Havanese 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.

Havanese vs Maltese — at a glance

The Havanese (3–6 kg, 14–16 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 — Havanese tips slightly higher but neither is a couch dog.

Both have manageable grooming routines — the Maltese demands slightly more, but neither needs daily fuss.

If you have young children, the Havanese is the clearly more child-friendly choice.

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.

	Havanese	Maltese
Group	Toy	Toy
Origin	Cuba	Malta / Mediterranean
Weight	3–6 kg	3–4 kg
Height	21–29 cm	20–25 cm
Lifespan	14–16 years	12–15 years
Energy level
Trainability
Grooming needs
Good with kids
Good with other pets
Hypoallergenic
Watchdog instinct
Novice-owner OK

Havanese

Temperament

Affectionate, friendly, gentle, playful. Havanese thrive on family company and don't do well left alone for long.

Exercise

30–60 minutes of daily walking plus indoor play. Mental work is just as important as physical.

Grooming

Long silky double coat. Daily brushing if kept long; most owners do a "puppy clip" every 6 weeks. Low-shedding.

Health

Patellar luxation. Eye conditions (cataracts, cherry eye, PRA). Hip dysplasia. Heart murmurs. Generally a long-lived breed.

Full Havanese 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 Havanese if

Allergy-sensitive families, retirees, apartment dwellers, multi-pet homes.

Pick the Maltese if

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

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Havanese vs Maltese