Maltese vs Havanese 2026

by

Maltese vs Havanese: Which Dog Is Right for You in 2026?

Both the Maltese and Havanese are excellent dogs — the right choice depends entirely on your lifestyle. The Maltese wins for owners who want ancient, silky-white toy companion breed beloved for millennia, while the Havanese is the better pick for those seeking Cuba’s national dog — cheerful, people-oriented toy companion with silky coat. Read the full breakdown below to find your match.

Characteristic Maltese Havanese
Size Toy Toy–Small
Weight (adult) Under 7 lbs 7–13 lbs
Lifespan 12–15 yrs 14–16 yrs
Energy Level Low–Moderate Moderate
Shedding Very Low Low
Trainability Good Good
Good with Kids Moderate (fragile; best with gentle older kids) Excellent
Barking Tendency High Moderate
Grooming Needs High High
Est. Monthly Cost $100–$260 $110–$270

Size & Appearance

The Maltese is a toy dog weighing Under 7 lbs, known for its gentle and distinctive appearance. The Havanese is a toy–small breed weighing 7–13 lbs, with a look that reflects its sociable character.

Size matters for practical reasons: food costs, space requirements, and how the dog interacts physically with children all scale with body weight. If you live in an apartment or have limited space, the smaller of the two may be the pragmatic choice. Both breeds fit comfortably in suburban family settings when their exercise needs are met.

Temperament & Personality

Maltese Temperament

The Maltese is described as gentle, playful, charming, fearless, responsive. Ancient, silky-white toy companion breed beloved for millennia. This breed forms strong bonds with family members and generally does well in social settings. Their personality makes them apartments.

Havanese Temperament

The Havanese is known for being sociable, playful, affectionate, adaptable, charming. Cuba’s national dog — cheerful, people-oriented toy companion with silky coat. This breed’s character lends itself to apartments households that can match their needs.

Bottom line: Both are rewarding companions. The Maltese suits owners who want ancient, silky-white toy companion breed beloved for millennia, while the Havanese is better for those seeking Cuba’s national dog — cheerful, people-oriented toy companion with silky coat.

Health & Lifespan

Maltese Health

  • Lifespan: 12–15 yrs
  • Key health concerns: Patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt, dental disease, collapsed trachea
  • Tip: Pet insurance is strongly recommended; enroll at puppy age before conditions develop.

Havanese Health

  • Lifespan: 14–16 yrs
  • Key health concerns: Patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, cataracts, deafness, Legg-Calvé-Perthes
  • Tip: Regular vet checkups and breed-specific health screenings are essential.

Both breeds benefit from health-tested parents. Always request OFA/CAER/breed-specific test results from reputable breeders. Shop on Chewy for veterinary-recommended supplements to support joint and heart health.

Exercise & Training

Maltese Exercise & Training

  • Daily exercise: 20–30 min/day; easily exercised indoors
  • Trainability: Good
  • The Maltese’s gentle nature means training sessions should be consistent, positive, and structured. This breed responds best to reward-based methods.

Havanese Exercise & Training

  • Daily exercise: 30 min/day; easily exercised indoors
  • Trainability: Good
  • The Havanese is playful in training contexts. Consistent early socialization and obedience work produce the best outcomes.

Training verdict: Both breeds are capable learners. The more trainable of the two has a slight edge for first-time owners or those pursuing competitive obedience/sport work.

Grooming

Maltese Grooming

Daily brushing for long coat; professional trim every 6–8 weeks

Havanese Grooming

Professional groom every 6–8 weeks; daily brushing for long coat

Grooming is often the deciding lifestyle factor for new dog owners. Lower-maintenance coats save time and money over a dog’s lifetime — a meaningful difference when compounded across 10–15 years. Shop on Chewy for grooming tools, shampoos, and de-shedding supplies for both breeds.

Cost of Ownership

Maltese Costs

  • Puppy $1,000–$3,500; annual care $1,000–$2,500
  • Monthly estimate: $100–$260
  • Best for: Apartments, seniors, adults without young children

Havanese Costs

  • Puppy $1,000–$3,000; annual care $1,100–$2,500
  • Monthly estimate: $110–$270
  • Best for: Apartments, families, seniors, allergy-sensitive households

Ongoing costs include food, vet care, grooming, supplies, training, and pet insurance. Giant and brachycephalic breeds tend toward the higher end of lifetime costs. Budget an emergency fund of $2,000–$5,000 for unexpected veterinary needs.

Which Is Right for You?

Choose the Maltese if:

  • You want a dog that is gentle, playful, charming, fearless, responsive
  • Your lifestyle fits: Apartments, seniors, adults without young children
  • You can commit to: 20–30 min/day; easily exercised indoors and daily brushing for long coat
  • Your budget accommodates: $100–$260/month

Choose the Havanese if:

  • You want a dog that is sociable, playful, affectionate, adaptable, charming
  • Your lifestyle fits: Apartments, families, seniors, allergy-sensitive households
  • You can commit to: 30 min/day; easily exercised indoors and professional groom every 6–8 weeks
  • Your budget accommodates: $110–$270/month

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is a Maltese or Havanese better for families with children?

A: Both breeds can thrive with children when properly socialized. The Maltese is rated “Moderate (fragile; best with gentle older kids)” with kids, while the Havanese is rated “Excellent.” Supervision is always recommended with any dog and young children, regardless of breed. Energy levels, size, and individual temperament matter more than breed alone.

Q: Which breed sheds more — Maltese or Havanese?

A: The Maltese has very low shedding, while the Havanese has low shedding. Factor this into your decision if allergies or household cleanliness is a priority. No dog is truly non-shedding, but lower-shedding breeds significantly reduce fur around the home.

Q: Are Malteses or Havaneses easier to train?

A: The Maltese offers good trainability, and the Havanese offers good trainability. Both respond best to positive reinforcement. For first-time owners, the more trainable of the two may offer a smoother introduction to dog ownership.

Q: What is the lifespan of a Maltese vs Havanese?

A: The Maltese typically lives 12–15 yrs, while the Havanese has a lifespan of 14–16 yrs. Lifespan varies based on genetics, diet, exercise, and veterinary care. Purchasing from health-tested breeders and maintaining routine vet visits maximizes longevity for either breed.

Q: Which breed costs more to own — Maltese or Havanese?

A: Monthly ownership costs are approximately $100–$260 for the Maltese and $110–$270 for the Havanese. Beyond routine costs, factor in health risks, potential surgery costs, and pet insurance premiums. Lifetime costs for either breed over 10–15 years typically range from $15,000–$40,000+ depending on health outcomes.

*GetPetPros.com is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.*

Leave a Comment