Side-by-side comparison of two popular breeds — temperament, exercise, grooming, lifespan and common health issues. Use it to decide which breed fits your home.
🐶 Chihuahua
🐶 Maltese
Group
Toy
Toy
Origin
Mexico
Malta / Mediterranean
Weight
1.5–3 kg
3–4 kg
Height
15–23 cm
20–25 cm
Lifespan
14–17 years
12–15 years
Energy level
Trainability
Grooming needs
Good with kids
Good with other pets
Hypoallergenic
Watchdog instinct
Novice-owner OK
🐶 Chihuahua
Temperament
Bold, alert, devoted, vocal. Chihuahuas attach intensely to one person and can be wary or even snappy with strangers and other dogs without socialisation. They generally tolerate other Chihuahuas and small calm dogs better than large boisterous ones.
Exercise
20–30 minutes of gentle daily walking plus indoor play. Easy to over-exercise — joints are tiny.
Grooming
Smooth-coat: weekly brush. Long-coat: 2–3× weekly. Bathe every 6–8 weeks. Prone to dental tartar — daily brushing helps.
Health
Patellar luxation. Hydrocephalus (puppies — domed skull). Tracheal collapse (use a harness). Dental disease (small mouths). Hypoglycaemia in young/very small dogs. Heart murmurs.
Affectionate, fearless, bonded, sometimes barky. Maltese form intense bonds with one or two people and can suffer separation anxiety.
Exercise
20–30 minutes of gentle walking plus indoor play. Easy to over-exercise.
Grooming
Daily brushing if kept long — the coat tangles and mats easily. Most pet owners choose a "puppy cut" every 6 weeks. Tear staining around eyes is very common.
Health
Patellar luxation. Liver shunts. Hypoglycaemia (puppies). Dental disease. Tracheal collapse — always use a harness, never a collar.
