Havanese vs Maltese
Side-by-side comparison for prospective owners weighing both breeds.
| Trait | Havanese | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 7–13 lbs | 4–7 lbs |
| Lifespan | 14–16 yrs | 12–15 yrs |
| Est. monthly cost | $70–$130 | $70–$130 |
| Energy level | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Good with kids | ||
| Good with other pets | ||
| Vocalization |
Where Havanese and Maltese differ most
- Adult weight: Havanese 7–13 lbs · Maltese 4–7 lbsHavanese much heavier
- Grooming needs: Havanese 4/5 · Maltese 5/5Maltese more upkeep
- Trainability: Havanese 4/5 · Maltese 3/5Havanese easier to train
- Good with kids: Havanese 5/5 · Maltese 3/5Havanese rated higher
- Good with other pets: Havanese 4/5 · Maltese 3/5Havanese rated higher
- Vocalization: Havanese 3/5 · Maltese 4/5Maltese more vocal
Full trait-by-trait breakdown
| Trait | Havanese | Maltese | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult weight | 7–13 lbs | 4–7 lbs | Havanese much heavier |
| Energy level | 3/5 | 3/5 | About the same |
| Daily exercise | ~30 min | ~30 min | About the same |
| Grooming needs | 4/5 | 5/5 | Maltese more upkeep |
| Shedding | 1/5 | 1/5 | About the same |
| Trainability | 4/5 | 3/5 | Havanese easier to train |
| Good with kids | 5/5 | 3/5 | Havanese rated higher |
| Good with other pets | 4/5 | 3/5 | Havanese rated higher |
| Vocalization | 3/5 | 4/5 | Maltese more vocal |
| Lifespan | 14–16 yrs | 12–15 yrs | About the same |
| Est. monthly cost | $70–130 | $70–130 | About the same |
Which one should you choose?
Two toy companion breeds developed almost purely for closeness, making this a genuinely close call. Both carry long, silky coats that shed relatively little, appealing to allergy-sensitive households, though both require serious, consistent brushing to prevent matting regardless of that lighter shed. Temperament is warm and people-focused in each, with strong compatibility around children when supervised given their small size.
The Havanese is often considered slightly more playful and adaptable, sometimes described as having a bit more comic, springy energy, while the Maltese tends toward an even gentler, more classically lapdog-focused disposition. Health watch-points differ by lineage, worth discussing directly with a breeder for either.
The decision here often comes down to subtle personality preference and breeder availability rather than a clear practical divide, since coat care and family-friendliness are closely matched between the two.
Whichever breed fits your life, consider adoption or breed-specific rescue first — many purebred and mixed-breed dogs and cats are already waiting for homes.
General breed information, not veterinary advice — consult a vet for your pet's specific health, diet, and behavior needs.