HavaneseVSMaltese

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

When it comes to playfulness, the Havanese has the edge with a 5/5 rating compared to the Maltese's 4/5. If you're looking for a dog that's always ready for a game of fetch, the Havanese is your pick.

Noise-wise, the Maltese is more vocal with a barking level of 4/5, while the Havanese is quieter at 3/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Havanese may be the better choice.

The Havanese is a small breed standing 22–29 cm (9–11 in) tall and weighing 3–6 kg (7–13 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 Havanese has a long coat available in white, black, havana brown, fawn, tobacco, while the Maltese sports a long coat in white. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Havanese 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.

Both breeds shed at a similar rate (1/5), so you can expect comparable amounts of loose fur from either one.

Grooming-wise, the Maltese needs more upkeep (5/5) than the Havanese (4/5). The Maltese's long coat demands regular professional grooming to stay in top shape.

Annual grooming costs average around $400 for the Havanese and $500 for the Maltese. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Havanese has a lifespan of 13–15 years, while the Maltese lives 12–15 years. The Havanese tends to live longer on average.

In terms of overall health robustness, the Havanese scores 4/5 compared to the Maltese's 3/5. The Havanese is generally a hardier breed with fewer genetic health concerns.

Common health issues for the Havanese include patellar luxation, cataracts, deafness, heart murmurs. 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 $400 for the Havanese and $450 for the Maltese. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

The Havanese is easier to train with a trainability score of 4/5, making it more suitable for first-time dog owners. The Maltese scores 3/5 and may require more patience and experience during training sessions.

Both breeds match in intelligence at 4/5, so expect similar learning speeds and mental stimulation needs from either choice.

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.

Both the Havanese and Maltese score 4/5 for intelligence, putting them on equal footing mentally. They'll learn commands at similar speeds and need comparable amounts of mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.

Both breeds share a similar intelligence profile rooted in adaptive intelligence. Both are skilled at reading human emotions, adapting to new environments, and solving everyday problems on their own.

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.

For families with children, the Havanese is the stronger choice, scoring 5/5 for kid-friendliness compared to the Maltese's 2/5. The Havanese's cheerful nature makes it a natural fit for households with young ones.

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

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

The initial purchase price for a Havanese ranges from $1,000–$2,500, while a Maltese typically costs $600–$2,500. The Havanese has a higher upfront cost.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,160 for the Havanese and $1,250 for the Maltese. The Maltese costs more annually, largely because of grooming expenses.

Monthly food costs run about $30 for the Havanese 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.