Chihuahua vs Maltese
Compare the Chihuahua to the Maltese. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Chihuahuas and Maltese.
Chihuahua
Maltese
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
Yes
Lifespan
15-20 Years
12-15 Years
Height
6-9 Inches
8-10 Inches
Weight
3-6 Pounds
4-9 Pounds
Intelligence
Chihuahua
Maltese
Origin Country
Mexico
Malta
Origin Year
1850 AD
-200 BC
Chihuahua
Maltese
Overall Friendliness
Family Friendly
Child Friendly
Pet Friendly
Stranger Friendly
Chihuahua
Maltese
Chihuahua
Maltese
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
No
No
Medium Yard
No
No
Large Yard
No
No
Temperature Tolerance
50-80 °F
55-80 °F
Barks/Howls
Chihuahua
Maltese
Energy Level
High
High
Exercise Required
Medium
Low
Top Running Speed
18 MPH
12 MPH
Strength
Low
Low
Chihuahua
Maltese
Coat Maintenance
Low
High
Shedding
Medium
Low
Dander
Low
Low
Drool
None
None
Chihuahua
Maltese
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
No
Chihuahua
Maltese
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
No
No
Chihuahua
Maltese
Aggression
Burrow / Digging
Chasing
Follow Commands
Fighting
Guarding
Herding
Hunting
Protection
Remove Vermin
Sled Pulling
Watch / Guardian
Chihuahua
Maltese
Average Lifespan
15-20 Years
12-15 Years
Chihuahua
Maltese
Chihuahua
Maltese
Coat Type
Fur
Hair
Coat Layering
Double
Single
Single
Coat Texture
Silky
Straight
Silky
Straight
Coat Length
Short to Long
Long
Chihuahua
Maltese
