Havanese vs Maltese: An In-Depth Guide for Dog Lovers

As a lifelong dog lover and veterinarian, I‘m often asked for my opinion on different breeds. Two toy breeds that frequently come up in conversation are the Havanese and Maltese. While these charming companion dogs have some similarities, there are also notable differences to consider when choosing between them. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll dive into the history, characteristics, care requirements, and ideal lifestyle fit for Havanese and Maltese dogs.

Breed Histories and Development

Havanese

The Havanese has a fascinating history as the only native dog breed of Cuba. These small, silky-coated dogs are descended from Bichon-type dogs brought to Cuba by Spanish colonizers in the 1500s. The Havanese thrived as beloved companions to wealthy Cuban families for hundreds of years. After the Cuban Revolution, some of these dogs were brought to the United States by their owners. The Havanese was nearly extinct by the 1970s but dedicated breeders have ensured its survival and growing popularity.

Today, the Havanese ranks as the 24th most popular breed in the U.S. according to AKC registration statistics. These vivacious, outgoing little dogs have won many hearts with their happy-go-lucky personalities and adaptability to various environments.

Maltese

The Maltese is an ancient breed with a long and noble history. Although its exact origins are unknown, the Maltese type has existed for millennia, with artifacts depicting these small white dogs dating back to 600 B.C. It‘s theorized that the breed originated in the central Mediterranean area, likely Italy or the island of Malta.

Throughout history, Maltese dogs have been prized as status symbols by aristocrats and royalty. Even before the time of Christ, they were popular trade dogs for their desirable size and appearance. The Maltese came to America in the late 1800s and was recognized by the AKC in 1888. The breed remains popular to this day, ranking 37th out of 204 AKC-recognized breeds in 2022.

Physical Characteristics

Let‘s take a closer look at how these two breeds compare in size, appearance, coat type, and color:

Size

Both breeds are members of the toy group, but the Havanese is slightly larger on average.

Breed	Height	Weight
Havanese	8.5-11.5 inches	7-13 pounds
Maltese	Under 7-9 inches	Under 7 pounds (4-6 lbs preferred)

The Havanese also has a slightly longer body in proportion to its height compared to the square, compact Maltese.

Coats

One of the most striking features of both the Havanese and Maltese is their gorgeous coat. Both breeds have a single coat of long, silky hair that continuously grows and requires frequent grooming. The texture is soft and light rather than harsh or woolly. Neither breed sheds much, which can make them a good choice for allergy sufferers, although no dog is 100% hypoallergenic.

Coat Color:

• Havanese: Comes in a rainbow of colors including white, cream, gold, black, blue, silver, chocolate, and any combination thereof. Parti-colors and tri-colors are common.
• Maltese: Coat is ideally solid white according to the breed standard. Some Maltese may have slight lemon or tan shadings on the ears but this is less desirable in the show ring.

Temperament and Personality

Bred for centuries as devoted companion dogs, the Havanese and Maltese share many endearing qualities:

Trait	Havanese	Maltese
Affectionate	Loving and attentive to family	Bonds deeply, thrives on attention
Playful	Active and enthusiastic playmate	Enjoys play but less high-energy
Intelligent	Quick learner, very trainable	Smart but can be stubborn
Adaptable	Adjusts readily to new situations	Does well in variety of homes
Kid-friendly	Typically good with children	Suitable with gentle kids over 6
Pet-friendly	Gets along with other animals	Usually fine with other pets

While both breeds adore their people, the Havanese tends to be more of a social butterfly, openly friendly with strangers and eager to please. Maltese are more reserved with unfamiliar people and can become very attached to their owners. They are prone to separation anxiety if left alone too long.

As a veterinarian and dog trainer, I‘ve found Havanese easier to train on average due to their responsiveness and work ethic. Maltese are certainly intelligent but may be more independent-minded. Positive reinforcement methods work best for both breeds.

Exercise Needs

Although the Havanese and Maltese are small dogs, they still require daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Here‘s what to expect:

Havanese

Havanese are energetic and athletic little dogs that need a moderate amount of daily exercise. Aim for:

• 20-30 minute brisk walk
• Playtime in a securely fenced yard
• Games of fetch, hide-and-seek, tug
• Learning tricks and puzzle toys for mental exercise

Havanese excel at dog sports like agility, rally obedience, and musical canine freestyle. They make fantastic trick dogs due to their smarts and eagerness to please. This is a great way to burn off their energy and strengthen your bond.

Maltese

The Maltese doesn‘t require as much exercise as the Havanese but still benefits from daily walks and playtime. Provide:

• 15-20 minute leisurely walk once or twice per day
• Short indoor or outdoor play sessions
• Mental stimulation with food puzzles, training games

Some Maltese enjoy participating in dog sports as well but they generally prefer being a lapdog to being an athlete. Regular exercise helps keep these little dogs fit.

Grooming Requirements

The gorgeous silky coat of the Havanese and Maltese doesn‘t come without effort. Both breeds require extensive grooming and coat maintenance. Here‘s an overview:

Grooming Task	Havanese	Maltese
Brushing	Daily to prevent matting	Daily with pin brush and comb
Bathing	Every 1-2 weeks	Weekly to biweekly
Haircuts	Teddy bear, puppy cut common	Show coat or puppy cut
Nail trims	Every 2-4 weeks	Every 2-4 weeks
Dental care	Brush teeth 2-3 times per week	Brush teeth 2-3 times per week
Ear cleaning	Check/clean weekly	Check/clean weekly
Tear stains	Wipe face daily	Wipe face daily, may need special products

Unless you plan to learn how to groom your Havanese or Maltese yourself, expect regular trips to the groomer every 4-6 weeks. Many owners prefer to keep their dog in a shorter puppy cut for easier maintenance between professional groomings.

As a veterinarian, I can‘t stress enough the importance of getting your Havanese or Maltese puppy used to being handled, brushed, and groomed from a young age. Make it a positive experience with plenty of praise and treats. This will make grooming less stressful for everyone.

Health Concerns

Both the Havanese and Maltese are generally healthy breeds with an average lifespan of 12-15 years. Like many small breed dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues including:

Health Issue	Havanese	Maltese
Dental disease	Prone to tartar buildup, gingivitis	Prone to tartar buildup, gingivitis
Luxating patella	Kneecap dislocation	Kneecap dislocation
Tracheal collapse	Windpipe collapses inward	Windpipe collapses inward
Liver shunt	Portosystemic shunt possible	Portosystemic shunt more common
Eye issues	Cataracts, retinal atrophy, cherry eye	Tear duct problems, eye infections
Orthopedic issues	Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, Legg-Calve-Perthes	Occasionally luxating shoulders
Other	Deafness, heart murmurs, hypothyroidism	White dog shaker syndrome, reverse sneezing

While this may seem like a long list, keep in mind that many individual dogs will never develop these problems. The key is to find a responsible breeder who performs health screenings on their dogs and breeds for sound temperament and structure. This stacks the odds in your favor of getting a healthy puppy.

As a veterinarian, I recommend taking your Havanese or Maltese for annual check-ups (twice a year for seniors) and keeping up with preventive care like vaccinations, parasite control, and dental cleanings. Catching any health issues early allows for prompt treatment and a better outcome.

Ideal Home Environment

Now that we‘ve covered the essentials about the Havanese and Maltese, let‘s look at what type of living situation best suits each breed.

Havanese

The happy-go-lucky Havanese is an adaptable dog that can thrive in many types of households. Their friendly, outgoing nature makes them a good fit for:

• Families with older children
• Multi-pet homes
• First-time dog owners
• City dwellers in apartments or condos
• Active adults and seniors

Despite their small size, Havanese have a surprising amount of energy and love being included in their family‘s daily activities. They need an owner who is around often to provide companionship, playtime, and exercise.

Maltese

The gentle, affectionate Maltese is an ideal lapdog for a quieter household. These little charmers do best with:

• Adults, couples, empty-nesters, seniors
• Families with gentle, respectful children over age 6
• Someone home during the day
• A relatively calm, low-traffic home environment
• Patient, attentive owners

Potential Maltese owners should know that these dogs bond very closely to their people and can become anxious and clingy if left alone too much. Early socialization and alone-time training is a must to prevent separation anxiety from developing.

With their portable size, both breeds make great travel companions and do well in smaller spaces as long as they get adequate exercise and human interaction. Access to a securely fenced yard is a bonus but not a requirement.

Finding a Havanese or Maltese

If you‘ve decided that a Havanese or Maltese is the right dog for you, congratulations! Your next step is to find a well-bred puppy or adopt a dog from a rescue. Here are some tips:

• Breeder referrals: Contact the national parent breed clubs (Havanese Club of America, American Maltese Association) for a list of reputable breeders in your area. Avoid pet stores and online ads.

• Health screenings: Ethical breeders perform health tests on their dogs before breeding and are happy to share the results. Walk away if a breeder can‘t provide health clearances.

• Meeting the parents: Arrange to meet the puppy‘s parents (at least the mom) to evaluate their temperament and appearance. Well-bred Havanese and Maltese are friendly, social, and structurally sound.

• Puppy development: Havanese and Maltese puppies should stay with their mother and littermates until at least 8-12 weeks old for proper socialization. Be wary of breeders who are eager to send puppies home earlier.

• Rescue organizations: Search online for Havanese or Maltese rescue groups in your area. Adopting an older dog allows you to skip the puppy stage and select an adult temperament that fits your lifestyle.

By doing your homework upfront, you‘re more likely to end up with a healthy, well-adjusted Havanese or Maltese that will bring you joy for years to come.

Conclusion

As a lifelong dog lover and veterinarian, I can honestly say that both the Havanese and Maltese are delightful breeds that make wonderful companions. They may be small in stature but they have an outsized capacity for love and devotion to their families.

While these breeds share some core similarities, the gregarious Havanese may be better suited for a more active lifestyle while the cuddly Maltese prefers a quieter, calmer environment. Grooming requirements, trainer ability, and overall energy levels are all important factors to weigh.

Whichever breed you choose, do your research to find a responsible breeder or reputable rescue organization. Prepare your home with appropriate supplies and brush up on your positive training techniques. Most importantly, get ready to open your heart to the joy, laughter, and unconditional love that a Havanese or Maltese will undoubtedly bring to your life.