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

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

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	Golden Retriever	Maltese	Havanese
Origins	Scotland	Italy	Cuba
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Gun Dog	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	3	33	23
Reviews	16	3	7
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese breeds.	Golden Flat Coat Yellow Retriever	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog	Bichon Habanero Bichon Havanais Bichon Havanes Havanese Cuban Bichon Havaneser Havanezer Bichon Havanese
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Golden Retriever vs Maltese vs Havanese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese. Which breed is the largest?	Large	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)	10 pounds (4.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Golden Retriever or Maltese or Havanese? Golden Retriever vs Maltese vs Havanese height comparison:	Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm)	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)	8-11 inches (21-29 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm)	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)	10 inches (25 cm)

Golden Retriever vs Maltese vs Havanese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese. Find price differences between these breeds.	$1000-$2000	$600-$800	$900-$1200
Availability Which is easier to get, Golden Retriever or Maltese or Havanese?	Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Havanese is quite easy to get.

Golden Retriever vs Maltese vs Havanese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese. Which breed ranks highest?	Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese. Which is easiest to train?	Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train. See more.	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Havanese dogs are very easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese. Which breed is most alert?	Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Havanese dogs are good watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese. Which breed is most protective?	Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders. See more.	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Havanese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Golden Retriever vs Maltese vs Havanese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese? Compare temperaments.	Intelligent Confident Friendly Reliable Kind Trustworthy	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Playful Intelligent Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle Companionable Sturdy Amiable Charming
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. 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: Golden Retriever vs Maltese vs Havanese?	High: Golden Retriever 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: Havanese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Golden Retriever vs Maltese vs Havanese social needs comparison:	Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Havanese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Havanese 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?	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.	Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Havanese 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

Golden Retriever vs Maltese vs Havanese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Golden Retriever vs Maltese vs Havanese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Golden Retriever vs Maltese vs Havanese Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Golden Retriever vs Maltese vs Havanese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese. Which breed lives longest?	10-12 years The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years	14-16 years The average lifespan of Havanese: 15 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese. 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. 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 Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese. Which has fewer health issues?	Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.	The Maltese 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.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Rare The Golden Retriever 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.	Average The Havanese 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: Golden Retriever vs Maltese vs Havanese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Golden Retriever vs Maltese vs Havanese health problems comparison:	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Elbow Dysplasia Osteochondrosis Dissecans Hemangiosarcoma Osteosarcoma Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome	Cataracts Heart Murmurs Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Deafness Chondrodysplasia Elbow Dysplasia Mitral Valve Disease Portosystemic Liver Shunt

Golden Retriever vs Maltese vs Havanese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese. Which breed is most active?	Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.	Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.	Havanese 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 Golden Retriever vs Maltese vs Havanese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Golden Retriever or Maltese or Havanese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.	Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.	Havanese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Golden Retriever or Maltese or Havanese?	Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.	Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Havanese 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

Golden Retriever vs Maltese vs Havanese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese. Which is most prone to obesity?	High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. See more.	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Havanese's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese. Which needs most food?	3 to 4 cups 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.	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Golden Retriever vs Maltese vs Havanese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese. What colors are available?	Golden Light	White	Black White Fawn Reddish-Brown Havana Brown Tobacco
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese. Which requires most maintenance?	Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Havanese requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese. Which drools least?	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.	The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Havanese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Silky Wavy Shiny Straight	Feathered	Soft Wavy Woolly Flat Long
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese. Which requires most frequent baths?	2-3 weeks Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. 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.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Golden Retriever or Maltese or Havanese? Golden Retriever or Maltese or {name3 shedding:	Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately. See more.	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Havanese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Golden Retriever vs Maltese vs Havanese Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese. Which is best with kids?	Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Havanese dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.	Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Havanese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Golden Retriever or Maltese or Havanese? Which dog is more friendly?	Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Havanese dogs are 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 Golden Retriever or Maltese or Havanese?	Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Havanese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Golden Retriever or Maltese or Havanese?	Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Havanese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Golden Retriever vs Maltese vs Havanese?	Yes Golden Retriever 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 Havanese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	Yes Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds for office environment	No Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Havanese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.	Havaneses are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Golden Retriever vs Maltese vs Havanese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese. Which is best suited for service work?	Yes This breed makes good 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 Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese. 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.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese. Which has best nose work ability?	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.	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 Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese. Which is best for SAR work?	Yes This breed would make an excellent 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 Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese. Which is best suited for water work?	Yes Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.	Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Havanese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese. 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 Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese. 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.

Golden Retriever vs Maltese vs Havanese Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese. Which has most puppies?	5-10 puppies	3-5 puppies	1-9 puppies, average 4
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese. 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.

Golden Retriever vs Maltese vs Havanese Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers 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 Golden Retriever, Maltese, and Havanese. 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 United Kennel Club Havanese Club of America

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