Maltese vs Chihuahua Comparison – Which dog is better Maltese lion dog or Csivava?

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

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	Maltese	Chihuahua
Origins	Italy	Mexico
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	33	32
Reviews	3	17
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare different names used for Maltese and Chihuahua. What other names are these breeds known by?	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog	Csivava Chihuahueño
Breed Classification Compare breed classifications between a Maltese and a Chihuahua. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.	Purebred	Purebred

Maltese vs Chihuahua Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Which is bigger: a Maltese or a Chihuahua? Compare size differences between these breeds.	Small	Small
Weight Statistics Compare weight ranges between a Maltese and a Chihuahua. Which breed is heavier?	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	2-6 pounds (1-3 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)	4 pounds (2 kg)
Height Which is taller, Maltese or Chihuahua? Is a Maltese taller than a Chihuahua?	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)	6-9 inches (15-23 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)	7.5 inches (19 cm)

Maltese vs Chihuahua Price and Availability Comparison

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

Maltese vs Chihuahua Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Which is smarter: a Maltese or a Chihuahua? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.	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.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Which is easier to train: a Maltese or a Chihuahua? Compare training requirements.	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Chihuahua dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Which makes a better watchdog: a Maltese or a Chihuahua? Compare alertness levels.	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Chihuahua dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Which is more protective: a Maltese or a Chihuahua? Compare territorial behaviors.	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Chihuahua dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Maltese vs Chihuahua Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits Compare personalities of a Maltese and a Chihuahua. How do their temperaments differ?	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Alert Courageous Intelligent Quick Devoted Lively
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Maltese vs Chihuahua?	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Sensitive: Chihuahua 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: Maltese vs Chihuahua?	High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Chihuahua dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Maltese vs Chihuahua social needs comparison:	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Chihuahua 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 Maltese vs Chihuahua?	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Chihuahua dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Maltese vs Chihuahua? Which can be better for hunting?	Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	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.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Maltese vs Chihuahua Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Which breed barks more: a Maltese or a Chihuahua? Compare vocalization tendencies.	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Chihuahua is a particularly loud breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Which breed is more playful: a Maltese or a Chihuahua? Compare play drive and energy.	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Chihuahuas, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Which is better for apartments: a Maltese or a Chihuahua? Compare living space needs.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Chihuahua breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Maltese vs Chihuahua Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Which adapts better to changes: a Maltese or a Chihuahua? Compare adaptability levels.	Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Chihuahua dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Chihuahua?	Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Chihuahua dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Maltese vs Chihuahua Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Which has lower bite risk: a Maltese or a Chihuahua? Compare biting tendencies.	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Chihuahua has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Which is more mouthy: a Maltese or a Chihuahua? Compare mouthing behaviors.	Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Chihuahua dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Which has a stronger bite: a Maltese or a Chihuahua? Compare bite force PSI.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Chihuahua bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Maltese vs Chihuahua Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Which lives longer: a Maltese or a Chihuahua? Compare average lifespans.	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Chihuahua: 16 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Which handles weather better: a Maltese or a Chihuahua? Compare climate tolerances.	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.
Health Concerns Compare common health issues between a Maltese and a Chihuahua. Which breed is healthier?	The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	Chihuahuas are commonly healthy dogs.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Maltese vs Chihuahua?	Average The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Rare The Chihuahua should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Chihuahua? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Chihuahua health problems comparison:	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome	Collapsed Trachea Heart Murmurs Open Fontanel Patellar Luxation Pulmonic Stenosis Hydrocephalus Hypoglycemia Shivering

Maltese vs Chihuahua Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Maltese vs Chihuahua Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Which gains weight easier: a Maltese or a Chihuahua? Compare obesity risks.	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Chihuahua has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Which eats more: a Maltese or a Chihuahua? Compare daily food needs.	Recommended daily amount: 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 cups of high-quality dry food a day.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Maltese vs Chihuahua Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Which is more hypoallergenic: a Maltese or a Chihuahua? Compare allergy friendliness.	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors What color variations exist for Maltese and Chihuahua? Compare breed colors.	White	Black Tan Red Cream Fawn Chocolate
Grooming Requirements Which needs more grooming: a Maltese or a Chihuahua? Compare maintenance needs.	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Effortless: The Chihuahua requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Which drools more: a Maltese or a Chihuahua? Compare drooling amounts.	The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Chihuahua is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Which has less odor: a Maltese or a Chihuahua? Compare natural smell levels.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.	High 🔼 The Chihuahua has a high chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics How do coats differ between a Maltese and a Chihuahua? Compare fur types.	Feathered	Fine
Bathing Needs Which needs more baths: a Maltese or a Chihuahua? Compare bathing frequencies.	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 Maltese or Chihuahua? Do Maltese dogs shed more than Chihuahua dogs?	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Chihuahua dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Maltese vs Chihuahua Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Which is better with children: a Maltese or a Chihuahua? Compare kid-friendliness.	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Chihuahua dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Chihuahua dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Chihuahua? Which dog is more friendly?	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Chihuahua?	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Chihuahua dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Chihuahua? Can a Maltese and a Chihuahua be friends? Do Maltese dogs get along with Chihuahua dogs?	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: Maltese vs Chihuahua?	Yes Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Chihuahua dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Chihuahua is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.	Chihuahuas are not recommended for elderly people.

Maltese vs Chihuahua As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Which makes a better service dog: a Maltese or a Chihuahua? 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.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Which is better for therapy work: a Maltese or a Chihuahua? Compare therapy capabilities.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Which is better at detection work: a Maltese or a Chihuahua? 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 Maltese or a Chihuahua? 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 Maltese or a Chihuahua? Compare maritime abilities.	Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Chihuahua breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Which is better at pulling: a Maltese or a Chihuahua? 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 Maltese and Chihuahua. 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.

Maltese vs Chihuahua Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare litter sizes between Maltese and Chihuahua. Which has larger litters?	3-5 puppies	2-4 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare pregnancy duration between Maltese and Chihuahua breeds.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding frequencies between Maltese and Chihuahua. 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.

Maltese vs Chihuahua Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC classifications of Maltese and Chihuahua. Which groups do they belong to?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI classifications of Maltese and Chihuahua. 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 Chihuahueno section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare kennel club recognition between Maltese and Chihuahua. 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 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

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