Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltese lion dog or Barboncino Miniatura or Csivava? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua" Compare Maltese and Miniature Poodle. Which is better: Maltese or Miniature Poodle 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	Miniature Poodle	Chihuahua
Origins	Italy	Germany France	Mexico
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	33	435	32
Reviews	3	2	16
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog	Barboncino Miniatura Barbone Carniche Moyen Pudle Zwergpudel	Csivava Chihuahueño
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Maltese or Miniature Poodle or Chihuahua? Which is the smallest dog, Maltese or Miniature Poodle or Chihuahua?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Which is heavier, Maltese or Miniature Poodle or Miniature Poodle? Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua weight comparison:	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	15-17 pounds (7-8 kg)	2-6 pounds (1-3 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)	16 pounds (7.5 kg)	4 pounds (2 kg)
Height Which is taller, Maltese or Miniature Poodle or Chihuahua? Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua height comparison:	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)	11-15 inches (28-38 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)	13 inches (33 cm)	7.5 inches (19 cm)

Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Maltese or Miniature Poodle or Chihuahua? Which is more expensive?	$600-$800	$1000-$1500	$600-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Maltese or Miniature Poodle or Chihuahua?	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.	Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.	Very frequent: The Chihuahua is quite easy to get.

Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua intelligence:	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Outstanding: Miniature Poodle is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua trainability comparison.	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Miniature Poodle dogs are very 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 Ability Which is the better watchdog: Maltese or Miniature Poodle or Chihuahua?	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Miniature Poodle dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Chihuahua dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Maltese or Miniature Poodle or Chihuahua? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Miniature Poodle dogs are average defenders. See more.	Chihuahua dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Maltese or Miniature Poodle or Chihuahua? Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua behavior/temperament comparison:	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Active Alert Intelligent Trainable Faithful Instinctual	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 Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua?	High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Miniature Poodle 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 Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua social needs comparison:	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Miniature Poodle dogs need a lot of social interaction. 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.	Miniature Poodle dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. 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.	Miniature Poodle dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. 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 Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua playfulness comparison:	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Miniature Poodle is a playful breed. See more.	Average: Chihuahuas, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua?	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Average to High: The Miniature Poodle is a vocal 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
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Maltese or Miniature Poodle or Chihuahua?	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Miniature Poodle breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Chihuahua breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Miniature Poodle 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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Miniature Poodle or Chihuahua?	Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Miniature Poodle dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Chihuahua dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Maltese or Miniature Poodle or Chihuahua?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Miniature Poodle 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
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Miniature Poodle has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Chihuahua has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua mouthiness comparison:	Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Miniature Poodle dogs have a lower 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.

Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua health comparison. Which is the healthier: Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua?	The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Miniature Poodle 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
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua health problems comparison:	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome	Hip Dysplasia Bloat Epilepsy Addison's Disease	Collapsed Trachea Heart Murmurs Open Fontanel Patellar Luxation Pulmonic Stenosis Hydrocephalus Hypoglycemia Shivering
Veterinarian Visits 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 Miniature Poodle 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
Life Expectancy Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua lifespan comparison. How long do Maltese, Miniature Poodle and Chihuahua breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years	14-16 years The average lifespan of Miniature Poodle: 15 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Chihuahua: 16 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua?	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.

Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Maltese or Miniature Poodle or Chihuahua? Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua energy level comparison:	Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.	Miniature Poodle dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	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 Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Miniature Poodle or Chihuahua? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.	Miniature Poodle dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Chihuahua dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Miniature Poodle or Chihuahua?	Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Miniature Poodle dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	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 Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Maltese or Miniature Poodle or Chihuahua?	Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	0.5 to 1.5 cups 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
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua weight gain potential comparison:	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Miniature Poodle'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

Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua coat comparison:	Feathered	Dense Curly Thick	Fine
Colors What are the original Maltese, Miniature Poodle and Chihuahua color?	White	Black Gray Red Blue Cream White Silver Brown Fawn Beige Apricot	Black Tan Red Cream Fawn Chocolate
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Maltese or Miniature Poodle or Chihuahua? Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua grooming comparison:	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Effortless: The Chihuahua requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Maltese or Miniature Poodle or Chihuahua? Maltese or Miniature Poodle or {name3 shedding:	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Miniature Poodle dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Chihuahua dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Maltese or Miniature Poodle or Chihuahua?	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.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.
Hypoallergenic Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua?	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Miniature Poodle has a low chance of bad smell.	High 🔼 The Chihuahua has a high chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Miniature Poodle 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.

Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Miniature Poodle dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.	Chihuahua dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Miniature Poodle or Chihuahua? Which dog is more friendly?	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Miniature Poodle dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Maltese or Miniature Poodle or Chihuahua?	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Miniature Poodle dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Chihuahua dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Miniature Poodle or Chihuahua?	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Miniature Poodle dogs are 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 Miniature Poodle or Chihuahua?	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Miniature Poodle 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 Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua?	Yes Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Miniature Poodle 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 Miniature Poodle 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.	Miniature Poodles are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Chihuahuas are not recommended for elderly people.

Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Which one could be a service dog?	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 Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Maltese or Miniature Poodle or Chihuahua? Which is better for autism?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?	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 and Rescue Dog (SAR) Which one could be 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.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua?	Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Miniature Poodle breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Chihuahua breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?	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.
Fighting Dog / Military 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.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency	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.
Litter Size How many puppies can Maltese and Miniature Poodle and Chihuahua have?	3-5 puppies	2-8 puppies, average 5	2-4 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904 as a Toy breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Chihuahueno section.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	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 United Kennel Club Canadian Canine Registry	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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