Maltese vs Havanese
Maltese and Havanese are two small companion breeds that get compared a lot, and for good reason.
Both are affectionate, people-oriented, and generally easier to picture in real home life than many more intense or more demanding breeds. They are often considered by people looking for a smaller dog that feels friendly, manageable, and closely bonded to its owner.
But they are not the same fit.
A Maltese often feels a little more delicate, a little more lapdog-oriented, and a little more centered on closeness and home life. A Havanese often feels a little sturdier, a little more adaptable, and a little more flexible in busier households. Neither is automatically better. The better choice depends on what kind of small dog you actually want to live with.
The biggest things to compare are:
- Temperament style
- Energy level
- Trainability
- Grooming and coat care
- Barking tendency
- Family fit
- Apartment and smaller-home fit
- How much dog you want day to day
If you're still early in the process, you may also want to explore:
- What Dog Breed Should I Get?
- Which Dog Breed Fits My Lifestyle?
- Best Small Dog Breeds
- Best Dogs for First-Time Owners
👉 Want a more personalized answer?
Quick Take
Choose a Maltese if you want:
- a softer, more lapdog-style companion
- a dog that feels very close, affectionate, and home-centered
- a smaller dog with lower physical intensity
- and you are okay with grooming and a somewhat more delicate presence
Choose a Havanese if you want:
- a slightly sturdier, more adaptable small companion
- a dog that still loves closeness but may handle busier home life a bit better
- a friendlier, more flexible all-around household dog
- and you are okay with grooming and regular daily involvement
Both can be excellent small companions. The better one usually comes down to whether you want a more classic lapdog feel or a slightly more versatile small-household dog.
Maltese vs Havanese at a Glance
| Trait | Maltese | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Very small | Small |
| Energy | Low to moderate | Moderate |
| Trainability | Good | Good to very good |
| Family fit | Better in calmer homes | Strong in many homes |
| First-time owner fit | Strong | Strong |
| Apartment fit | Very good | Very good |
| Barking tendency | Low to moderate | Low to moderate |
| Shedding | Low | Low |
| Grooming needs | High | High |
| Physical sturdiness | Lower | Higher |
| Temperament style | Softer, more lapdog-like | Cheerful, adaptable, social |
Temperament Differences
Maltese Temperament
Maltese often feel very companion-focused.
They are usually affectionate, close-bonding, and happy to stay near their person. Many people who want a small dog imagine exactly this kind of experience: a dog that wants to be with them, fits easily into indoor life, and does not bring a lot of physical chaos into the house.
That is the upside. The tradeoff is that some Maltese can feel more delicate, more dependent, or more sensitive than people expect.
A Maltese may be the better fit if you want:
- a close, affectionate companion
- a smaller dog that feels very home-centered
- a more classic lapdog type of relationship
Havanese Temperament
Havanese often feel a little more flexible.
They are still companion dogs, still affectionate, and still people-oriented. But many feel a little more cheerful, social, and adaptable in day-to-day life. They often fit well in homes where the dog needs to handle a bit more movement, more people, or a slightly fuller household rhythm.
They still like closeness, but they often feel a little less delicate than a Maltese.
A Havanese may be the better fit if you want:
- a small dog that is affectionate but a little more all-around adaptable
- a breed that often handles busier home life better
- a dog with a friendlier, more flexible daily style
Energy and Exercise
Maltese Energy
Maltese are usually easier if your goal is a calmer, lower-output small dog. They still need walks, play, and routine, but many are happiest in a life that centers more on companionship than on action.
A Maltese may be easier if you want:
- a more home-centered dog
- lower physical intensity
- a small companion that does not feel especially demanding from an exercise standpoint
Havanese Energy
Havanese are still very manageable, but many feel a little more playful and engaged. They often enjoy activity and interaction in a way that gives them slightly more everyday bounce than a Maltese.
A Havanese may be better if you want:
- a little more playfulness
- a small dog that feels more socially engaged
- a dog that can keep up a bit better with family activity
Trainability
Both breeds are generally workable for most owners, but Havanese often feel a little easier in this category.
Maltese Training Style
Maltese can learn well, but some are more sensitive or a little harder to motivate consistently than people expect. They are not usually a difficult breed, but they may require a little more patience and steadiness.
Havanese Training Style
Havanese often feel a little more adaptable and a little more responsive in everyday life. That can make training feel smoother, especially for owners who want a small dog that is easy to fold into routine.
In simple terms:
- Maltese: often softer, a little more delicate
- Havanese: often a bit more adaptable and easier to shape into routine
Grooming and Shedding
This is an important one because people often pick these breeds partly for coat reasons.
Maltese Coat
Maltese are low shedding, which is a major reason people like them. But the tradeoff is grooming. Their coat can require:
- regular brushing
- mat prevention
- trimming or grooming appointments
- consistent upkeep if kept longer
Havanese Coat
Havanese are also low shedding, but again, not low maintenance. Their coat often needs:
- regular brushing
- detangling
- ongoing coat care
- grooming appointments depending on style
The simplest summary:
- both are low shedding
- both are high grooming
- neither is a good choice if you want a truly low-effort coat
Barking and Noise
Maltese Barking
Maltese can be relatively manageable from a noise standpoint, but some can become vocal if they are overly attached, undertrained, or too reactive to household change. Their small size does not always mean automatic quiet.
Havanese Barking
Havanese can also bark, but many owners find them a little more socially easygoing than some other small breeds. That can help in apartments or denser living situations, especially when routine and training are solid.
If barking matters a lot:
- both can work
- Havanese may have a slight edge in overall adaptability
- individual temperament still matters a lot
Family Fit
Maltese for Families
Maltese are often a better fit for calmer families, older children, or homes that want a gentler indoor companion. They are usually not the best fit for rough, chaotic, or highly physical households because their size and softness can become a liability.
Havanese for Families
Havanese often edge ahead here. They are still small, but many feel a little sturdier, more social, and easier to integrate into everyday family life. They often work well for families that want a small dog without the more fragile feel of a Maltese.
If you want:
- a calmer, more one-on-one companion, Maltese may edge ahead
- a more flexible family-friendly small dog, Havanese may edge ahead
First-Time Owner Fit
Both can be good first-dog choices.
Maltese for First-Time Owners
A Maltese may be better if you want:
- a closer-bonding lapdog
- a calmer, lower-output small companion
- a dog that fits naturally into quieter home life
Havanese for First-Time Owners
A Havanese may be better if you want:
- a small dog that feels easier to adapt into everyday routine
- a slightly more playful and versatile companion
- a breed that may handle busier homes a little more smoothly
The caution with both is mostly grooming. People often underestimate how much coat upkeep these breeds need.
Which Breed Is Better for Apartments?
Both are strong apartment candidates.
If your apartment is calmer and you want a close, home-centered companion, a Maltese can be a very natural fit. If you want a small dog that may be a little more adaptable and easier to integrate into a busier household or daily rhythm, Havanese may have the edge.
If apartment fit matters a lot, also see:
Which Breed Is Better for Families?
If the household is quiet, adult-centered, or includes older children, a Maltese can work very well.
If the household is busier, more active, or you want a small dog that feels a little more flexible with family life, the Havanese usually makes more sense.
Choose Maltese If...
A Maltese may be the better choice if you want:
- a more classic lapdog companion
- very close emotional bonding
- a lower-output, home-centered small dog
- a dog that feels softer and gentler day to day
- and you are okay with grooming and a more delicate physical presence
Choose Havanese If...
A Havanese may be the better choice if you want:
- a small dog that is affectionate but more adaptable
- a slightly sturdier, more versatile household companion
- a better fit for busier homes or more varied daily life
- a dog with a cheerful, social feel
- and you are okay with grooming and regular engagement
Find the Right Dog for You
Maltese and Havanese are both strong small-dog options, but they do not create exactly the same experience.
The simplest way to think about it is this: Maltese often feel more lapdog-like, while Havanese often feel a little more all-around adaptable. If you want softness, closeness, and a quieter home-centered companion, Maltese may be the better fit. If you want a small dog that still loves closeness but feels a little sturdier and easier in fuller households, Havanese may be the smarter choice.
👉 Adjust your preferences and see your best matches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Havanese calmer than a Maltese?
Not necessarily calmer, but many Havanese feel a little more adaptable and socially flexible. Maltese often feel softer and more home-centered.
Which is better for first-time owners, Maltese or Havanese?
Both can be good for first-time owners. Maltese may suit someone wanting a close lapdog companion, while Havanese may suit someone wanting a slightly more versatile small dog.
Do Maltese and Havanese shed?
Both are generally low shedding, but both come with significant grooming needs. Lower shedding does not mean low maintenance.
Which is better for families, Maltese or Havanese?
Havanese often have the edge for families because they usually feel a little sturdier and more adaptable. Maltese are often better in calmer homes or with older children.