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

"Find similarities and differences between Poodle vs Chihuahua vs Maltese" Compare Poodle and Chihuahua. Which is better: Poodle or Chihuahua or Maltese?

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	Poodle	Chihuahua	Maltese
Origins	Germany France	Mexico	Italy
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	7	32	33
Reviews	14	17	3
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese breeds.	Barbone Caniche Chien Canne Grosse Pudel French Poodle	Csivava Chihuahueño	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Poodle vs Chihuahua vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. Which breed is the largest?	Medium	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg), Female: 45-60 pounds (20-27 kg)	2-6 pounds (1-3 kg)	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 57.5 pounds (26 kg), Female: 52.5 pounds (23.5 kg)	4 pounds (2 kg)	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Poodle or Chihuahua or Maltese? Poodle vs Chihuahua vs Maltese height comparison:	15 inches (38 cm) or more	6-9 inches (15-23 cm)	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	15 inches (38 cm) or more	7.5 inches (19 cm)	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

Poodle vs Chihuahua vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. Find price differences between these breeds.	$1000-$1500	$600-$800	$600-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Poodle or Chihuahua or Maltese?	Very frequent: The Poodle is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Chihuahua is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.

Poodle vs Chihuahua vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. Which breed ranks highest?	Outstanding: Poodle is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	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.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. Which is easiest to train?	Poodle dogs are easy to train. See more.	Chihuahua dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. Which breed is most alert?	Poodle dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Chihuahua dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. Which breed is most protective?	Poodle dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Chihuahua dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Poodle vs Chihuahua vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese? Compare temperaments.	Active Alert Intelligent Trainable Faithful Instinctual	Alert Courageous Intelligent Quick Devoted Lively	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	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.	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: Poodle vs Chihuahua vs Maltese?	High: 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.	High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Poodle vs Chihuahua vs Maltese social needs comparison:	Poodle dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Chihuahua dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Poodle dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	Chihuahua dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	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.	Maltese 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

Poodle vs Chihuahua vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. Which breed is most vocal?	Average to High: The Poodle is a vocal breed. See more.	A lot: Chihuahua is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Maltese 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 Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. Which breed is most playful?	The Poodle is a playful breed. See more.	Average: Chihuahuas, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Poodle breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Chihuahua breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Poodle vs Chihuahua vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Poodle vs Chihuahua vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Poodle has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Chihuahua has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. Which uses mouth most during play?	Poodle 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.	Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Poodle bite force: Ordinary.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Chihuahua bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Poodle vs Chihuahua vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. Which breed lives longest?	11-15 years The average lifespan of Poodle: 13 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Chihuahua: 16 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. Which handles climate changes best?	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. 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 Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. Which has fewer health issues?	The Poodle is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	Chihuahuas are commonly healthy dogs.	The Maltese 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 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).	Average The Maltese 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: Poodle vs Chihuahua vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Poodle vs Chihuahua vs Maltese health problems comparison:	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Allergies Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Sebaceous Adenitis Ear Infections Addison's Disease Cushing's Syndrome Runny Eyes Canine Atrial Septal Defect (asd) Neonatal Encephalopathy (news) Optic Nerve Hypoplasia Premature Graying	Collapsed Trachea Heart Murmurs Open Fontanel Patellar Luxation Pulmonic Stenosis Hydrocephalus Hypoglycemia Shivering	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Poodle vs Chihuahua vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. Which breed is most active?	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.	Maltese 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 Poodle vs Chihuahua vs Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Poodle or Chihuahua or Maltese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Poodle dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Chihuahua dogs exercise need is very minimal.	Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Poodle or Chihuahua or Maltese?	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.	Maltese 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

Poodle vs Chihuahua vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Poodle's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average: The Chihuahua has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. Which needs most food?	2 to 3 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.	Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Poodle vs Chihuahua vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	No See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. What colors are available?	Black Gray Red Blue Cream White Silver Brown Fawn Beige Apricot	Black Tan Red Cream Fawn Chocolate	White
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. Which requires most maintenance?	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Effortless: The Chihuahua requires minimal grooming. See more.	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. Which drools least?	The 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.	The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Poodle has an average chance of bad smell.	High 🔼 The Chihuahua has a high chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Curly	Fine	Feathered
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. Which requires most frequent baths?	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.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Poodle or Chihuahua or Maltese? Poodle or Chihuahua or {name3 shedding:	Poodle dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Chihuahua dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Poodle vs Chihuahua vs Maltese Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. Which is best with kids?	Poodle dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Chihuahua dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Poodle dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.	Chihuahua dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Poodle or Chihuahua or Maltese? Which dog is more friendly?	Poodle dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Maltese dogs are very 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 Poodle or Chihuahua or Maltese?	Poodle dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Chihuahua dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Poodle or Chihuahua or Maltese?	Poodle dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Poodle vs Chihuahua vs Maltese?	Yes 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.	Yes Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Poodle is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Chihuahua is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Poodles are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Chihuahuas are not recommended for elderly people.	Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.

Poodle vs Chihuahua vs Maltese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. Which is best suited for service work?	Yes This breed makes good 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 Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. Which excels in therapy work?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect 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 Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. 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 Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. 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 Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. Which is best suited for water work?	Yes Poodle breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.	Not really Chihuahua breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. 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 Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. 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.

Poodle vs Chihuahua vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. Which has most puppies?	2-4 puppies	2-4 puppies	3-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. 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.

Poodle vs Chihuahua vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887 as a Non-Sporting & Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Poodle section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Chihuahueno 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 Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese. 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 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	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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