ChihuahuaVSMaltese
The Chihuahua and Maltese are both beloved tiny companion dogs, but they suit different owners. The Chihuahua is a fiercely devoted one-person dog; the Maltese is gentler, more affectionate with all family members, and requires significantly more grooming.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Chihuahua | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 2–6 lbs, 6–9 in | 4–7 lbs, 7–9 in |
| Energy Level | Moderate–High | Moderate |
| Shedding | Low (smooth) / Moderate (long) | ✓Very Low |
| Trainability | Moderate (stubborn) | ✓Good |
| Good With Kids | Moderate (fragile, may nip) | ✓Moderate (fragile) |
| Apartment Friendly | Excellent | Excellent |
| Average Lifespan | ✓14–16 years | 12–15 years |
| Monthly Cost (est.) | ✓$50–$120 | $80–$180 |
✓ indicates advantage in this category. Tie = comparable.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Choose a Chihuahua if…
Singles who want the world's most intensely loyal tiny dog at the lowest overall cost.
Choose a Maltese if…
Those who want a gentle, graceful, low-shedding companion that is slightly more family-friendly.
Grooming & Shedding: Chihuahua vs Maltese
Chihuahuas come in two coat varieties: smooth coat and long coat. Smooth-coat Chihuahuas are extremely low-maintenance — a weekly wipe is all that is needed, and they shed minimally. Long-coat Chihuahuas have a soft, flowing coat that requires brushing two to three times per week and sheds moderately. Maltese have a long, silky, single-layer white coat that sheds very minimally. However, their pure white coat requires daily brushing to prevent matting and daily facial cleaning to manage tear staining around the eyes. Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks is standard for Maltese. For grooming ease, the smooth-coat Chihuahua requires almost no maintenance. The Maltese, despite low shedding, demands the most consistent daily coat care of the two breeds. Long-coat Chihuahuas fall somewhere in between.
Temperament & Family Compatibility
Chihuahuas are famously devoted to their primary person — they form an intense, singular bond and can be protective and territorial of their human. They are alert and bold far beyond their tiny size. However, they can be anxious around strangers and young children and may snap when startled or mishandled. They are not the most family-friendly breed but are superb one-person companions with extraordinarily long lifespans. Maltese are gentler, more consistently affectionate with the whole family, and less reactive. They are delicate in build like Chihuahuas but have a warmer, more people-pleasing disposition. Both breeds are excellent apartment dogs with similar low exercise requirements. For a devoted, lowest-cost tiny companion, the Chihuahua is unmatched. For a gentler, grooming-intensive white-coated companion, the Maltese delivers elegance.
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Compare Pet Insurance QuotesFrequently Asked Questions
Which is harder to groom?
Maltese require significantly more grooming. Their long, silky white coat tangles easily and needs daily brushing plus professional grooming every 6–8 weeks. Smooth-coat Chihuahuas need almost no grooming. Long-coat Chihuahuas need regular brushing but less than the Maltese.
Which is better with children?
Neither breed excels with very young children due to fragility. Maltese are slightly more tolerant and gentle. Chihuahuas can be snappy when startled or mishandled. Both need careful supervision around toddlers.
Which is more loyal?
Chihuahuas are famous for their intense, singular loyalty — they bond deeply to one person and follow them everywhere. Maltese are affectionate with the whole family. If you want a dog devoted primarily to you, the Chihuahua wins; for a family-wide companion, choose the Maltese.
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