Havanese vs Maltese: Toy Breed Comparison for Families

Last updated: April 27, 2026

Overview

If you are weighing Havanese vs Maltese as your next family companion, you are comparing two of the most beloved toy breeds in the world — and for good reason. Both are small, affectionate, and adaptable to apartment living, making them popular choices for first-time owners and families alike.

But beneath the surface similarities, these breeds have distinct personalities, grooming requirements, and activity levels that can make one a better fit for your household than the other. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make a confident, informed decision.

Quick Facts at a Glance

• Havanese: 7-13 lbs, 8.5-11.5 inches tall, lifespan 14-16 years, moderate energy, AKC Toy Group
• Maltese: 4-7 lbs, 7-9 inches tall, lifespan 12-15 years, low to moderate energy, AKC Toy Group

Temperament and Personality

The Havanese is often described as the clown of the toy breed world. These dogs are outgoing, playful, and naturally entertaining. They thrive on human interaction and have a remarkable ability to read the room — they are silly when you need cheering up and calm when you want quiet company.

Havanese are notably sturdy for a toy breed, both physically and emotionally. They tend to be confident, curious, and adaptable, which makes them excellent family dogs who handle the chaos of a busy household better than many small breeds.

The Maltese is gentle, devoted, and serene. These dogs bond deeply with their primary person and can be more reserved with strangers than the Havanese, though they warm up with proper socialization. Maltese are affectionate without being hyperactive — they are content to curl up in your lap for hours.

Where the Havanese is the life of the party, the Maltese is the quiet companion who adores one-on-one time. Both breeds are loving, but their energy of affection differs — boisterous versus refined.

Size and Appearance

Both breeds are small, but the Havanese is noticeably sturdier. At 7 to 13 pounds and up to 11.5 inches tall, they have a compact, slightly longer-than-tall build with a springy gait. Their coat comes in a wide range of colors including white, black, chocolate, cream, gold, silver, and multi-colored combinations.

The Maltese is one of the smallest toy breeds, typically weighing just 4 to 7 pounds and standing 7 to 9 inches tall. Their signature pure white, floor-length coat gives them an elegant, almost ethereal appearance. Some owners keep the coat in a shorter “puppy cut” for easier maintenance.

The size difference matters for families with young children. The Havanese’s slightly larger, sturdier frame means they are less fragile and can better handle the accidental bumps and grabs that come with toddlers. The delicate Maltese can be injured more easily by rough handling.

Exercise and Activity Needs

The Havanese has moderate energy and genuinely enjoys play, short walks, and interactive games. They need about 30 to 45 minutes of daily activity, which can include walks, fetch in the yard, or indoor play. They are also surprisingly good at agility and tricks — their intelligence and desire to please make training sessions feel like games.

The Maltese has lower exercise needs. A couple of short daily walks totaling 20 to 30 minutes, plus some indoor playtime, is usually sufficient. They enjoy a leisurely stroll more than a vigorous romp and are perfectly happy with a calm indoor lifestyle.

Both breeds adapt well to apartment living, but the Havanese’s higher energy and sturdier build make them the better choice if you want a small dog who can keep up on longer walks, hikes, or play sessions with children. The Maltese is ideal for a quieter household or an owner who prefers a low-key companion.

Grooming and Care

Grooming is a significant commitment with both breeds, but the specifics differ.

The Havanese has a silky, double-layered coat that can be kept long (requiring daily brushing to prevent mats) or trimmed into a shorter clip that needs brushing two to three times per week. They are considered low-shedding, which is a plus for allergy sufferers, though no breed is truly hypoallergenic. Professional grooming every six to eight weeks keeps the coat manageable.

The Maltese coat is single-layered, silky, and straight, growing long enough to touch the floor if left untrimmed. A full-length coat requires daily combing to prevent tangles and mats, plus regular bathing to keep the white coat clean. Most pet owners opt for a shorter puppy cut, which reduces grooming to brushing every two to three days. Tear staining around the eyes is a common cosmetic issue that requires daily cleaning.

Both breeds need regular dental care (small breeds are prone to dental disease), nail trimming every two to three weeks, and ear checks. If grooming time is a concern, the Havanese in a short clip is generally easier to maintain than a Maltese, even in a puppy cut, because the white coat shows dirt and staining more readily.

Health and Lifespan

Both breeds are generally healthy and long-lived, which is one of the advantages of toy breeds. However, each has breed-specific health concerns to be aware of.

Havanese health concerns:

• Luxating patella (kneecap dislocation)
• Hip dysplasia (uncommon but possible in the breed)
• Progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts
• Chondrodysplasia (a type of dwarfism)
• Heart murmurs

Maltese health concerns:

• Luxating patella
• Collapsed trachea
• Patent ductus arteriosus (a heart defect)
• Liver shunt (portosystemic shunt)
• Dental disease (small mouths lead to crowding)
• Hypoglycemia (especially in puppies and very small adults)

The Maltese’s smaller size makes them more vulnerable to hypoglycemia, tracheal collapse, and injury from falls or rough handling. The Havanese’s slightly larger, sturdier build gives them an edge in overall resilience. Both breeds benefit from regular veterinary checkups and health screening from a reputable breeder. If you are adopting, many rescue dogs come with veterinary records that can give you a health baseline.

Training and Intelligence

Both breeds are intelligent, but their training styles differ.

The Havanese is eager to please and highly trainable. They respond beautifully to positive reinforcement and enjoy the mental stimulation of learning new tricks and commands. They are one of the easier toy breeds to housetrain, though patience is still needed — small bladders mean more frequent trips outside.

The Maltese is intelligent but can be more independent-minded. They are not stubborn exactly, but they may decide that what you are asking is not as interesting as what they want to do. Consistent, patient, reward-based training works best. Housetraining can be more challenging with Maltese, and some owners find success with indoor potty options like pee pads or litter boxes as a supplement to outdoor training.

Both breeds can develop “small dog syndrome” — behavioral issues like excessive barking, guarding, and fearfulness — if they are not given the same boundaries and training expectations as larger dogs. Treat them like dogs, not dolls, and they will thrive.

Is the Havanese or Maltese Right for You?

Choose the Havanese if you want a sturdier toy breed, have children in the home, enjoy an active small dog who can join you on outings, or want a breed that is easier to housetrain and more adaptable to different environments.

Choose the Maltese if you prefer a smaller, quieter companion, live in a calm adult household, love the elegant white coat and do not mind the grooming commitment, or want a dog who is content being a devoted lap companion.

Both breeds do poorly when left alone for long periods and are prone to separation anxiety. If you work long hours outside the home, consider whether your schedule can accommodate a toy breed’s need for companionship. Check the Walk Me Home Rescue adoption page for Havanese, Maltese, and toy breed mixes looking for homes. You might also enjoy reading about the best dog breeds for owners who work full time to understand how toy breeds compare with other options.

Whichever breed you choose, you are getting a loyal, loving companion who will fill your home with warmth. Both the Havanese and Maltese have centuries of history as dedicated companion dogs, and they take that job very seriously. Consider visiting your dog care resources for more information on raising a happy, healthy toy breed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Havanese and Maltese hypoallergenic?

Both breeds are considered low-shedding and produce less dander than many other breeds, which is why they are often recommended for allergy sufferers. However, no dog breed is truly hypoallergenic. People with severe allergies should spend time around the specific breed before committing. Regular grooming and bathing reduce allergen levels significantly.

Which breed barks more?

Both breeds can be barkers, but the Maltese tends to be more vocal, especially in response to doorbells, strangers, and separation. The Havanese may bark to alert but is generally quieter and easier to redirect. Training and proper socialization reduce excessive barking in both breeds.

Can Havanese and Maltese live with cats?

Yes, both breeds typically do well with cats, especially when introduced properly. Neither breed has a strong prey drive. The Havanese’s friendly, adaptable nature and the Maltese’s calm demeanor both lend themselves to peaceful multi-pet households.

How much do Havanese and Maltese cost?

From a reputable breeder, Havanese typically range from $1,500 to $3,000, and Maltese from $1,500 to $4,000, with show-quality dogs commanding higher prices. Adopting through a breed-specific rescue is a wonderful alternative and typically costs $200 to $500, which usually includes spay/neuter, vaccinations, and microchipping.