Havanese vs Maltese

Compare the Havanese to the Maltese. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Havaneses and Malteses.

Havanese vs Maltese
Havanese
Maltese
Havanese
Maltese
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General Details
Havanese
Maltese
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
Yes
Yes
Lifespan
12-15 Years
12-15 Years
Height
8-11 Inches
8-10 Inches
Weight
7-13 Pounds
4-9 Pounds
Intelligence
Average
Average
History
Havanese
Maltese
Origin Country
Cuba
Malta
Origin Year
1800 AD
-200 BC
Temperament
Havanese
Maltese
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Above Average
Average
Pet Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Above Average
Below Average
Personality
Havanese
Maltese
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Needy
Separation Anxiety
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Jealous
Loving
Needy
Separation Anxiety
Living Environment
Havanese
Maltese
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
No
No
Medium Yard
No
No
Large Yard
No
No
Temperature Tolerance
50-75 °F
55-80 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Average
Exercise Needs
Havanese
Maltese
Energy Level
High
High
Exercise Required
Medium
Low
Top Running Speed
12 MPH
12 MPH
Strength
Low
Low
Grooming Needs
Havanese
Maltese
Coat Maintenance
Medium
High
Shedding
None to Low
Low
Dander
Low
Low
Drool
None
None
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Havanese
Maltese
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
No
Breed Focus
Havanese
Maltese
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
No
No
Breed Instincts
Havanese
Maltese
Aggression
None
Below Average
Burrow / Digging
Below Average
None
Chasing
Below Average
None
Follow Commands
Below Average
None
Fighting
Below Average
None
Guarding
None
None
Herding
Below Average
None
Hunting
Below Average
None
Protection
Below Average
None
Remove Vermin
Below Average
None
Sled Pulling
None
None
Watch / Guardian
None
None
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Havanese
Maltese
Average Lifespan
12-15 Years
12-15 Years
Health Concerns
Havanese
Maltese
Common Health Issues
Mitral valve disease
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Patellar luxation
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
Heart murmurs
Elbow dysplasia
Portosystemic shunt
Deafness
Chondrodysplasia
Patellar luxation
Collapsed trachea
Progressive retinal atrophy
Portosystemic shunt
Reverse sneezing
Hypoglycemia
Shaker syndrome
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Havanese
Maltese
Coat Type
Fur
Hair
Coat Layering
Double
Single
Coat Texture
Silky
Wavy
Silky
Straight
Coat Length
Long
Long
Coat Coloring
Havanese
Maltese
Breed Colors
Black
Black and Silver
Black and Tan
Black Brindle
Blue
Blue Brindle
Chocolate
Chocolate Brindle
Cream
Fawn
Gold
Gold Brindle
Red
Silver
Silver Brindle
White
White
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