At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Havanese | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs |
| Size | Small | Small |
| Height | 8 to 11 inches | 8 to 10 inches |
| Weight | 7 to 13 pounds | Up to 7 pounds |
| Life span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Havanese
Cuba's national dog, descended from Bichon-type dogs brought by Spanish settlers and kept by the Cuban aristocracy. It nearly vanished after the revolution, and the US population was rebuilt from a few dogs.
Its silky coat sheds little but needs regular brushing to prevent mats.
Health to watch
- Patellar luxation
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Chondrodysplasia
- Cataracts
The Maltese
An ancient toy breed associated with the island of Malta, prized by Greek and Roman nobility as a lapdog.
Its single coat sheds little, but tear stains and mats need regular care.
Health to watch
- Dental disease
- Patellar luxation
- Portosystemic shunt
- Collapsing trachea
- White shaker syndrome
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Friendly with strangers
The Havanese is friendlier with strangers than the Maltese.
Barking
The Maltese barks more than the Havanese.
Exercise needs
The Havanese needs more exercise than the Maltese.
Easy to train
The Havanese is easier to train than the Maltese.
Good with children
The Havanese is better with children than the Maltese.
Good with other dogs
The Havanese gets on better with other dogs than the Maltese.
Which to choose
Havanese or Maltese?
Choose the Havanese if…
- You have lots of visitors (it is friendlier with strangers)
- You want a dog that barks less
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
- You want a dog that is easier to train
Choose the Maltese if…
- You want a more watchful dog (it is more reserved with strangers)
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
- You want a dog that is easier to groom
Questions.
Which is easier to train, the Havanese or the Maltese?
The Havanese is generally easier to train than the Maltese. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Havanese or the Maltese?
The Havanese is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Maltese can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
They shed about the same amount. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Havanese and Maltese have?
The Havanese is prone to patellar luxation, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, chondrodysplasia. The Maltese is prone to dental disease, patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt. Both share a risk of patellar luxation. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
