Havanese vs. Maltese — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 18, 2024
Havanese and Maltese are both small, affectionate toy breeds; Havanese have a longer, silkier coat and a sturdier body, while Maltese are known for their pure white, straight, and silky fur.
Difference Between Havanese and Maltese
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Key Differences
The Havanese breed features a longer, double-layered coat that can come in a variety of colors and patterns, and is known for its silky, slightly wavy appearance. On the other hand, the Maltese boasts a glamorous pure white, single-layer coat that is long and straight, often requiring frequent grooming to maintain its elegant look.
Havanese dogs are adaptable and sturdy with a playful and affectionate temperament, making them excellent family pets. Whereas, Maltese are often more delicate and may prefer a quieter environment, though they are equally affectionate and bond closely with their owners.
In terms of size, Havanese typically weigh between 7 to 13 pounds and stand about 8.5 to 11.5 inches tall at the shoulder. In contrast, Maltese usually weigh under 7 pounds and their height ranges from 7 to 9 inches, making them one of the smallest of the toy breeds.
Havanese are known for their strong social skills and do well in homes with children and other pets, thriving on companionship. Maltese, while also social, can be more reserved around strangers and might be more suitable for households without small children due to their small size and more fragile build.
Both breeds are intelligent and responsive to training; however, Havanese might be slightly easier to train due to their eager-to-please attitude. Maltese can be stubborn at times, but with positive reinforcement, they also respond well to training.
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Comparison Chart
Coat Type
Long, silky, wavy, double-layered
Long, straight, silky, single-layered
Color Varieties
Various colors and patterns
Pure white
Size
7-13 pounds, 8.5-11.5 inches tall
Under 7 pounds, 7-9 inches tall
Temperament
Playful, sociable, sturdy
Delicate, affectionate, can be reserved
Training Ease
Generally easier to train
Responsive but can be stubborn
Compare with Definitions
Havanese
Sociable.
Havanese dogs are sociable and enjoy the company of children and other pets.
Maltese
Delicate.
The Maltese can be quite delicate, requiring careful handling.
Havanese
Double-layered coat.
The Havanese's double-layered coat provides extra insulation and protection.
Maltese
Toy breed.
As a toy breed, the Maltese is an ideal lap dog.
Havanese
Eager to please.
Training a Havanese is enjoyable as they are eager to please their owners.
Maltese
Silky coat.
The Maltese's silky coat requires regular grooming to prevent tangles.
Havanese
Toy breed.
The Havanese, a toy breed, is perfectly sized for apartment living.
Maltese
Responsive to training.
Maltese are responsive to training, especially when motivated by praise.
Havanese
Sturdy.
Despite their small size, Havanese are surprisingly sturdy and robust.
Maltese
Reserved.
Maltese might be reserved around strangers, preferring familiar faces.
Havanese
A dog of a small breed developed in Cuba, having drooping ears, a long silky coat, and a plumed tail carried over the back.
Maltese
Of or relating to Malta or its people, language, or culture.
Havanese
Of or pertaining to Havana, in Cuba.
Maltese
A native or inhabitant of Malta.
Maltese
A person of Maltese ancestry.
Maltese
The Semitic language of the people of Malta, which developed from the Arabic spoken by medieval Arabic-speaking settlers and contains many loanwords from Italian. Maltese and English are the official languages of Malta.
Maltese
A dog of a toy breed having a long silky white coat. The breed was developed in the Mediterranean region and has long been associated with Malta.
Maltese
A Maltese cat.
Maltese
Of or pertaining to Malta or to its inhabitants.
Maltese
Breed of toy dogs having a long straight silky white coat
Maltese
Of or relating to the island or republic of Malta or its inhabitants;
Maltese customs officers
Common Curiosities
How do the exercise needs of Havanese and Maltese compare?
Both breeds have moderate exercise needs but will enjoy daily walks and playtime; Havanese may have slightly higher energy levels.
What are the grooming needs of a Havanese compared to a Maltese?
Havanese require regular brushing to manage their wavy, double-layered coat, while Maltese need frequent grooming to maintain their long, straight, white coat.
Are Havanese good for allergy sufferers?
Havanese are considered good for allergy sufferers due to their coat type, similar to Maltese, which are also known for being hypoallergenic.
Can Maltese handle cold weather?
Maltese can be sensitive to cold due to their single-layered coat and small size; they often need sweaters or coats in colder climates.
Do Maltese get along with other pets?
Maltese generally get along with other pets if socialized properly, though their small size can make them vulnerable around larger animals.
Are Maltese good for first-time dog owners?
Maltese can be great for first-time owners who are able to meet their grooming and delicate handling needs.
Which breed is better for families with kids?
Havanese are generally better for families with kids due to their sturdier and more sociable nature, whereas Maltese are more delicate.
Are Havanese easy to find in rescues?
Havanese may be somewhat harder to find in rescues compared to more common breeds, including Maltese.
What is the average lifespan of a Havanese?
Havanese typically live between 14 to 16 years.
How much does a Maltese puppy cost compared to a Havanese?
The cost of Maltese and Havanese puppies can vary widely, but Maltese might be slightly more expensive on average due to their popularity.
What training challenges might owners face with Havanese?
While Havanese are eager to please, they can sometimes be distracted easily, requiring consistent, patient training.
Which breed is more prone to health issues?
Both breeds can be prone to specific health issues, but Maltese may be more susceptible to problems related to their delicate build.
How social are Havanese compared to Maltese?
Havanese are generally more sociable and adaptable to various environments and situations compared to the more reserved Maltese.
What kind of diet is best for a Havanese?
Havanese do well on a high-quality, appropriately portioned diet to maintain their energy and coat health.
How often should Maltese be bathed?
Maltese should be bathed regularly, about every three to four weeks, to keep their coat clean and white.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
