Havanese vs Maltese — Complete Comparison
Choosing between the Havanese and the Maltese comes down to lifestyle fit, living space, and the time you can commit to training and grooming. Both breeds are small-sized dogs, so their space and feeding requirements are broadly similar. Both breeds have comparable exercise needs, though individual dogs will vary. The Havanese is generally the better choice for families with young children.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Bold green indicates the better result for that trait. Exercise, grooming and shedding: lower is easier to manage. Trainability and lifespan: higher is better.
Health Comparison
Understanding each breed's health profile helps owners budget for insurance, schedule appropriate screening, and make informed decisions before purchasing.
Havanese (5 conditions)
Conditions shared by both breeds: patellar luxation , progressive retinal atrophy .
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Based on data across health, exercise, trainability, and temperament, here is how the two breeds compare across common owner priorities:
Explore Each Breed in Depth
Havanese
The Havanese is Cuba's national dog, the only breed native to that island nation, descended from Bichon-type dogs brough…
Maltese
One of the oldest toy breeds, the Maltese has been a prized companion of Mediterranean nobility since ancient times, dep…
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger — a Havanese or a Maltese?
The Havanese is the larger breed, typically weighing 3–6 kg compared to the Maltese's 1.4–3.2 kg.
Which breed lives longer — Havanese or Maltese?
The Havanese generally has a longer lifespan (14–16 years) compared to the Maltese (12–15 years). Smaller breeds typically outlive larger ones, and individual genetics, diet, and preventive care all play significant roles.
Are Havaneses or Malteses easier to train?
Both the Havanese and Maltese have comparable trainability (4/5). Consistent positive reinforcement methods work well for both breeds.
Which needs more grooming — Havanese or Maltese?
The Maltese requires considerably more grooming (5/5) than the Havanese (4/5). The Maltese's long silky single coat needs more frequent brushing and professional grooming to stay in good condition.
Which breed is better for families — Havanese or Maltese?
The Havanese is generally the more family-friendly choice. The Maltese can still be a good family companion but may require more careful socialisation around children.
Do Havaneses and Malteses have the same health problems?
Some health conditions are shared between both breeds, including patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy. The Havanese has 5 documented conditions overall and the Maltese has 5. Pet insurance is strongly recommended for both.
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