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Havanese vs Maltese Comparison – Which dog is better Bichon Habanero or Maltese lion dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Havanese vs Maltese" Compare Havanese and Maltese. Which is better: Havanese or Maltese?
 
 
 
Name Havanese Maltese
OriginsCuba flagCuba Italy flagItaly
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank2333
Reviews73
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Havanese and Maltese. What other names are these breeds known by?
Bichon Habanero
Bichon Havanais
Bichon Havanes
Havanese Cuban Bichon
Havaneser
Havanezer
Bichon Havanese
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Havanese and a Maltese. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Havanese vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Havanese or a Maltese? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Small Small
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Havanese and a Maltese. Which breed is heavier?
7-13 pounds (3-6 kg) 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
10 pounds (4.5 kg) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Havanese or Maltese? Is a Havanese taller than a Maltese?
8-11 inches (21-29 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?
10 inches (25 cm) Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

Havanese vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Havanese and a Maltese. Which breed costs more?
$900-$1200 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Havanese or Maltese?
Very frequent: The Havanese is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.

Havanese vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Havanese or a Maltese? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Havanese or a Maltese? Compare training requirements.
Havanese dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Havanese or a Maltese? Compare alertness levels.
Havanese dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Havanese or a Maltese? Compare territorial behaviors.
Havanese dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.
Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Havanese vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Havanese and a Maltese. How do their temperaments differ?
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Companionable
Sturdy
Amiable
Charming
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Havanese vs Maltese?
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.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Havanese vs Maltese?
High: Havanese 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
Havanese vs Maltese social needs comparison:
Havanese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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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 Havanese vs Maltese?
Havanese 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 Havanese vs Maltese? Which can be better for hunting?
Havanese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Havanese vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Havanese or a Maltese? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The Havanese rarely barks.
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A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Havanese or a Maltese? Compare play drive and energy.
The Havanese is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Havanese or a Maltese? Compare living space needs.
Very house-friendly dog the Havanese breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.

Havanese vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Havanese or a Maltese? Compare adaptability levels.
Havanese 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: Havanese or Maltese?
Havanese 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 vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Havanese or a Maltese? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Havanese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Havanese or a Maltese? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Havanese 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 Havanese or a Maltese? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Havanese bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Havanese vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Havanese or a Maltese? Compare average lifespans.
14-16 years
The average lifespan of Havanese: 15 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Havanese or a Maltese? Compare climate tolerances.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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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 Havanese and a Maltese. Which breed is healthier?
The Havanese 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.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Havanese vs Maltese?
Average
The Havanese 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.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Havanese vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Havanese vs Maltese health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Heart Murmurs
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Deafness
Chondrodysplasia
Elbow Dysplasia
Mitral Valve Disease
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Havanese vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Havanese or a Maltese? Compare activity levels.
Havanese 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
Havanese vs Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Havanese or Maltese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Havanese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Havanese or Maltese?
Havanese 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.

Havanese vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Havanese or a Maltese? Compare obesity risks.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Havanese's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Havanese or a Maltese? Compare daily food needs.
1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Havanese vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Havanese or a Maltese? Compare allergy friendliness.
Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Havanese and Maltese? Compare breed colors.
Black
White
Fawn
Reddish-Brown
Havana Brown
Tobacco
White
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Havanese or a Maltese? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The Havanese requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Havanese or a Maltese? Compare drooling amounts.
The Havanese 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 Havanese or a Maltese? Compare natural smell levels.

Low 🔽

The Havanese has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Havanese and a Maltese? Compare fur types.
Soft
Wavy
Woolly
Flat
Long
Feathered
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Havanese 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 Havanese or Maltese? Do Havanese dogs shed more than Maltese dogs?
Havanese dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.

Havanese vs Maltese Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Havanese or a Maltese? Compare kid-friendliness.
Havanese dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Havanese 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 Havanese or Maltese? Which dog is more friendly?
Havanese dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Havanese or Maltese?
Havanese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Havanese or Maltese? Can a Havanese and a Maltese be friends? Do Havanese dogs get along with Maltese dogs?
Havanese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Havanese vs Maltese?
Yes
Havanese 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
Havanese 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?
Havaneses are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.

Havanese vs Maltese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Havanese 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.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Havanese or a Maltese? Compare therapy capabilities.

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.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Havanese 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 Havanese 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 Havanese or a Maltese? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Havanese 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 Havanese 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 Havanese 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.

Havanese vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Havanese and Maltese. Which has larger litters?
1-9 puppies, average 4 3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Havanese and Maltese breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Havanese 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.

Havanese vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Havanese and Maltese. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Havanese and Maltese. Which groups are they in?
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 kennel club recognition between Havanese 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
United Kennel Club
Havanese Club of America
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

Rate This Comparsion - Havanese vs Maltese

Reviews

  • Rico Sanford

    Sep 10, 2021, 5:32:45 AM:

    Thorough.After comparing all differences and similarities I am FINALLY convinced that my wonderful doggy is a...HAVANESE!!!Thank you.