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Maltese vs Japanese Chin Comparison – Which dog is better Maltese lion dog or Japanese Spaniel?

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Japanese Chin" Compare Maltese and Japanese Chin. Which is better: Maltese or Japanese Chin?
 
 
 
Name Maltese Japanese Chin
OriginsItaly flagItaly Japan flagJapan
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank33108
Reviews34
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Maltese and Japanese Chin. What other names are these breeds known by?
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Japanese Spaniel
Chin
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Maltese and a Japanese Chin. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Maltese vs Japanese Chin Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Maltese or a Japanese Chin? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Small Small
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Maltese and a Japanese Chin. Which breed is heavier?
6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) 4-15 pounds (2-7 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) 9.5 pounds (4.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Maltese or Japanese Chin? Is a Maltese taller than a Japanese Chin?
Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) 7-11 inches (18-28 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) 9 inches (23 cm)

Maltese vs Japanese Chin Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Maltese and a Japanese Chin. Which breed costs more?
$600-$800 $300-$500
Availability
Which is easier to get, Maltese or Japanese Chin?
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The Japanese Chin is easier than average to get.

Maltese vs Japanese Chin Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Maltese or a Japanese Chin? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
See more.
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Maltese or a Japanese Chin? Compare training requirements.
Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Japanese Chin dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Maltese or a Japanese Chin? Compare alertness levels.
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Japanese Chin dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Maltese or a Japanese Chin? Compare territorial behaviors.
Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.
Japanese Chin dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Maltese vs Japanese Chin Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Maltese and a Japanese Chin. How do their temperaments differ?
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Playful
Loving
Independent
Alert
Intelligent
Loyal
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Maltese vs Japanese Chin?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Japanese Chin dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Japanese Chin?
High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Japanese Chin dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Maltese vs Japanese Chin social needs comparison:
Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin?
Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Japanese Chin dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Maltese vs Japanese Chin? Which can be better for hunting?
Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Japanese Chin 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.

Maltese vs Japanese Chin Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Maltese or a Japanese Chin? Compare vocalization tendencies.
A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Low: The Japanese Chin barks none to minimal.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Maltese or a Japanese Chin? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Japanese Chins, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Maltese or a Japanese Chin? Compare living space needs.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Japanese Chin breed.

Maltese vs Japanese Chin Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Maltese or a Japanese Chin? Compare adaptability levels.
Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Japanese Chin dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Japanese Chin?
Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Japanese Chin dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Maltese vs Japanese Chin Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Japanese Chin has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Maltese or a Japanese Chin? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Japanese Chin dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Maltese or a Japanese Chin? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Japanese Chin bite force: Weak.

Maltese vs Japanese Chin Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Maltese or a Japanese Chin? Compare average lifespans.
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Japanese Chin: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Maltese or a Japanese Chin? Compare climate tolerances.
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.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Maltese and a Japanese Chin. 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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin?
Average
The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Japanese Chin health problems comparison:
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Cataracts
Heart Murmurs
Patellar Luxation
Hypothyroidism
Eye Problems
Epilepsy
Entropion
Heart Disease

Maltese vs Japanese Chin Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Maltese or a Japanese Chin? 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.
Japanese Chin dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Maltese vs Japanese Chin exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Japanese Chin? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Japanese Chin dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Japanese Chin?
Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Japanese Chin dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.

Maltese vs Japanese Chin Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Maltese or a Japanese Chin? Compare obesity risks.
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Japanese Chin has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Maltese or a Japanese Chin? Compare daily food needs.
Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Maltese vs Japanese Chin Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Maltese or a Japanese Chin? Compare allergy friendliness.
Yes See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Maltese and Japanese Chin? Compare breed colors.
White Black
White
Sable
Lemon
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Maltese or a Japanese Chin? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Japanese Chin requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Maltese or a Japanese Chin? Compare drooling amounts.
The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Japanese Chin is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Maltese or a Japanese Chin? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Japanese Chin has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Maltese and a Japanese Chin? Compare fur types.
Feathered Feathered
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Maltese or a Japanese Chin? Compare bathing frequencies.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maltese or Japanese Chin? Do Maltese dogs shed more than Japanese Chin dogs?
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Japanese Chin dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Maltese vs Japanese Chin Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Maltese or a Japanese Chin? Compare kid-friendliness.
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Japanese Chin dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Japanese Chin dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Japanese Chin? Which dog is more friendly?
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Japanese Chin dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Japanese Chin?
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Japanese Chin dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Japanese Chin? Can a Maltese and a Japanese Chin be friends? Do Maltese dogs get along with Japanese Chin dogs?
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Japanese Chin dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Maltese vs Japanese Chin?
Yes
Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Japanese Chin 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
Japanese Chin 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.
Japanese Chins are not the best breed for elderly people.

Maltese vs Japanese Chin As a Working Dog Comparison

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

Not really

Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Japanese Chin breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Maltese or a Japanese Chin? 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 Japanese Chin. 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 Japanese Chin Reproducibility Comparison

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

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Maltese and Japanese Chin. 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 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Maltese and Japanese Chin. 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 Japan Chin and Pekingese section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Maltese and Japanese Chin. 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
New Zealand Kennel Club

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