Havanese vs Maltese: What’s the Difference?

If you have always wanted to learn more about different types of lap dogs, what are all the differences between a Havanese vs Maltese? Both of these dogs are toy breeds and beloved for their companionship oh, but what are all of the things that separate them from one another, and what are all the things they have in common? 

In this article, we will compare and contrast everything you need to know about Havanese and Maltese dogs. We will go over their appearances so that you can learn how to tell them apart, as well as their size differences. We will also address what they were originally bred for along with their behavioral differences and life spans. Let’s get started and learn all about these two dogs now! 

Comparing Havanese vs Maltese

Key Differences Between Havanese vs Maltese

There are many key differences between Havanese and Maltese dogs. For example, Havanese dogs grow larger than Maltese dogs, in both size and weight. Maltese dogs only come in white fur colors, while Havanese dogs come in a variety of colors and patterns. While both of these dog breeds make fantastic home companions, the Havanese is more shy overall compared to the friendly Maltese. 

Let’s discuss all of these differences in more detail now. 

Havanese vs Maltese: Size

No matter what, the Havanese and the Maltese make ideal lap dogs for their sizes, but the Havanese grows larger than the Maltese on average. Either way, both of these dogs are considered toy or small dog breeds, but let’s go over their sizes in more detail now. 

The average Havanese grows anywhere from 8 to 11 inches tall, while the average Maltese reaches 7 to 9 inches tall. Additionally, Havanese weigh more than Maltese dogs. For example, Havanese dogs weigh anywhere from 7 to 13 pounds, while Maltese dogs weigh 5 to 7 pounds on average. Maltese dogs can even weigh less than 5 pounds when fully grown, making them significantly smaller than Havanese dogs. 

Havanese vs Maltese: Appearance

Both Maltese and Havanese are prized for their beautiful appearance and luxurious coats. However, there are some physical differences that separate them from one another. Maltese dogs only come in shades of white, while Havanese dogs come in a variety of colors and markings. But this isn’t where their differences end. 

The hair of a Maltese is always straight and silky, while the hair of the Havanese can be straight, curly, or wavy. However, Havanese dogs still have magnificent and long hair, just like Maltese dogs. Another physical difference between these two dogs is that Maltese noses are smaller compared to the elongated snout found on the Havanese. 

Havanese vs Maltese: Original Reason for Breeding

Given the sizes of both of these dogs, the original reason that they were bred is similar. Both Havanese and Maltese dogs are considered ancient breeds, bred in Cuba and Malta respectively. Plus, they were both bred as companion animals for royalty or wealthy people originally, though Maltese dogs were also used to hunt rodents on ships, while Havanese dogs were not. 

Havanese vs Maltese: Behavior

There are a few behavioral differences between Havanese and Maltese. The average Maltese dog enjoys their family and is relatively friendly to strangers, while Havanese dogs prefer a level of shyness and independence. However, Havanese dogs suffer from more separation anxiety and nervous behavior such as barking compared to the relatively mellow Maltese. 

This isn’t to say that Maltese dogs are entirely mellow or laid back. Both the Havanese and the Maltese need ample amounts of exercise in order to enjoy their lives, and the Maltese is regarded as an extremely active breed. Havanese dogs are often regarded as easier to train than Maltese dogs, though it all depends on your training abilities and individual dog. 

Havanese vs Maltese: Lifespan

A final difference between Havanese dogs and Maltese dogs is their life spans. Both of these dogs live incredibly long lives given the fact that they are toy breeds and small, and smaller breeds live longer than large dog breeds on average. However, there are some lifespan differences between these two dogs.

Maltese dogs live longer than Havanese dogs, though their lifespans overlap quite a bit. For example, Havanese dogs live an average of 12 to 15 years, while Maltese dogs live an average of 13 to 17 years. All of this depends on the individual dog and the care that the dog is receiving. Adequate exercise and nutrition is key to ensuring that your Maltese or Havanese live a long and happy life!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Dorottya Mathe/Shutterstock.com