Maltese vs Chihuahua vs Miniature Schnauzer Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltese lion dog or Csivava or Zwergschnauzer? Find the right dog for you
"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Chihuahua vs Miniature Schnauzer"
Compare Maltese and Chihuahua. Which is better: Maltese or Chihuahua or Miniature Schnauzer?
| Name | Maltese | Chihuahua | Miniature Schnauzer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origins | |||
| Group | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs | Hunting Dogs |
| Popularity Rank | 33 | 32 | 18 |
| Reviews | 3 | 17 | 5 |
| User Ratings | |||
| Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer breeds. |
Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog |
Csivava Chihuahueño | Zwergschnauzer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer? Compare their breeding categories. | Purebred | Purebred | Purebred |
Maltese vs Chihuahua vs Miniature Schnauzer Size and Weight Comparison
| Size Classification
Compare size differences between Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. Which breed is the largest? | Small | Small | Small |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer? Compare adult weight ranges. | 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) | 2-6 pounds (1-3 kg) | Male: 11-18 pounds (5.0-8.2 kg), Female: 10-15 pounds (4.5-6.8 kg) |
| Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) | 4 pounds (2 kg) | Male: 14.5 pounds (5.0-8.2 kg), Female: 12.5 pounds (4.5-6.8 kg) |
| Height
Which is taller, Maltese or Chihuahua or Miniature Schnauzer? Maltese vs Chihuahua vs Miniature Schnauzer height comparison: | Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) | 6-9 inches (15-23 cm) | Male: 14 inches (35.6 cm), Female: 13 inches (33.0 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) | Male: 14 inches (35.6 cm), Female: 13 inches (33.0 cm) |
Maltese vs Chihuahua vs Miniature Schnauzer Price and Availability Comparison
| Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. Find price differences between these breeds. | $600-$800 | $600-$800 | $600-$1000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability
Which is easier to get, Maltese or Chihuahua or Miniature Schnauzer? | Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Chihuahua is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Miniature Schnauzer is quite easy to get. |
Maltese vs Chihuahua vs Miniature Schnauzer Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
| Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. Which breed ranks highest? | Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. | Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. | Very smart: Miniature Schnauzer is an excellent dog breed. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. Which is easiest to train? | Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. | Chihuahua dogs are quite easy to train. | Miniature Schnauzer dogs are easy to train. |
| Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. Which breed is most alert? | Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. | Chihuahua dogs are average watchdogs. | Miniature Schnauzer dogs are one of the best watchdogs. |
| Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. Which breed is most protective? | Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. | Chihuahua dogs strongly protect their territory. | Miniature Schnauzer dogs strongly protect their territory. |
Maltese vs Chihuahua vs Miniature Schnauzer Personality and Temperament Comparison
| Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer? Compare temperaments. |
Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing |
Alert Courageous Intelligent Quick Devoted Lively |
Alert Intelligent Friendly Obedient Fearless Spirited |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference? | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. | Sensitive: Chihuahua dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. |
| Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Chihuahua vs Miniature Schnauzer? | High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Chihuahua dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Miniature Schnauzer dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
| Social Needs
Maltese vs Chihuahua vs Miniature Schnauzer social needs comparison: | Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Chihuahua dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Miniature Schnauzer dogs are a social breed. |
| Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? | Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. | Chihuahua dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. | Miniature Schnauzer dogs have average wanderlust potential. |
| Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting? | Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | 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. | Miniature Schnauzer dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. |
Maltese vs Chihuahua vs Miniature Schnauzer Activity and Playfulness Comparison
| Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. Which breed is most vocal? | A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. | A lot: Chihuahua is a particularly loud breed. | Average: The Miniature Schnauzer barks occasionally. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. Which breed is most playful? | Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. | Average: Chihuahuas, like any other dog breed, like playing. | Average: Miniature Schnauzers, like any other dog breed, like playing. |
| Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. Which adapts best to small spaces? | Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Chihuahua breed. | 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 Miniature Schnauzer indoors. |
Maltese vs Chihuahua vs Miniature Schnauzer Adaptability and Independence Comparison
| Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. Which breed is most flexible? | 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. | Miniature Schnauzer dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Chihuahua or Miniature Schnauzer? | 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. | Miniature Schnauzer 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. |
Maltese vs Chihuahua vs Miniature Schnauzer Bite Characteristics Comparison
| Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. Which has lowest bite risk? | Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Chihuahua has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Miniature Schnauzer has a low chance of biting somebody. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. Which uses mouth most during play? | Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Chihuahua dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Miniature Schnauzer dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. |
| Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. Which has the strongest bite? | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Chihuahua bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Miniature Schnauzer bite force: Weak. |
Maltese vs Chihuahua vs Miniature Schnauzer Health and Lifespan Comparison
| Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. Which breed lives longest? |
14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years |
14-18 years The average lifespan of Chihuahua: 16 years |
12-14 years The average lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer: 13 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. Which handles climate changes best? | Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. | Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. | Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Miniature Schnauzer can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. |
| Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. Which has fewer health issues? | 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. | The Miniature Schnauzer 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? |
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). |
Average The Miniature Schnauzer should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
| Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Chihuahua vs Miniature Schnauzer? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Chihuahua vs Miniature Schnauzer 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 |
Cataracts Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection (MAI) |
Maltese vs Chihuahua vs Miniature Schnauzer Energy and Activity Comparison
| Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. Which breed is most active? | 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. | Miniature Schnauzer dogs are high-energy dogs. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Maltese vs Chihuahua vs Miniature Schnauzer exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Chihuahua or Miniature Schnauzer? 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. | Miniature Schnauzer dogs have an average exercise need. |
| Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Chihuahua or Miniature Schnauzer? | 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. | Miniature Schnauzer dogs don't need too much sleep. |
Maltese vs Chihuahua vs Miniature Schnauzer Diet and Weight Management Comparison
| Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. Which is most prone to obesity? | Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. | Average: The Chihuahua has an average risk for obesity. | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Miniature Schnauzer's weight, he can easily gain weight. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. Which needs most food? | 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. | 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. |
Maltese vs Chihuahua vs Miniature Schnauzer Allergies and Grooming Comparison
| Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. Which is best for allergy sufferers? | Yes See more. | No See more. | Yes See more. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. What colors are available? | White |
Black Tan Red Cream Fawn Chocolate |
Black Silver Pepper Salt |
| Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. Which requires most maintenance? | Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. | Effortless: The Chihuahua requires minimal grooming. | Advanced: The Miniature Schnauzer requires a lot of grooming. |
| Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. Which drools least? | The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Chihuahua is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Miniature Schnauzer is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
| Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. Which has least natural smell? | Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell. | High 🔼 The Chihuahua has a high chance of bad smell. | Low 🔽 The Miniature Schnauzer has a low chance of bad smell. |
| Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. How do their fur characteristics differ? | Feathered | Fine | Wiry |
| Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. Which requires most frequent baths? | 6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. | 8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. |
| Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maltese or Chihuahua or Miniature Schnauzer? Maltese or Chihuahua or {name3 shedding: | Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. | Chihuahua dogs shed none to minimal. | Miniature Schnauzer dogs shed none to minimal. |
Maltese vs Chihuahua vs Miniature Schnauzer Good With Comparison
| Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. Which is best with kids? | Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs. | Chihuahua dogs are not kid-friendly dogs. | Miniature Schnauzer dogs are kid-friendly dogs. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | Miniature Schnauzer dogs are generally with other pets. |
| Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Chihuahua or Miniature Schnauzer? Which dog is more friendly? | Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs. | Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards strangers. | Miniature Schnauzer dogs are average friendly towards strangers. |
| Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Chihuahua or Miniature Schnauzer? | Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Chihuahua dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Miniature Schnauzer dogs are average friendly towards cats. |
| Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Chihuahua or Miniature Schnauzer? | Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. | Miniature Schnauzer dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. |
| Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltese vs Chihuahua vs Miniature Schnauzer? |
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. |
Yes Miniature Schnauzer 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. |
No Miniature Schnauzer 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. | Miniature Schnauzers are usually recommended for elderly people. |
Maltese vs Chihuahua vs Miniature Schnauzer As a Working Dog Comparison
| Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. Which is best suited for service work? | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. Which excels in therapy work? | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. |
| Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. Which has best nose work ability? | 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 & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. Which is best for SAR work? | 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. |
| Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. Which is best suited for water work? | Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Chihuahua breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Yes Miniature Schnauzer breed usually likes being on a boat. |
| Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. Which is best for draft work? | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
| Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. 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. |
Maltese vs Chihuahua vs Miniature Schnauzer Reproducibility Comparison
| Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. Which has most puppies? | 3-5 puppies | 2-4 puppies | 3-6 puppies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. Any breeding differences? | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
| Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. What's recommended? | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Maltese vs Chihuahua vs Miniature Schnauzer Recognition Comparison
| AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. How are they classified? | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904 as a Toy breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1926 as a Terrier breed. |
|---|---|---|---|
| FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. How are they classified internationally? | 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. | Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Pinscher and Schnauzer type section. |
| Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Maltese, Chihuahua, and Miniature Schnauzer. 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 New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club |
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