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Maltese vs Havanese vs Morkie Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltese lion dog or Bichon Habanero or Morkshire Terrier? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Havanese vs Morkie" Compare Maltese and Havanese. Which is better: Maltese or Havanese or Morkie?
 
 
 
Name Maltese Havanese Morkie
OriginsItaly flagItaly Cuba flagCuba United States flagUnited States
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank3323580
Reviews371
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Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie breeds.
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Bichon Habanero
Bichon Havanais
Bichon Havanes
Havanese Cuban Bichon
Havaneser
Havanezer
Bichon Havanese
Morkshire Terrier
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Cross Breed

Maltese vs Havanese vs Morkie Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie? Compare adult weight ranges.
6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) 7-13 pounds (3-6 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) 10 pounds (4.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Maltese or Havanese or Morkie? Maltese vs Havanese vs Morkie height comparison:
Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) 8-11 inches (21-29 cm) 5-9 inches (13-23 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) 7 inches (18 cm)

Maltese vs Havanese vs Morkie Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. Find price differences between these breeds.
$600-$800 $900-$1200 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Maltese or Havanese or Morkie?
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Havanese is quite easy to get.
Average: The Morkie is a commonly available dog breed.

Maltese vs Havanese vs Morkie Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. Which breed ranks highest?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Smart: The Morkie dogs have great intelligence.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. Which is easiest to train?
Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
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Havanese dogs are very easy to train.
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Morkie dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. Which breed is most alert?
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
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Havanese dogs are good watchdogs.
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Morkie dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. Which breed is most protective?
Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Havanese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Morkie dogs are average defenders.
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Maltese vs Havanese vs Morkie Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie? Compare temperaments.
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Companionable
Sturdy
Amiable
Charming
Playful
Funny
Energetic
Lovable
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Morkie dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Havanese vs Morkie?
High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Havanese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: Morkie dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Social Needs
Maltese vs Havanese vs Morkie social needs comparison:
Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Havanese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Morkie dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Havanese dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Morkie dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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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.
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Havanese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Morkie 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.
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Maltese vs Havanese vs Morkie Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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Low to Average: The Havanese rarely barks.
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A lot: Morkie is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Havanese is a highly playful breed.
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The Morkie is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Havanese 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 Morkie indoors.

Maltese vs Havanese vs Morkie Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. 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.
Average: Morkie dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Havanese or Morkie?
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.
Morkie 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 Havanese vs Morkie Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. 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 Morkie has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. Which uses mouth most during play?
Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Havanese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Morkie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. 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 🔽

Morkie bite force: Weak.

Maltese vs Havanese vs Morkie Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. Which breed lives longest?
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
14-16 years
The average lifespan of Havanese: 15 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Morkie: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. Which handles climate changes best?
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.
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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Morkie can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. 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.
Morkies are commonly healthy dogs.
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.
Rare
The Morkie should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Havanese vs Morkie? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Havanese vs Morkie 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
Collapsed Trachea
Dental Problems
Hernia
Reverse Sneezing
Glaucoma

Maltese vs Havanese vs Morkie Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. 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.
Morkie dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Maltese vs Havanese vs Morkie exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Havanese or Morkie? 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.
Morkie dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Havanese or Morkie?
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.
Morkie dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Maltese vs Havanese vs Morkie Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Havanese's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Morkie's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. 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. 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.

Maltese vs Havanese vs Morkie Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. What colors are available?
White Black
White
Fawn
Reddish-Brown
Havana Brown
Tobacco
Black
White
Brown
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Havanese requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Morkie requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. Which drools least?
The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Havanese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Morkie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. 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.

Low 🔽

The Morkie has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Feathered Soft
Wavy
Woolly
Flat
Long
Fluffy
Soft
Luxurious
Long
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. Which requires most frequent baths?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maltese or Havanese or Morkie? Maltese or Havanese or {name3 shedding:
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Havanese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Morkie dogs shed none to minimal.
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Maltese vs Havanese vs Morkie Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. Which is best with kids?
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Havanese dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Morkie dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
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.
Morkie dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Havanese or Morkie? Which dog is more friendly?
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Havanese dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Morkie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Havanese or Morkie?
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Havanese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Morkie dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Havanese or Morkie?
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Havanese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Morkie dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltese vs Havanese vs Morkie?
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
Morkie 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.
Yes
Morkie is one of the best dog breeds 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.
Morkies are commonly okay with elderly people.

Maltese vs Havanese vs Morkie As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. 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 Morkie. 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 Morkie. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Havanese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Morkie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. 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 Morkie Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. Which has most puppies?
3-5 puppies 1-9 puppies, average 4 3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. 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 Morkie. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Maltese vs Havanese vs Morkie Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. 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. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. 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. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Maltese, Havanese, and Morkie. 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
Not recognized by any clubs.

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