What is the difference between Havanese and Maltese dogs?

February 28, 2010 - 6:25 pm 5 Comments

I know that Havanese can be larger than Maltese, and Maltese are only white, while Havanese have different colors.. but what other differences there are? I am deciding between those two for a pet..
I also want to ask anyone that has any of these two kinds- do they smell? Are they clean dogs and easy to take care of? do they learn easily?

Havanese are quite smart. They are a sturdier dog than the Maltese, so if you want your dog involved with outdoor activities, the Havanese would likely be a better choice. Our Havs go sailing with us and travel all over.

Both dogs need coat care, but both can be cut down to a Puppy cut leaving the head and tail long and the body at 2".

Because both breeds have hair, they don’t smell as much, BUT they have to be groomed. Mine are bathed and blow dried every couple of weeks. Generally they can go about a month before any odor is noticeable. Because they don’t shed, both breeds have to be brushed regularly – a good coat shouldn’t need to be brushed more often than every day or two. (This is for a dog that is not "blowing" coat, which they do as they mature and, if kept intact, every time a girl goes into season).

5 Responses to “What is the difference between Havanese and Maltese dogs?”

  1. neversurrender Says:

    GO to the AKC site <akc.org> & READ THE BREED STANDARDS!!!!

    NO dog is "clean"=ALL DOGS *MUST BE TRAINED*!!!

    *&* …surprise……….DOGS "SMELL LIKE" DOGS!!!

    Sound like you’d be better off w/a STUFFED toy..any dog would be better off away from you!
    References :

  2. Bers Says:

    Find information about the Havanese here:

    http://www.akc.org/breeds/havanese/index.cfm
    http://www.havanese.org/

    And the maltese here:

    http://www.akc.org/breeds/maltese/index.cfm
    http://www.americanmaltese.org/
    References :

  3. jrah86 Says:

    lol difference? all i know is a maltese looks like a furry rat. why do u want a furry rat? rather get a dachsund, way better
    References :

  4. ricketyoldbat Says:

    This is only from my personal experience but I believe the Havanese is smarter than the Maltese.. I know the Maltese owners will be having a fit at me.. but having raised plenty of these little moppet dogs, I find the Havanese are more easily taught the baisc doggie directions. Maltese do learn but they seem to have a shorter attention span. I’ll take a Havanese over a Maltese any time.. except… if I was living in a tiny apartment.. then the Maltese has tinyness on its side with many landlords restricting pets with apartment size..
    References :

  5. orhavanese Says:

    Havanese are quite smart. They are a sturdier dog than the Maltese, so if you want your dog involved with outdoor activities, the Havanese would likely be a better choice. Our Havs go sailing with us and travel all over.

    Both dogs need coat care, but both can be cut down to a Puppy cut leaving the head and tail long and the body at 2".

    Because both breeds have hair, they don’t smell as much, BUT they have to be groomed. Mine are bathed and blow dried every couple of weeks. Generally they can go about a month before any odor is noticeable. Because they don’t shed, both breeds have to be brushed regularly – a good coat shouldn’t need to be brushed more often than every day or two. (This is for a dog that is not "blowing" coat, which they do as they mature and, if kept intact, every time a girl goes into season).
    References :

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