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	Golden Retriever
Origins	Mexico	Italy	Scotland
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Gun Dog
Popularity Rank	32	33	3
Reviews	17	3	16
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever breeds.	Csivava Chihuahueño	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog	Golden Flat Coat Yellow Retriever
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Chihuahua vs Maltese vs Golden Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Large
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever? Compare adult weight ranges.	2-6 pounds (1-3 kg)	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	4 pounds (2 kg)	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)	Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Chihuahua or Maltese or Golden Retriever? Chihuahua vs Maltese vs Golden Retriever height comparison:	6-9 inches (15-23 cm)	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)	Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 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)	Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm)

Chihuahua vs Maltese vs Golden Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. Find price differences between these breeds.	$600-$800	$600-$800	$1000-$2000
Availability Which is easier to get, Chihuahua or Maltese or Golden Retriever?	Very frequent: The Chihuahua is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.

Chihuahua vs Maltese vs Golden Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. Which breed ranks highest?	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.	Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. Which is easiest to train?	Chihuahua dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most alert?	Chihuahua dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most protective?	Chihuahua dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Chihuahua vs Maltese vs Golden Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever? Compare temperaments.	Alert Courageous Intelligent Quick Devoted Lively	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Intelligent Confident Friendly Reliable Kind Trustworthy
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.	Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Chihuahua vs Maltese vs Golden Retriever?	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.	High: Golden Retriever 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 vs Golden Retriever social needs comparison:	Chihuahua dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Golden Retriever 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.	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. 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.	Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Golden Retriever 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.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Chihuahua vs Maltese vs Golden Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most vocal?	A lot: Chihuahua is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most playful?	Average: Chihuahuas, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Chihuahua breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.	It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Chihuahua vs Maltese vs Golden Retriever Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Chihuahua vs Maltese vs Golden Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Chihuahua has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Moderate ⏺ The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. Which uses mouth most during play?	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.	Golden Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Chihuahua bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Chihuahua vs Maltese vs Golden Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. Which breed lives longest?	14-18 years The average lifespan of Chihuahua: 16 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. Which handles climate changes best?	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.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. Which has fewer health issues?	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.	Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency 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).	Average The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Rare The Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Chihuahua vs Maltese vs Golden Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Chihuahua vs Maltese vs Golden Retriever 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	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Elbow Dysplasia Osteochondrosis Dissecans Hemangiosarcoma Osteosarcoma Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis

Chihuahua vs Maltese vs Golden Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most active?	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.	Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Chihuahua vs Maltese vs Golden Retriever exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Chihuahua or Maltese or Golden Retriever? 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.	Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Chihuahua or Maltese or Golden Retriever?	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.	Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Chihuahua vs Maltese vs Golden Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average: The Chihuahua has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.	High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. Which needs most food?	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.	3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Chihuahua vs Maltese vs Golden Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. What colors are available?	Black Tan Red Cream Fawn Chocolate	White	Golden Light
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. Which requires most maintenance?	Effortless: The Chihuahua requires minimal grooming. See more.	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. Which drools least?	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.	The Golden Retriever drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. Which has least natural smell?	High 🔼 The Chihuahua has a high chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Fine	Feathered	Silky Wavy Shiny Straight
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. 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. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	2-3 weeks Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Chihuahua or Maltese or Golden Retriever? Chihuahua or Maltese or {name3 shedding:	Chihuahua dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Chihuahua vs Maltese vs Golden Retriever Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. Which is best with kids?	Chihuahua dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Golden Retriever dogs are very 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.	Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Chihuahua or Maltese or Golden Retriever? Which dog is more friendly?	Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Golden Retriever 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 or Golden Retriever?	Chihuahua dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Chihuahua or Maltese or Golden Retriever?	Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Chihuahua vs Maltese vs Golden Retriever?	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.	Yes Golden Retriever 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.	Yes Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds 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.	Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Chihuahua vs Maltese vs Golden Retriever As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. Which is best suited for service work?	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.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. Which excels in therapy work?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. 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.	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential Compare search and rescue potential between Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. 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.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. Which is best suited for water work?	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.	Yes Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. Which is best for draft work?	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.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. Which has most military use?	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 Maltese vs Golden Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. Which has most puppies?	2-4 puppies	3-5 puppies	5-10 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. What's recommended?	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.

Chihuahua vs Maltese vs Golden Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. How are they classified internationally?	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.	Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Chihuahua, Maltese, and Golden Retriever. 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 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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