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

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Havanese" Compare Maltese and Havanese. Which is better: Maltese or Havanese?
 
 
 
Name Maltese Havanese
OriginsItaly flagItaly Cuba flagCuba
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank3323
Reviews37
User Ratings

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

Maltese vs Havanese Size and Weight Comparison

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

Maltese vs Havanese Price and Availability Comparison

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

Maltese vs Havanese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Maltese or a Havanese? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
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.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Maltese or a Havanese? Compare training requirements.
Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Havanese dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Maltese or a Havanese? Compare alertness levels.
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Havanese dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Maltese or a Havanese? Compare territorial behaviors.
Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.
Havanese dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Maltese vs Havanese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Maltese and a Havanese. How do their temperaments differ?
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 between Maltese vs Havanese?
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: Maltese vs Havanese?
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.
Social Needs
Maltese vs Havanese social needs comparison:
Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Havanese 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 Havanese?
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? What's the difference between Maltese vs Havanese? Which can be better for hunting?
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.

Maltese vs Havanese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Maltese vs Havanese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Maltese or a Havanese? Compare adaptability levels.
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.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Havanese?
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.

Maltese vs Havanese Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Havanese bite force: Weak.

Maltese vs Havanese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Maltese or a Havanese? Compare average lifespans.
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
14-16 years
The average lifespan of Havanese: 15 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Maltese or a Havanese? Compare climate tolerances.
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Maltese and a Havanese. Which breed is healthier?
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.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Maltese vs Havanese?
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.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Havanese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Havanese health problems comparison:
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

Maltese vs Havanese Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Maltese vs Havanese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Maltese or a Havanese? Compare obesity risks.
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.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Maltese or a Havanese? Compare daily food needs.
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.

Maltese vs Havanese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

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

Maltese vs Havanese Good With Comparison

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

Maltese vs Havanese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Maltese or a Havanese? 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 Maltese or a Havanese? 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 Maltese or a Havanese? 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 Havanese? 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 Havanese? Compare maritime abilities.

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.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Maltese or a Havanese? 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 Havanese. 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 Havanese Reproducibility Comparison

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

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Maltese and Havanese. 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 1996 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Maltese and Havanese. 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 Maltese and Havanese. 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
United Kennel Club
Havanese Club of America

Rate This Comparsion - Maltese vs Havanese

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.