Chihuahua vs Toy Poodle vs Maltese Comparison - Dog breed selector: Csivava or Barbone or Maltese lion dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Chihuahua vs Toy Poodle vs Maltese" Compare Chihuahua and Toy Poodle. Which is better: Chihuahua or Toy Poodle 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	Toy Poodle	Maltese
Origins	Mexico	Germany France	Italy
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	32	449	33
Reviews	17	5	3
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese breeds.	Csivava Chihuahueño	Barbone Pudle Teacup Poodle Teddy Poodle	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Chihuahua vs Toy Poodle vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese? Compare adult weight ranges.	2-6 pounds (1-3 kg)	Male: 6-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	4 pounds (2 kg)	Male: 7.5 pounds (3.5 kg)	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Chihuahua or Toy Poodle or Maltese? Chihuahua vs Toy Poodle vs Maltese height comparison:	6-9 inches (15-23 cm)	Up to 10 inches (25.4 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)	Up to 10 inches (25.4 cm)	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

Chihuahua vs Toy Poodle vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese. Find price differences between these breeds.	$600-$800	$1000-$1500	$600-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Chihuahua or Toy Poodle or Maltese?	Very frequent: The Chihuahua is quite easy to get.	Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.

Chihuahua vs Toy Poodle vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese. Which breed ranks highest?	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Outstanding: Toy Poodle is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese. Which is easiest to train?	Chihuahua dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Toy Poodle dogs are very 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 Compare watchdog abilities of Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese. Which breed is most alert?	Chihuahua dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Toy Poodle dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese. Which breed is most protective?	Chihuahua dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Toy Poodle dogs are average defenders. See more.	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Chihuahua vs Toy Poodle vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese? Compare temperaments.	Alert Courageous Intelligent Quick Devoted Lively	Active Alert Intelligent Trainable Faithful Instinctual	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 Toy Poodle vs Maltese?	High: Chihuahua dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Toy Poodle 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 Toy Poodle vs Maltese social needs comparison:	Chihuahua dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Toy Poodle 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.	Toy Poodle 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? 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.	Toy Poodle dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. 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 Toy Poodle vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese. Which breed is most vocal?	A lot: Chihuahua is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Average to High: The Toy Poodle 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
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese. Which breed is most playful?	Average: Chihuahuas, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Toy Poodle is a playful breed. See more.	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Chihuahua breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Toy Poodle breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Chihuahua vs Toy Poodle vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese. Which breed is most flexible?	Chihuahua dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Toy Poodle 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 Toy Poodle or Maltese?	Chihuahua dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Toy Poodle 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 Toy Poodle vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Chihuahua has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Toy Poodle has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese. Which uses mouth most during play?	Chihuahua dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Toy Poodle dogs have a lower than 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 Compare bite forces between Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Chihuahua bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Toy Poodle 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 Toy Poodle vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese. Which breed lives longest?	14-18 years The average lifespan of Chihuahua: 16 years	14-16 years The average lifespan of Toy Poodle: 15 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese. 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 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.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese. Which has fewer health issues?	Chihuahuas are commonly healthy dogs.	The Toy Poodle 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.
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 Toy Poodle 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.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Chihuahua vs Toy Poodle vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Chihuahua vs Toy Poodle vs Maltese health problems comparison:	Collapsed Trachea Heart Murmurs Open Fontanel Patellar Luxation Pulmonic Stenosis Hydrocephalus Hypoglycemia Shivering	Heart Murmurs Slipped Stifle Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Ear Infections Skin Allergies Canine Diabetes Mellitus Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Chihuahua vs Toy Poodle vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese. 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.	Toy Poodle dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	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 Toy Poodle vs Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Chihuahua or Toy Poodle or Maltese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Chihuahua dogs exercise need is very minimal.	Toy Poodle dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Chihuahua or Toy Poodle or Maltese?	Chihuahua dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Toy Poodle dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	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 Toy Poodle vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average: The Chihuahua has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Toy Poodle's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese. Which needs most food?	Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cups of high-quality dry food a day.	1/4 to 1 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

Chihuahua vs Toy Poodle vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese. What colors are available?	Black Tan Red Cream Fawn Chocolate	Black Gray Red Blue Cream White Silver Brown Fawn Beige Apricot	White
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese. Which requires most maintenance?	Effortless: The Chihuahua requires minimal grooming. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese. Which drools least?	The Chihuahua is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Toy Poodle 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 Compare odor levels between Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese. Which has least natural smell?	High 🔼 The Chihuahua has a high chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Toy Poodle has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Fine	Dense Curly Thick	Feathered
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, 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. See more.	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 Toy Poodle or Maltese? Chihuahua or Toy Poodle or {name3 shedding:	Chihuahua dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Toy Poodle 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 Toy Poodle vs Maltese Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese. Which is best with kids?	Chihuahua dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.	Toy Poodle dogs are very 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.	Toy Poodle dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.	Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Chihuahua or Toy Poodle or Maltese? Which dog is more friendly?	Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Toy Poodle dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	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 Toy Poodle or Maltese?	Chihuahua dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Toy Poodle dogs are 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 Toy Poodle or Maltese?	Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Toy Poodle dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Chihuahua vs Toy Poodle vs Maltese?	Yes Chihuahua dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Toy Poodle 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 Toy Poodle 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.	Toy Poodles are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.

Chihuahua vs Toy Poodle vs Maltese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese. 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.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese. Which excels in therapy work?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	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 Compare detection capabilities between Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, 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 Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, 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 Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Chihuahua breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Toy Poodle 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 Compare cart pulling abilities between Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, 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. 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, Toy Poodle, and Maltese. 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 Toy Poodle vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese. Which has most puppies?	2-4 puppies	2-4 puppies	3-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, 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 Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese. 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 Toy Poodle vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904 as a Toy breed.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and Maltese. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Chihuahueno section.	Not recognized by FCI.	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 Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, 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	Dog Registry of America Inc.	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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