Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese Comparison - Dog breed selector: German: Italienisches Windspiel or Maltese lion dog or Bichon Habanero? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese" Compare Italian Greyhound and Maltese. Which is better: Italian Greyhound 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	Italian Greyhound	Maltese	Havanese
Origins	Italy	Italy	Cuba
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	74	33	23
Reviews	2	3	6
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	German: Italienisches Windspiel Piccolo Levriero Italiano Galgo Italiano French: Petit Levrier Italiane	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog	Bichon Habanero Bichon Havanais Bichon Havanes Havanese Cuban Bichon Havaneser Havanezer Bichon Havanese
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Italian Greyhound or Maltese or Havanese? Which is the smallest dog, Italian Greyhound or Maltese or Havanese?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Which is heavier, Italian Greyhound or Maltese or Maltese? Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese weight comparison:	6-10 pounds (3-5 kg)	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	8 pounds (4 kg)	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)	10 pounds (4.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Italian Greyhound or Maltese or Havanese? Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese height comparison:	12-15 inches (30-38 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?	13.5 inches (34 cm)	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)	10 inches (25 cm)

Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Italian Greyhound or Maltese or Havanese? Which is more expensive?	$800-$1000	$600-$800	$900-$1200
Availability Which is easier to get, Italian Greyhound or Maltese or Havanese?	Very frequent: The Italian Greyhound is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Havanese is quite easy to get.

Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Italian Greyhound or Maltese or Havanese? Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese behavior/temperament comparison:	Agile Intelligent Affectionate Companionable Athletic Mischievous	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?	Sensitive: Italian Greyhound 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: Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese?	High: Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese social needs comparison:	Italian Greyhound dogs need for social interaction is average. 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?	Italian Greyhound dogs have average wanderlust potential. 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?	Italian Greyhound dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. 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

Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese playfulness comparison:	Average: Italian Greyhounds, like any other dog breed, like playing. 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
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese?	Average: The Italian Greyhound barks occasionally. 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
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Italian Greyhound or Maltese or Havanese?	It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Italian Greyhound indoors.	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

Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Italian Greyhound 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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Italian Greyhound or Maltese or Havanese?	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	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.

Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese health comparison. Which is the healthier: Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese?	The Italian Greyhound 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 Havanese 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: Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Eye Problems Drug Sensitivity Thyroid Problems Alopecia	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
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Italian Greyhound 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 Havanese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese lifespan comparison. How long do Italian Greyhound, Maltese and Havanese breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	11-15 years The average lifespan of Italian Greyhound: 13 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
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese?	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.

Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Italian Greyhound or Maltese or Havanese? Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese energy level comparison:	Italian Greyhound 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.	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 Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Italian Greyhound or Maltese or Havanese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Italian Greyhound dogs have an average exercise need.	Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.	Havanese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Italian Greyhound or Maltese or Havanese?	Italian Greyhound 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.	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

Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Italian Greyhound or Maltese or Havanese?	1/4 to 1/2 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.	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese weight gain potential comparison:	Low to Average: The Italian Greyhound has a low to the average risk for obesity. 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

Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese coat comparison:	Fine	Feathered	Soft Wavy Woolly Flat Long
Colors What are the original Italian Greyhound, Maltese and Havanese color?	Black Gray Red Blue White Brown Yellow	White	Black White Fawn Reddish-Brown Havana Brown Tobacco
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Italian Greyhound or Maltese or Havanese? Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese grooming comparison:	Effortless: The Italian Greyhound requires minimal grooming. 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
Shedding Level Who sheds more Italian Greyhound or Maltese or Havanese? Italian Greyhound or Maltese or {name3 shedding:	Italian Greyhound dogs shed none to minimal. 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
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Italian Greyhound or Maltese or Havanese?	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 Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese?	Medium ⏺ The Italian Greyhound 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.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	The Italian Greyhound 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 Havanese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Italian Greyhound dogs are generally with 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 Italian Greyhound or Maltese or Havanese? Which dog is more friendly?	Italian Greyhound dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	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
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Italian Greyhound or Maltese or Havanese?	Italian Greyhound dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Havanese dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Italian Greyhound or Maltese or Havanese?	Italian Greyhound dogs are average friendly towards cats.	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 Italian Greyhound or Maltese or Havanese?	Italian Greyhound dogs are average friendly towards other 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: Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese?	Yes Italian Greyhound 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?	No Italian Greyhound is not the best dog breed 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?	Italian Greyhounds are not recommended for elderly people.	Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.	Havaneses are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese 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: Italian Greyhound or Maltese or Havanese? Which is better for autism?	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
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: Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese?	Not really Italian Greyhound 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 Havanese 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.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese 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 Italian Greyhound and Maltese and Havanese have?	2-4 puppies	3-5 puppies	1-9 puppies, average 4
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Italian Greyhound vs Maltese vs Havanese Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886 as a Toy 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 Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Recognized by FCI in the Sighthounds group, in the Short-haired Sighthounds 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.
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 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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