Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Havanese vs. Maltese: The Key Differences (With Info & Pictures)

Havanese vs. Maltese

The Havanese and Maltese are small breeds, and both are affectionate, loyal, and intelligent. They even look alike! But while there are similarities between these two dogs, there are also a few differences to be aware of. As a prospective pet owner, you owe it to yourself and your new pup to learn all that you can about the Havanese and the Maltese before deciding which breed is right for your household.

divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

Visual Differences

Dogster_Side by Side Comparison_Havanese vs Maltese

At a Glance

Havanese
  • Average height (adult): 8½–11½ inches
  • Average weight (adult): 7–13 pounds
  • Lifespan: 14–16 years
  • Exercise: About 30 minutes a day
  • Grooming needs: Moderate
  • Family-friendly: Often
  • Other pet-friendly: Often
  • Trainability: Intelligent, focused, sometimes stubborn
Maltese
  • Average height (adult): 8–10 inches
  • Average weight (adult): 6.5–9 pounds
  • Lifespan: 12–15 years
  • Exercise: About 30 minutes a day
  • Grooming needs: Moderate
  • Family-friendly: Yes
  • Other pet-friendly: Often
  • Trainability: Smart, loyal, attentive

divider dog paws 2 oct 2024

Havanese Overview

orange havanese puppy dog
Image Credit by: Dorrotya Mathe, Shutterstock

As the National Dog of Cuba, the Havanese was first bred in Havana during the 16th century. They were renowned for their small size and gentle disposition and grew in popularity throughout the country. In the 18th century, this little dog was introduced to other parts of the world, including France, Spain, and England, via ships. The Havanese became all the rage in England, and Queen Victoria proudly kept two of her own. Eventually, they made their way to the United States, where they remain beloved pets today.

Personality / Character

The Havanese has a reputation for being super friendly and outgoing. These sociable dogs are generally good with children and other pets alike, and they enjoy being outdoors and traveling with their human companions. They can sometimes be stubborn, especially during training sessions. Therefore, patience is sometimes necessary. These excitable dogs don’t need much space to run and play due to their size, but they definitely tend to look for a lap to snooze during their downtime.

Black Havanese
Image Credit by: JACLOU DL, Pixabay

Training

This small dog breed is as willing and able to participate in obedience and agility training from the time that they are puppies. Their attentive personality makes it easy to maintain control, though they do have a stubborn side that can become a problem if too many distractions are happening around them. They tend to learn quickly, but they seem to take longer than some other breeds to house train. Consistency is essential.

Exercise

Like all breeds, the Havanese require daily exercise to stay healthy, strong, and happy throughout their life. Fortunately, they don’t need that much. A 20-minute walk and at least 10 minutes of active playtime can keep this breed in good shape. That said, trips to the dog park, visits to the beach, and hikes in the woods are all activities that most Havanese enjoy. Hide-and-seek and puzzle toys are great exercise options when it is not possible to go outdoors.

black and white havanese puppy dog is standing in the grass
Image Credit: Dorottya Mathe, Shutterstock

Grooming

A Havanese has a silky coat that’s soft to the touch, but it can get tangled and knotted if it is not combed or brushed regularly. Owners should aim to brush their pet at least twice a week to keep the coat soft and luxurious. These dogs naturally have long hair, but they can get haircuts for easier maintenance and a cooling effect during the summer months. This breed typically doesn’t shed much, whether their coat is kept long or short.

Health Conditions

The Havanese is a generally healthy and lively breed. However, depending on breeding practices and environment, they may be predisposed to a few health conditions.

The conditions that prospective owners should be aware of include:
  • Luxating patella
  • Hip and elbow dysplasia
  • Deafness
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Allergies

Suitable For:

Havanese dogs are wonderful family pets that can get along well in households with or without kids. They also make great companions for seniors who live alone. These dogs can live in apartment and house settings and don’t need a yard to hang out in, though they do need to get outdoors for exercise and play daily.

divider dog paws 2 oct 2024

Maltese Overview

Young maltese dog in a meadow
Image Credit: Dora Zett, Shutterstock

It is believed that the Maltese is thousands of years old and was traded at the crossroads of Malta, where pilgrims, merchants, and explorers from around the world would gather to barter. According to the American Kennel Club, Maltese were likely introduced to Malta before the rise of Greece by the Phoenicians. However, there are many different scholars with theories about the Maltese’s history, with some saying that they were conceived in Egypt, and others theorizing that the Alps was the breed’s origin.

Personality / Character

These adorable dogs are highly affectionate, smart, and impressively responsive to their human companions. They tend to be trusting, even of strangers, so it’s important to keep a close eye on them when they’re out in public. These lively dogs love to play and learn new tricks. They can be snappy with young children if there’s teasing, tail pulling, and all-around rowdiness. Overall, though, these dogs are joys to spend time with.

maltese dog in obedience training outdoor
Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

Training

The Maltese is an outgoing breed that takes well to training, especially if it starts while they are still puppies. One thing for owners to keep in mind is that these dogs have a way of getting what they want, and they try to do their own thing occasionally. Therefore, training should be ongoing throughout their life, which means commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” should be practiced regularly.

Exercise

Like the Havanese, the Maltese needs about 30 minutes of exercise each day to ensure a high quality of life. They enjoy moderate strolls around the neighborhood, games of fetch in the yard, and time on an agility course (a DIY course in the backyard works fine!). They also like to explore their fenced yard during the day. Without daily exercise, these dogs can get destructive due to pent-up energy and boredom.

cute female maltese dog
Image Credit: tsik, Shutterstock

Grooming

Maltese have long, luscious hair like Havanese do. Therefore, they require brushing at least twice a week. Their coats can be trimmed or cut to a style for easier grooming, and baths should be given only when they are visually dirty. Too much bathing can lead to dry skin and a brittle coat that is not pleasant to brush or stroke.

Health Conditions

The Maltese breed is susceptible to a few health conditions, and knowing about them can help owners catch them early so healthcare can be started before things get too serious.

The conditions that you should know about are:
  • Collapsed trachea
  • Reverse sneezing
  • White dog shaker syndrome
  • Progressive retinal atrophy
  • Luxating patella

Suitable For:

The Maltese is a great dog for families with older kids, singles, and seniors. They can be snappy with young children and should be supervised whenever they’re around them. That said, these are fun-loving dogs that are loyal to their human companions and love social settings. When socialized from a young age, they can enjoy meeting new dogs and don’t mind living with other household pets. They can live in apartments or houses, though they prefer having a fenced yard to play in.

divider dog paws oct 2024

Which Breed Is Right for You?

Havanese vs. Maltese
Image Credit by: Left: (michaelheim, Shutterstock); Right: (Tomsickova Tatyana, Shutterstock)

Deciding whether the Maltese or Havanese is the right dog for your household comes down to your preferences. It’s a good idea to spend time with each breed to get a feel for their personalities and temperaments. Keep in mind that every dog is unique, no matter their breed, so just because one Maltese or Havanese doesn’t meld with your family doesn’t mean another won’t.

Related Reads:


Featured Image Credit: Top – Havanese (Dennis Bautista, Pexels) | Bottom – Maltese (dole777, Unsplash)

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Do Dogs Pee in the Pool? Vet-Verified Behavior Facts

It is no secret that some humans pee in pools, even if the thought is gross to you. However, many of us have...

National Catahoula Leopard Dog Day 2025: What It Is & When to Celebrate

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a working dog with the honor of being the only dog breed to have originated in Louisiana. These...

Reactive vs Aggressive Dog: Vet-Reviewed Differences

Perhaps you’ve heard the terms “reactive dog” or “aggressive dog.” Most people know what an aggressive dog looks like, but do you know...

Do Dogs Need a Water Fountain? Vet Reviewed Pros & Cons

Generally, dogs do not need a water fountain. Most dogs will readily drink from a water bowl, unlike cats, who may ignore a...

More related

Roeckl Sports Winter Glove Review 2025: Keeping Your Dog-Walking Hands Fashionably Warm

Winter has come – at least, in some parts of the world! Bitter chills and snow quickly replaced hot summer days in many...

How to Stop Your Dog From Digging: 9 Effective Vet-Approved Tips

A lot of dogs love to dig, but while it can feel like they are doing it just to ruin your perfectly landscaped...

Why Does My Dog Hop Like a Bunny? Vet-Reviewed Health Considerations

Have you ever witnessed your dear dog jumping like a rabbit? While this could just be silly, exuberant behavior from your beloved pup,...

Thai vs Rhodesian Ridgeback: Breed Comparison (With Pictures)

The Thai Ridgeback and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are two breeds named for their distinct ridge of hair growing in the opposite direction. With...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Have Olive Oil? Vet-Verified Health Facts & FAQ

You’ve undoubtedly heard of the benefits of olive oil on human cardiovascular health. Research has also shown it has anti-inflammatory properties, contains antioxidants, and may help protect against or treat a variety of conditions in people, including rheumatoid arthritis, cancer,...

olive oil

Nulo Dog Food Review: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Nulo was created with quality care for dogs in mind. Its founder realized that there weren’t enough care options available for dogs for last-minute requests. He also noticed that there was a bit of a health crisis in...

Dogster_Nulo Dog Food Review

What Can Be Mixed With Dry Dog Food? 25 Vet-Approved Suggestions

If you’re like most dog owners, you want what’s best for your furry friend, including a healthy diet with plenty of nutrients and protein. But, should your pup eat only the same dry food day in and day out? Absolutely...

dachshund dog eating from elevated bowl

How to Boil Chicken for Dogs: A 5-Step Vet-Approved Guide

Good nutrition is important to not only human beings but animals as well. It’s the reason why their bodies can fight foreign invaders such as fungi, parasites, viruses, and even bacteria daily. Chicken is a great, healthy food for dogs—provided...

pieces of white chicken meat are boiled in a saucepan

10 Best Dog Foods for Aussiedoodles in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Congrats on your Aussiedoodle! They’re very intelligent dogs with an eye for detail and a passion for people. If you’re wondering about what kind of food to feed your special dog, you’ve come to the right place. While there aren’t...

Merle Aussiedoodle

Can Dog Food Cause Seizures? Vet-Approved Facts & Info

Seizures are often a scary experience for both dogs and dog owners. They can be particularly challenging to address because they appear suddenly, and it is often difficult to determine what caused them. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, can...

Golden Retriever dog eating

Can Dogs Eat Pita Chips? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Made with flour, water, yeast, and salt, pita is a simple snack originally by the Middle East and Mediterranean cultures that easily assimilates into most meals and party foods. Whether you prefer to use it as a mini pizza crust...

Can Dogs Eat Pita Chips

How to Tell If Dry Dog Food Has Gone Bad? Signs & 9 Tips to Keep It Fresh

Something you may not think about that often is the expiration date of your dry dog food. And some pet owners may even think that dry dog food stays fresh for way longer than it does. Unlike wet dog food,...

A small dog refuses to eat dog food