Chihuahua vs Maltese

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 vs Maltese — at a glance

The Chihuahua (1.5–3 kg, 14–17 years) and the Maltese (3–4 kg, 12–15 years) sit in different — or sometimes overlapping — corners of dog ownership. Here's how they really compare for an everyday Irish or UK family.

Both breeds have similar energy demands — Chihuahua tips slightly higher but neither is a couch dog.

Grooming is where these breeds really diverge: the Maltese needs significantly more brushing, washing and coat care. Factor in €30–€80 every 6–8 weeks for a professional groomer if you don't do it yourself.

For allergy sufferers, the Maltese is the lower-shed, more hypoallergenic option.

Insurance premiums for breeds with brachycephalic, joint or cancer predispositions run 20–40% above average — check before you commit. We have a free quote calculator here.

	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.

Full Chihuahua profile →

Maltese

Temperament

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.

Full Maltese profile →

Which is right for you?

Pick the Chihuahua if

Apartment dwellers, retirees, single-pet households, allergy-tolerant owners.

Pick the Maltese if

Apartment dwellers, retirees, allergy-sensitive owners, single-pet households.

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