Maltese vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Chihuahua Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltese lion dog or Jack or Csivava? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Chihuahua" Compare Maltese and Jack Russell Terrier. Which is better: Maltese or Jack Russell Terrier 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	Jack Russell Terrier	Chihuahua
Origins	Italy	England	Mexico
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Hunting Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	33	78	32
Reviews	3	3	17
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua breeds.	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog	Jack Russell Terrier	Csivava Chihuahueño
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Maltese vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Chihuahua Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua? Compare adult weight ranges.	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	11-18 pounds (5-8 kg)	2-6 pounds (1-3 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)	14.5 pounds (6.5 kg)	4 pounds (2 kg)
Height Which is taller, Maltese or Jack Russell Terrier or Chihuahua? Maltese vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Chihuahua height comparison:	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)	8-15 inches (20-38 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)	11.5 inches (29 cm)	7.5 inches (19 cm)

Maltese vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Chihuahua Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. Find price differences between these breeds.	$600-$800	$700-$1000	$600-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Maltese or Jack Russell Terrier or Chihuahua?	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Jack Russell Terrier is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Chihuahua is quite easy to get.

Maltese vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Chihuahua Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. Which breed ranks highest?	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Very smart: Jack Russell Terrier is an excellent dog breed. 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, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. Which is easiest to train?	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Jack Russell Terrier 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 Compare watchdog abilities of Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. Which breed is most alert?	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Jack Russell Terrier dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Chihuahua dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. Which breed is most protective?	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Jack Russell Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Chihuahua dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Maltese vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Chihuahua Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua? Compare temperaments.	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Stubborn Independent Energetic Alert Courageous Cheerful	Alert Courageous Intelligent Quick Devoted Lively
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: 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 Jack Russell Terrier vs Chihuahua?	High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Jack Russell Terrier 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 Jack Russell Terrier vs Chihuahua social needs comparison:	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Jack Russell Terrier dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Chihuahua dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Jack Russell Terrier is strong enough to escape from home. See more.	Chihuahua 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.	Jack Russell Terrier dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. 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 Jack Russell Terrier vs Chihuahua Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. Which breed is most vocal?	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Jack Russell Terrier 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 Compare playfulness levels between Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. Which breed is most playful?	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Jack Russell Terrier is a highly playful breed. See more.	Average: Chihuahuas, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.	Not an apartment-friendly dog the Jack Russell Terrier breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Chihuahua breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Maltese vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Chihuahua Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. Which breed is most flexible?	Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Jack Russell Terrier 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 Jack Russell Terrier or Chihuahua?	Maltese 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.	Chihuahua dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Maltese vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Chihuahua Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Jack Russell Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Chihuahua has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. Which uses mouth most during play?	Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Jack Russell Terrier dogs have a higher than 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 Compare bite forces between Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Jack Russell Terrier 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 Jack Russell Terrier vs Chihuahua Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. Which breed lives longest?	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years	12-16 years The average lifespan of Jack Russell Terrier: 14 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Chihuahua: 16 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. 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.	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. 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 health problems common in Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. 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 Jack Russell Terrier 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?	Average The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Jack Russell Terrier 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 Jack Russell Terrier vs Chihuahua? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Chihuahua health problems comparison:	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome	Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Deafness Glaucoma Lens Luxation	Collapsed Trachea Heart Murmurs Open Fontanel Patellar Luxation Pulmonic Stenosis Hydrocephalus Hypoglycemia Shivering

Maltese vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Chihuahua Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. 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.	Jack Russell Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.	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 Jack Russell Terrier vs Chihuahua exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Jack Russell Terrier or Chihuahua? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.	Jack Russell Terrier dogs need a lot of exercises.	Chihuahua dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Jack Russell Terrier or Chihuahua?	Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Jack Russell Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.	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 Jack Russell Terrier vs Chihuahua Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. 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 Jack Russell Terrier's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average: The Chihuahua has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. Which needs most food?	Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	1/4 to 1 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 Jack Russell Terrier vs Chihuahua Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. What colors are available?	White	Black Tan White	Black Tan Red Cream Fawn Chocolate
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. Which requires most maintenance?	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Easy to groom: The Jack Russell Terrier doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.	Effortless: The Chihuahua requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. Which drools least?	The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Jack Russell Terrier 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 Compare odor levels between Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Jack Russell Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.	High 🔼 The Chihuahua has a high chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Feathered	Rough	Fine
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. Which requires most frequent baths?	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. 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 Jack Russell Terrier or Chihuahua? Maltese or Jack Russell Terrier or {name3 shedding:	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Jack Russell Terrier dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	Chihuahua dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Maltese vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Chihuahua Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. Which is best with kids?	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Jack Russell Terrier dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.	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.	Jack Russell Terrier dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.	Chihuahua dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Jack Russell Terrier or Chihuahua? Which dog is more friendly?	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Jack Russell Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	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 Jack Russell Terrier or Chihuahua?	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Jack Russell Terrier dogs are not the most 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 Jack Russell Terrier or Chihuahua?	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Jack Russell Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltese vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Chihuahua?	Yes Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Jack Russell Terrier 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 Jack Russell Terrier 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.	Jack Russell Terriers are commonly okay with elderly people.	Chihuahuas are not recommended for elderly people.

Maltese vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Chihuahua As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. 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, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. 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.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. 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, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. 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, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Yes Jack Russell Terrier breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.	Not really Chihuahua breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. 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, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. 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 Jack Russell Terrier vs Chihuahua Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. Which has most puppies?	3-5 puppies	4-8 puppies	2-4 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. 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, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. 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 Jack Russell Terrier vs Chihuahua Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2012 as a Terrier breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. 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 Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Chihuahueno section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua. 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 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 Irish Kennel Club Club Espanol De Terriers Jack Russell Terrier 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

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