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Havanese vs Maltese

Both are small, low-shedding, long-coated apartment dogs; the Havanese is more trainable and better with children, the Maltese smaller and more delicate.

Havanese profileMaltese profile

Verdict

The Havanese and the Maltese are small, affectionate companions with long coats that shed little but need steady combing. Both fit apartments, do best with someone at home most of the day and suit owners who enjoy grooming.

The Havanese is the easier match for a mixed household. It is a little larger at 7 to 13 pounds, scores higher for trainability and for children, rates well for first-time owners and barks less. It also wants a somewhat longer walk each day. The Maltese weighs 4 to 7 pounds and is gentle and attached, though bolder and more vocal. Its profile suggests an adult or senior household and calls it a poor match for homes with small children.

Choose the Havanese if

  • You want a friendly, trainable dog for a family with gentle children
  • You are a first-time owner who is home much of the day
  • You prefer a moderate barker
  • You can give 30 to 45 minutes of activity

Choose the Maltese if

  • You want the smallest, lightest lap companion
  • Your household is adults or seniors
  • You want the lowest shedding and enjoy daily brushing
  • You will keep a close, devoted dog company most of the day

Side by side

Havanese Maltese
AKC group Toy Group Toy Group
Size class Small Small
Typical weight 7 to 13 lb 4 to 7 lb
Height 8.5 to 11.5 in at the shoulder 7 to 9 in at the shoulder
Typical lifespan 14 to 16 years 12 to 15 years
AKC popularity, 2025 25 of 202 37 of 202
Shedding Light Minimal
Grooming needs High Very high
Energy Moderate Moderate
Trainability Easy Average
Barking Barks sometimes Barks often
With children Very good Fair
Apartment living Excellent Excellent
First-time owners Good Manageable
Heat tolerance Average Average
Cold tolerance Average Below average
Temperament
  • friendly
  • playful
  • intelligent
  • outgoing
  • sensitive
  • gentle
  • playful
  • charming
  • bold
  • attached
Health concerns to know about
  • patellar luxation
  • eye disease
  • heart murmurs
  • hip dysplasia
  • hearing loss
  • patellar luxation
  • dental disease
  • portosystemic shunt
  • tracheal collapse
  • white shaker syndrome
Suits
  • first-time owners
  • families
  • apartment dwellers who are home often
  • apartment dwellers
  • adults and older families
  • people who enjoy daily grooming

Facts and ratings come from each breed's profile. They describe a breed as a whole, and individual dogs vary, so meet the dog before you choose.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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