ChihuahuaVSMaltese

The Chihuahua is known for being sassy, charming, graceful, while the Maltese is typically described as gentle, playful, charming. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

Both breeds share a similar playfulness level at 4/5, so you can expect comparable levels of fun and games from either one.

Noise-wise, the Chihuahua is more vocal with a barking level of 5/5, while the Maltese is quieter at 4/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Maltese may be the better choice.

The Chihuahua is a small breed standing 15–23 cm (6–9 in) tall and weighing 1–3 kg (2–7 lbs). In comparison, the Maltese is a small breed at 18–25 cm (7–10 in) and 1–3 kg (2–7 lbs).

These two breeds are quite similar in size, so space and food requirements will be comparable for either choice.

The Chihuahua has a short coat available in fawn, black, white, chocolate, cream, blue, while the Maltese sports a long coat in white. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Chihuahua has moderate energy (3/5) with low exercise needs (2/5). The Maltese has moderate energy (3/5) and low exercise needs (2/5).

Both breeds have similar exercise requirements, so your daily activity routine won't change much regardless of which you choose. Plan for regular walks and play sessions to keep either breed content.

When it comes to shedding, the Chihuahua drops more fur with a shedding level of 2/5, while the Maltese is lighter at 1/5. If pet hair on furniture is a concern, the Maltese will be easier to live with.

Grooming-wise, the Maltese needs more upkeep (5/5) than the Chihuahua (1/5). The Maltese's long coat demands regular professional grooming to stay in top shape.

Annual grooming costs average around $100 for the Chihuahua and $500 for the Maltese. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Chihuahua has a lifespan of 14–18 years, while the Maltese lives 12–15 years. The Chihuahua tends to live longer on average.

Both breeds score 3/5 for health robustness, meaning they share similar overall health profiles.

Common health issues for the Chihuahua include patellar luxation, heart disease, hydrocephalus, hypoglycemia. The Maltese is prone to patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt, progressive retinal atrophy, dental disease. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $450 for the Chihuahua and $450 for the Maltese. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

Training comes more naturally with the Maltese, which scores 3/5 for trainability. The Chihuahua's score of 2/5 means you may need more patience and consistency to see results.

The Maltese ranks higher in intelligence (4/5 vs 3/5), which can be both a blessing and a challenge. Smarter dogs learn commands faster but also get bored more easily and may develop behavioral issues without mental stimulation.

Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.

The Maltese is the more intelligent of the two, scoring 4/5 to the Chihuahua's 3/5. This means the Maltese generally picks up new commands faster and is better at figuring things out independently. On the flip side, their sharp mind needs regular engagement through puzzle toys, training games, and varied activities to prevent behavioral issues.

These breeds excel in different types of intelligence. The Chihuahua leans toward instinctive intelligence — naturally excelling at the tasks their breed was designed for, like guarding or herding. The Maltese, on the other hand, shows strong adaptive intelligence — figuring out new situations on their own and reading social cues effectively.

The Maltese's higher intelligence translates directly into better trainability (3/5 vs 2/5), making them both the quicker learner and the easier breed to train. This combination is ideal for owners who want a responsive, obedient companion.

For either breed, mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, scent work, and interactive toys keep intelligent dogs engaged and prevent the boredom that leads to chewing, digging, or excessive barking.

The Maltese edges ahead as a family dog, scoring 2/5 with children versus the Chihuahua's 1/5. The Maltese's gentle temperament makes it especially patient around kids.

If you have other pets, the Maltese tends to get along better with other dogs (3/5) than the Chihuahua (2/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Maltese is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The Maltese is more welcoming to strangers (4/5), while the Chihuahua tends to be more reserved (2/5). If you frequently have guests, the Maltese's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a Chihuahua ranges from $400–$1,500, while a Maltese typically costs $600–$2,500. The Maltese is the more expensive breed to purchase.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $790 for the Chihuahua and $1,250 for the Maltese. The Maltese costs more annually, largely because of higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $20 for the Chihuahua and $25 for the Maltese. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.