Havanese vs Maltipoo: What’s the Difference? (With Pictures)

When it comes to choosing the perfect small companion dog, many prospective owners find themselves torn between the charming Havanese and the adorable Maltipoo. While these two breeds share some similarities in size and general temperament, they also have their own unique histories, characteristics, and care requirements that are important to understand before making a decision.

As a veterinarian with extensive experience caring for both Havanese and Maltipoos, I‘m here to give you an in-depth comparison of these delightful breeds to help you determine which one might be the ideal fit for your lifestyle and family. We‘ll dive into their origins, physical attributes, personality traits, grooming needs, health concerns, and more. By the end, you should have a much clearer picture of what sets the Havanese and Maltipoo apart and which one tugs at your heartstrings the most.

Breed Histories and Origins

First, let‘s travel back in time to uncover the intriguing backgrounds of the Havanese and Maltipoo. The Havanese holds the distinction of being Cuba‘s only native dog breed, with a lineage thought to trace back to the Bichon family of small companion dogs brought over to Cuba by Spanish settlers in the 1500s. Over the centuries, the Havanese evolved from a pampered lapdog of the aristocracy to a versatile family pet, even serving as a circus performer thanks to their intelligence and trainability.

After the Cuban Revolution in 1959, some Havanese dogs were brought to the United States by their owners, and they have steadily gained popularity in America and Europe in recent decades. The Havanese joined the AKC‘s Toy Group in 1996 and has since climbed the rankings to become one of the top 25 most popular breeds in the U.S.

The Maltipoo, on the other hand, is a much more recent creation as a cross between a Maltese and a Toy or Miniature Poodle. This hybrid originated in the United States, likely within the past 20-30 years, as demand grew for so-called "designer dogs" that aimed to combine the most desirable traits of two purebreds.

As a mixed breed, Maltipoos are not recognized by the AKC, but they have become increasingly popular companions, especially among owners seeking a low-shedding, affectionate lap dog. The combination of the gentle, sweet-natured Maltese with the intelligent, non-shedding Poodle has proven to be a winning ticket for the Maltipoo.

Size, Appearance, and Coat

Moving on to physical characteristics, the Havanese and Maltipoo share a similarly small stature well-suited for life as a companion. Havanese typically stand 8.5 to 11.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 7 to 13 pounds, with females usually on the lower end of the range. They have a long, silky double coat that comes in a wide variety of colors, including white, cream, gold, black, blue, silver, and brown, often with various markings.

Maltipoos can have a slightly wider size range since they can be bred from either Toy or Miniature Poodles. On average, they stand 8 to 14 inches tall and weigh 5 to 20 pounds, with females again tending to be smaller. Their coat is usually medium-length, soft, and wavy or curly, reflecting the Poodle influence. Colors include white, cream, apricot, red, silver, brown, and black, sometimes solid and sometimes with markings.

It‘s worth noting that many Maltipoo owners and breeders claim they are hypoallergenic dogs due to the Poodle in their lineage. While no dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic, Maltipoos often inherit the Poodle‘s low-shedding coat, which can be a plus for allergy sufferers compared to the average shedding of the Havanese. However, the degree of Poodle vs. Maltese traits a Maltipoo displays can be unpredictable.

Temperament and Personality

When it comes to temperament, both the Havanese and Maltipoo are bred to be affectionate, social companion dogs that thrive on human interaction. They are known for their sweet, gentle dispositions and their ability to form strong bonds with their owners. These breeds typically get along well with children, adults, other dogs, and even cats when socialized properly.

That said, there are some nuances to each breed‘s personality. Havanese tend to be very outgoing, playful, and adaptable dogs with a zest for life and adventure. They are usually eager to meet new people and dogs, and they maintain their playful spirit well into adulthood. The Havanese also has a delightfully comical side, often entertaining their owners with goofy antics and tricks.

Maltipoos, while certainly affectionate with their families, tend to be a bit more reserved around strangers compared to the Havanese. They usually bond very closely with their owners and can be quite attached to them, which is part of what makes them such fantastic therapy and emotional support dogs. Some Maltipoos may bark when someone comes to the door, reflecting the more alert nature of the Maltese, but they are not considered effective guard dogs by any means.

Both breeds are sensitive souls who crave companionship and do not enjoy spending long periods alone. They can be prone to developing separation anxiety if not properly acclimated to alone time. Neither of these breeds is particularly vocal, but the Havanese may have a slightly greater tendency to bark, especially if bored or anxious.

Exercise Needs and Trainability

The Havanese and Maltipoo are both relatively low-key when it comes to exercise requirements, as is typical of small companion breeds. They have moderate energy levels and can typically meet their movement needs with indoor play sessions plus a daily walk of 20-30 minutes. Neither breed requires extensive outdoor space, making them well-suited for apartment and city living.

While they may be tiny, both breeds have keen minds and really enjoy mental stimulation. Puzzle toys, learning tricks, and participating in dog sports like agility or rally can go a long way in keeping them happy and out of trouble. The Havanese, in particular, is known for being an intelligent, curious breed that excels at trick training.

When it comes to general training, both the Havanese and Maltipoo tend to be very people-oriented dogs that are eager to please their owners, which can make the training process a real joy. They typically respond well to positive reinforcement methods using treats or favorite toys as rewards.

House training can sometimes be a challenge for toy breeds as they have small bladders and may need to go more frequently. Consistency, close supervision, and a regular potty schedule are key for both breeds. Starting early with socialization is also crucial to help them develop into confident, well-adjusted dogs.

Grooming and Care

One of the biggest differences between the Havanese and the Maltipoo is their grooming requirements. The Havanese is a relatively high-maintenance breed when it comes to coat care due to their long, silky double coat that is prone to tangling and matting if not brushed regularly. Daily brushing and combing is often required to keep their coat looking luxurious, and many owners opt to have the coat trimmed short to make upkeep more manageable.

The Maltipoo‘s coat is usually considered more low-maintenance, as they tend to inherit the Poodle‘s dense, curly, low-shedding coat. However, "low-shedding" does not mean "no-maintenance." Maltipoos still require regular brushing, likely every other day, to prevent matting. They may also need occasional trims to keep their coat looking neat and tidy.

Aside from coat care, both breeds have similar basic grooming needs. They should have their nails trimmed every 3-4 weeks, their ears checked and cleaned weekly to prevent infection, and their teeth brushed daily if possible (or at least several times a week) to promote dental health. Toy breeds are especially prone to dental disease, so establishing an oral care routine is crucial. Tear staining can also be a concern for both breeds, but regular cleaning around the eyes can help minimize unsightly stains.

Health and Lifespan

As with all purebreds and designer mixes, Havanese and Maltipoos can be predisposed to certain health conditions related to their size and lineage. Havanese are generally considered a sturdy, long-lived breed with an average life expectancy of 14-16 years. However, they can be prone to issues such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, chondrodysplasia (a form of dwarfism), heart murmurs, cataracts, and hypothyroidism.

Since Maltipoos are a crossbreed, their health can be influenced by inherited conditions from either parent breed. From the Maltese side, they may be prone to luxating patellas (kneecaps that slip out of place), dental disease, and White Shaker Syndrome (a neurological condition causing full-body tremors). Poodle-associated concerns include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and Von Willebrand‘s disease (a blood clotting disorder). The average lifespan for Maltipoos is 12-15 years.

For both breeds, working with a reputable breeder who health tests their breeding stock can help minimize the risk of inherited health problems. Regular vet check-ups, maintaining a healthy weight, and providing appropriate preventive care like vaccinations and parasite control are also key for promoting lifelong health.

Which Breed is Right for You?

Now that we‘ve explored the key traits of the Havanese and Maltipoo, you may be getting a clearer sense of which breed aligns best with your lifestyle and preferences. Both breeds can make wonderful companions for a variety of owners, but here are a few scenarios where one breed might have an edge:

• If you have moderate dog allergies: The Maltipoo‘s low-shedding coat may be easier on your allergies than the average-shedding Havanese. Spend time around each breed to see how you react.

• If you want a tiny travel buddy: The Havanese‘s outgoing, adventurous spirit can make them a fun sidekick for exploring new places and going on trips. They also tend to be very adaptable to new environments.

• If you want an intuitive therapy dog: The Maltipoo‘s strong bonds with their owners, combined with their gentle, sensitive nature, can make them excellent emotional support animals and therapy dogs.

• If you enjoy training and canine sports: The Havanese‘s intelligence, trainability, and playful personality can make them a star student in obedience classes, trick training, and dog sports like agility.

• If you prefer a lower-maintenance coat: While both breeds require regular grooming, the Maltipoo‘s coat may be easier to maintain than the Havanese‘s long, tangle-prone locks.

Of course, these are generalizations and every dog is an individual. The best way to choose between a Havanese and Maltipoo is to spend time with dogs of each breed, talk to experienced owners and breeders, and honestly evaluate what you want in a canine companion.

With their endearing looks, loving personalities, and convenient size, it‘s hard to go wrong with either a Havanese or Maltipoo. By providing them with proper training, socialization, grooming, and preventive care, you‘ll have an adoring best friend to share life‘s joys and sorrows for many years to come.