Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: Bichon Habanero or Maltese lion dog or American Gentlemen? Find the right dog for you

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

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	Havanese	Maltese	Boston Terrier
Origins	Cuba	Italy	United States
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	23	33	21
Reviews	6	3	1
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Bichon Habanero Bichon Havanais Bichon Havanes Havanese Cuban Bichon Havaneser Havanezer Bichon Havanese	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog	American Gentlemen Boston Bull Terrier Boxwood Boston Bull
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Havanese or Maltese or Boston Terrier? Which is the smallest dog, Havanese or Maltese or Boston Terrier?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Which is heavier, Havanese or Maltese or Maltese? Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier weight comparison:	7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	10-25 pounds (6-11kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	10 pounds (4.5 kg)	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)	17.5 pounds (8.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Havanese or Maltese or Boston Terrier? Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier height comparison:	8-11 inches (21-29 cm)	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)	15-17 inches (38-43 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)	16 inches (40.5 cm)

Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Havanese or Maltese or Boston Terrier? Which is more expensive?	$900-$1200	$600-$800	$600-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Havanese or Maltese or Boston Terrier?	Very frequent: The Havanese is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Boston Terrier is quite easy to get.

Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier intelligence:	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.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier trainability comparison.	Havanese dogs are very easy to train. See more.	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Boston Terrier dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Havanese or Maltese or Boston Terrier?	Havanese dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Boston Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Havanese or Maltese or Boston Terrier? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Havanese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Boston Terrier dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Havanese or Maltese or Boston Terrier? Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier behavior/temperament comparison:	Playful Intelligent Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle Companionable Sturdy Amiable Charming	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Playful Intelligent Friendly Affectionate Lively Gentle Aggressive
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	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.	Sensitive: Boston Terrier dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier?	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.	High: Boston Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier social needs comparison:	Havanese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Boston Terrier dogs are a social breed. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Havanese dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Boston Terrier dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Havanese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Boston Terrier dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier playfulness comparison:	The Havanese is a highly playful breed. See more.	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Boston Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier?	Low to Average: The Havanese rarely barks. See more.	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Low to Average: The Boston Terrier rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Havanese or Maltese or Boston Terrier?	Very house-friendly dog the Havanese breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Boston Terrier breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	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.	Boston Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Havanese or Maltese or Boston Terrier?	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.	Boston Terrier 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.

Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Havanese or Maltese or Boston Terrier?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Havanese bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Boston Terrier bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Moderate ⏺ The Boston Terrier has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier mouthiness comparison:	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.	Boston Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier health comparison. Which is the healthier: Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier?	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.	The Boston Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier 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	Cataracts Heart Murmurs Patellar Luxation Allergies Deafness Cherry Eye Brain Tumors Megaesophagus Reverse Sneezing
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	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.	Average The Boston Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier lifespan comparison. How long do Havanese, Maltese and Boston Terrier breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	14-16 years The average lifespan of Havanese: 15 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Boston Terrier: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier?	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.

Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Havanese or Maltese or Boston Terrier? Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier energy level comparison:	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.	Boston Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Havanese or Maltese or Boston Terrier? 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.	Boston Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Havanese or Maltese or Boston Terrier?	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.	Boston Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Havanese or Maltese or Boston Terrier?	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.	0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier weight gain potential comparison:	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.	Average: The Boston Terrier has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier coat comparison:	Soft Wavy Woolly Flat Long	Feathered	Fine
Colors What are the original Havanese, Maltese and Boston Terrier color?	Black White Fawn Reddish-Brown Havana Brown Tobacco	White	Black White Brindle Seal
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Havanese or Maltese or Boston Terrier? Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier grooming comparison:	Average: The Havanese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Effortless: The Boston Terrier requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Havanese or Maltese or Boston Terrier? Havanese or Maltese or {name3 shedding:	Havanese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Boston Terrier dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Havanese or Maltese or Boston Terrier?	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.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.
Hypoallergenic Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier?	Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Boston Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	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.	The Boston Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly 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.	Boston Terrier dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Havanese or Maltese or Boston Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?	Havanese dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Boston Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Havanese or Maltese or Boston Terrier?	Havanese dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Boston Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Havanese or Maltese or Boston Terrier?	Havanese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Boston Terrier dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Havanese or Maltese or Boston Terrier?	Havanese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Boston Terrier dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier?	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.	Yes Boston Terrier 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.	No Boston Terrier 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.	Boston Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Which one could be a service dog?	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 Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Havanese or Maltese or Boston Terrier? Which is better for autism?	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.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?	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 and Rescue Dog (SAR) Which one could be 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.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier?	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.	Not really Boston Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?	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.
Fighting Dog / Military 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.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency	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.
Litter Size How many puppies can Havanese and Maltese and Boston Terrier have?	1-9 puppies, average 4	3-5 puppies	3-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1893 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	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.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Small Molossian type Dogs section.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	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	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

Popular Dog Compares

Despite the best intentions, there may be errors. If you find one, please let us know and we will fix it as soon as possible. Contact us here.

Rate This Comparsion - Havanese vs Maltese vs Boston Terrier

Reviews