Maltese vs Havanese vs Lhasa Apso Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltese lion dog or Bichon Habanero or Lion Dog? Find the right dog for you

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

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	Havanese	Lhasa Apso
Origins	Italy	Cuba	Tibet
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	33	23	77
Reviews	3	7	4
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso breeds.	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog	Bichon Habanero Bichon Havanais Bichon Havanes Havanese Cuban Bichon Havaneser Havanezer Bichon Havanese	Lion Dog Lhasa
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Maltese vs Havanese vs Lhasa Apso Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso? Compare adult weight ranges.	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)	13-15 pounds (5.9-6.8 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)	10 pounds (4.5 kg)	14 pounds (5.9-6.8 kg)
Height Which is taller, Maltese or Havanese or Lhasa Apso? Maltese vs Havanese vs Lhasa Apso height comparison:	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)	8-11 inches (21-29 cm)	10-11 inches (25-28 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)	10.5 inches (26.5 cm)

Maltese vs Havanese vs Lhasa Apso Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. Find price differences between these breeds.	$600-$800	$900-$1200	$500-$700
Availability Which is easier to get, Maltese or Havanese or Lhasa Apso?	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Havanese is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Lhasa Apso is quite easy to get.

Maltese vs Havanese vs Lhasa Apso Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. Which breed ranks highest?	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.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. Which is easiest to train?	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Havanese dogs are very easy to train. See more.	Lhasa Apso dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. Which breed is most alert?	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Havanese dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Lhasa Apso dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. Which breed is most protective?	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Havanese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Lhasa Apso dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Maltese vs Havanese vs Lhasa Apso Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso? Compare temperaments.	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Playful Intelligent Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle Companionable Sturdy Amiable Charming	Playful Alert Intelligent Friendly Obedient Devoted Lively Steady Spirited Assertive
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: Lhasa Apso 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 Havanese vs Lhasa Apso?	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.	High: Lhasa Apso dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Maltese vs Havanese vs Lhasa Apso social needs comparison:	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Havanese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Lhasa Apso dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Havanese dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Lhasa Apso 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?	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.	Lhasa Apso 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

Maltese vs Havanese vs Lhasa Apso Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. Which breed is most vocal?	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Low to Average: The Havanese rarely barks. See more.	A lot: Lhasa Apso is a particularly loud breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. Which breed is most playful?	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Havanese is a highly playful breed. See more.	Average: Lhasa Apsos, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Havanese breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Lhasa Apso breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Maltese vs Havanese vs Lhasa Apso Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. Which breed is most flexible?	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.	Lhasa Apso dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Havanese or Lhasa Apso?	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.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Maltese vs Havanese vs Lhasa Apso Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Lhasa Apso has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. Which uses mouth most during play?	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.	Lhasa Apso dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Havanese bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Lhasa Apso bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Maltese vs Havanese vs Lhasa Apso Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. Which breed lives longest?	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years	14-16 years The average lifespan of Havanese: 15 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Lhasa Apso: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. Which handles climate changes best?	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.	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 health problems common in Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. 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.	The Havanese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	Lhasa Apsos tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
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.	Average The Havanese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Frequent The Lhasa Apso should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Havanese vs Lhasa Apso? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Havanese vs Lhasa Apso 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	Patellar Luxation Allergies Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Sebaceous Adenitis Cherry Eye Familial Inherited Renal Dysplasia Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

Maltese vs Havanese vs Lhasa Apso Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. 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.	Havanese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.	Lhasa Apso dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Maltese vs Havanese vs Lhasa Apso exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Havanese or Lhasa Apso? 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.	Lhasa Apso dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Havanese or Lhasa Apso?	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.	Lhasa Apso dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Maltese vs Havanese vs Lhasa Apso Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. Which is most prone to obesity?	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.	Average: The Lhasa Apso has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. Which needs most food?	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.	1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Maltese vs Havanese vs Lhasa Apso Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. What colors are available?	White	Black White Fawn Reddish-Brown Havana Brown Tobacco	Black Red White Brown Yellow
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. Which requires most maintenance?	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Havanese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. Which drools least?	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.	The Lhasa Apso is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Lhasa Apso has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Feathered	Soft Wavy Woolly Flat Long	Dense
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. Which requires most frequent baths?	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.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Maltese or Havanese or Lhasa Apso? Maltese or Havanese or {name3 shedding:	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Havanese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Lhasa Apso dogs shed above average. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Maltese vs Havanese vs Lhasa Apso Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. Which is best with kids?	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Havanese dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Lhasa Apso dogs are very 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.	Havanese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Lhasa Apso dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Havanese or Lhasa Apso? Which dog is more friendly?	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Havanese dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Lhasa Apso 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 Havanese or Lhasa Apso?	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Havanese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Lhasa Apso dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Havanese or Lhasa Apso?	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Havanese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Lhasa Apso dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltese vs Havanese vs Lhasa Apso?	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.	Yes Lhasa Apso 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.	No Lhasa Apso 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.	Lhasa Apsos are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Maltese vs Havanese vs Lhasa Apso As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. Which is best suited for service work?	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 Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. Which excels in therapy work?	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
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. 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, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. 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, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. Which is best suited for water work?	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.	Not really Lhasa Apso breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. Which is best for draft work?	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.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. 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 Havanese vs Lhasa Apso Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. Which has most puppies?	3-5 puppies	1-9 puppies, average 4	4-6 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. 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, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. What's recommended?	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.

Maltese vs Havanese vs Lhasa Apso Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. 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 Bichons and related breeds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Maltese, Havanese, and Lhasa Apso. 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 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 Canadian Canine Registry

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