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
🐶 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.
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.
