Maltese vs West Highland White Terrier vs Havanese Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltese lion dog or Roseneath Terrier or Bichon Habanero? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs West Highland White Terrier vs Havanese" Compare Maltese and West Highland White Terrier. Which is better: Maltese or West Highland White Terrier or Havanese?

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	West Highland White Terrier	Havanese
Origins	Italy	Scotland	Cuba
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Hunting Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	33	42	23
Reviews	3	1	7
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Maltese, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese breeds.	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog	Roseneath Terrier Westie Westy White Roseneath Terrier Poltalloch Terrier	Bichon Habanero Bichon Havanais Bichon Havanes Havanese Cuban Bichon Havaneser Havanezer Bichon Havanese
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Maltese, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Maltese vs West Highland White Terrier vs Havanese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Maltese, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Maltese, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese? Compare adult weight ranges.	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	Male: 15-22 pounds (7-10 kg), Female: 13-16 pounds (6-7 kg)	7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)	Male: 18.5 pounds (8.5 kg), Female: 14.5 pounds (6.5 kg)	10 pounds (4.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Maltese or West Highland White Terrier or Havanese? Maltese vs West Highland White Terrier vs Havanese height comparison:	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)	Male: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm), Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm)	8-11 inches (21-29 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)	Male: 11 inches (27.5 cm), Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm)	10 inches (25 cm)

Maltese vs West Highland White Terrier vs Havanese Price and Availability Comparison

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

Maltese vs West Highland White Terrier vs Havanese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Maltese, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese. 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.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Maltese, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese. Which is easiest to train?	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	West Highland White Terrier dogs are easy to train. See more.	Havanese dogs are very easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Maltese, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese. Which breed is most alert?	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	West Highland White Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Havanese dogs are good watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Maltese, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese. Which breed is most protective?	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	West Highland White Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Havanese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Maltese vs West Highland White Terrier vs Havanese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Maltese, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese? Compare temperaments.	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Independent Alert Courageous Intelligent Friendly Affectionate	Playful Intelligent Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle Companionable Sturdy Amiable Charming
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.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs West Highland White Terrier vs Havanese?	High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Average to High: West Highland White Terrier dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.	High: Havanese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Maltese vs West Highland White Terrier vs Havanese social needs comparison:	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	West Highland White Terrier dogs are a social breed. See more.	Havanese 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.	West Highland White Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	Havanese 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.	West Highland White Terrier 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.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Maltese vs West Highland White Terrier vs Havanese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Maltese vs West Highland White Terrier vs Havanese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Maltese, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese. Which breed is most flexible?	Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	West Highland White Terrier dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.	Havanese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or West Highland White Terrier or Havanese?	Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	West Highland White Terrier 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.	Havanese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Maltese vs West Highland White Terrier vs Havanese Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Maltese vs West Highland White Terrier vs Havanese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Maltese, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese. Which breed lives longest?	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years	12-16 years The average lifespan of West Highland White Terrier: 14 years	14-16 years The average lifespan of Havanese: 15 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Maltese, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese. 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 cold weather conditions The West Highland White Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. 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, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese. 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.	Very healthy dog breed.	The Havanese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
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.	Rare The West Highland White Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Average The Havanese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs West Highland White Terrier vs Havanese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs West Highland White Terrier vs Havanese health problems comparison:	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome	Cataracts Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Craniomandibular Osteopathy Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy White Dog Shaker Syndrome Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Atopic Dermatitis Hyperplastic Dermatosis Pulmonary Fibrosis	Cataracts Heart Murmurs Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Deafness Chondrodysplasia Elbow Dysplasia Mitral Valve Disease Portosystemic Liver Shunt

Maltese vs West Highland White Terrier vs Havanese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Maltese, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese. 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.	West Highland White Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Havanese 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 West Highland White Terrier vs Havanese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or West Highland White Terrier or Havanese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.	West Highland White Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Havanese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or West Highland White Terrier or Havanese?	Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	West Highland White Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	Havanese 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 West Highland White Terrier vs Havanese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Maltese, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese. 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 West Highland White Terrier's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Havanese's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Maltese, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese. 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 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Maltese vs West Highland White Terrier vs Havanese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maltese, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Maltese, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese. What colors are available?	White	White	Black White Fawn Reddish-Brown Havana Brown Tobacco
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Maltese, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese. Which requires most maintenance?	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Advanced: The West Highland White Terrier requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Average: The Havanese requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Maltese, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese. Which drools least?	The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The West Highland White Terrier 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.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Maltese, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The West Highland White Terrier has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Maltese, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Feathered	Dense	Soft Wavy Woolly Flat Long
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Maltese, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese. 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 West Highland White Terrier or Havanese? Maltese or West Highland White Terrier or {name3 shedding:	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	West Highland White Terrier dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Havanese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Maltese vs West Highland White Terrier vs Havanese Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Maltese, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese. Which is best with kids?	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	West Highland White Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Havanese 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.	West Highland White Terrier dogs are generally with other pets.	Havanese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or West Highland White Terrier or Havanese? Which dog is more friendly?	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	West Highland White Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Havanese dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or West Highland White Terrier or Havanese?	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	West Highland White Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Havanese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or West Highland White Terrier or Havanese?	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	West Highland White Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Havanese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltese vs West Highland White Terrier vs Havanese?	Yes Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes West Highland White Terrier 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.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No West Highland White Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Havanese 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.	West Highland White Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.	Havaneses are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Maltese vs West Highland White Terrier vs Havanese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Maltese, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese. 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, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese. 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, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese. 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, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese. 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, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really West Highland White Terrier 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.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Maltese, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese. 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, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese. 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 West Highland White Terrier vs Havanese Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Maltese, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese. Which has most puppies?	3-5 puppies	2-5 puppies	1-9 puppies, average 4
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Maltese, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese. 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, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese. 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 West Highland White Terrier vs Havanese Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Maltese, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Terrier breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Maltese, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese. 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 Bichons and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Maltese, West Highland White Terrier, and Havanese. 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 New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Club Espanol De Terriers	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

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