Maltipoo vs Havanese: Which Breed Is Right for You?

Choosing the right type of dog for your lifestyle is a challenging decision. It is an impossible choice when your options are two adorable small breeds like the Maltipoo and the Havanese, especially considering they are so similar. Both have loving, affectionate personalities, and adorable looks, and are great with families. That said, they are distinct in various aspects, which we will state in this blog post. This way, you can make the choice that is right for you.

Origins and History

The Maltipoo is a designer breed, a mix between the Maltese and the Poodle, developed around 30 years ago in the United States. They have continued to grow in popularity in their home country and have even found homes in Canada and the UK. These dogs, however, are yet to be recognized by the American Kennel Club, but they are recognized for their low-shedding, intelligent, and friendly nature.

The Havanese have interesting roots. It might seem obvious, but they are actually native to Cuba. Their name is inspired by Havana, the country’s capital. These small, fluffy dogs were originally bred as companion pets for the Cuban aristocracy in the 18th century and are part of the Bichon family, like the Bichon Frise and Maltese. From Cuba, these pups made their way to Europe and later to North America along with their families when they immigrated to the USA. The American Kennel Club does recognize them and has done so since 1996. Today, all Havanese are descendants of those dogs that came to America.

Also, by exercise, we mean brisk walking. If we’re talking full-energy running, 10-15 minutes is plenty for both dogs.

Grooming: High or Low Maintenance?

Let’s get one thing clear—neither of these dogs could be considered low-maintenance, as both are small little fluff balls. Let’s talk about them individually to understand things better:

Maltipoo

A Maltipoo’s grooming needs, if its coat is kept short, are fairly easy to maintain. However, no matter the length of their coat, regular brushing is needed—and we mean daily—to avoid tangles and matting. You can trim their head and tail according to preference, but it’s best not to let any hair get inside their ears, nose, or mouth.

Havanese

The Havanese wins the Havanese vs. Maltipoo battle for grooming by being hypoallergenic, despite having longer hair on average. Their silky and lightweight coat requires regular upkeep for the coat’s health and appearance if it’s kept long. If you opt for a puppy cut, daily brushing isn’t required, though it’s always good to do it nonetheless.

Overall, both breeds are small, and their grooming upkeep is quite manageable.

Health Concerns for Both Dogs

Both dogs have a lifespan of 10+ years, with Maltipoos usually living between 10-15 years, whereas Havanese have a slightly longer lifespan of 14-16 years.

Havanese are generally considered healthy dogs, but they are susceptible to certain health issues such as patellar luxation, elbow dysplasia, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, and even obesity if their diet isn’t managed, lack protein, or if there is a lack of exercise. Maltipoos are prone to the same diseases, along with issues their parent breeds—the Poodle and Maltese—are susceptible to, such as white shaker syndrome, epilepsy, and progressive retinal atrophy.

Both breeds are relatively healthy, but due to their small size, dental care is essential. Regular brushing and professional cleanings can prevent major dental problems.

What’s Their Nature Like?

Let’s talk about the Maltipoo first. These dogs, being a mix of two social dogs, are naturally maltifriendly by nature. They’re good with families, kids, and other pets—no issues whatsoever. They’re eager to love and to be loved. However, this very desire to be loved makes them susceptible to separation anxiety, wherein they cannot stay away from their family for any extended period of time. To combat this, start early and slowly increase the time you leave your dog alone at home.

The Havanese seems to show the characteristics of a jack-of-all-trades kind of dog, though the Maltipoo has some quirky personality traits as well. They’re perfectly content staying inside the apartment and just chilling with their family, with no barking and all cuddles. At the same time, they can be trained to become a watchdog. These dogs are highly social and intelligent, which is largely why they are so easy to train and can mold themselves into the lifestyle of their owners. They can, however, suffer from the separation anxiety problem like the Maltipoo.

Suitability for Families and Living Situations

When it comes to the living situation, neither of these dogs requires anything fancy. Yard or no yard, they’re quite happy. So, apartment dwellers, the good news is that both dogs can happily share your home with you as long as you provide them with the moderate amount of exercise they require daily. Both dogs are also wonderful with family, as well as kids and other pets.

The only thing worth noting here is that the Maltipoo, being a tiny dog, is a little more on the delicate side and does not enjoy roughhousing. In this particular situation, the Havanese, with their sturdy build, tend to be better with children, making them a good choice for families with kids.

Conclusion

Undeniably, making this decision is arguably a tough one. When we compare these two dogs head-to-head, we realize just how similar they really are in the most adorable way. They’re low-shedding, have moderate energy levels, and love being around people and kids. Havanese, though, get the upper hand in the very specific situation where a family has children and needs a dog that’s a bit sturdier. However, if your kids can be gentle with a Maltipoo, then they too would make a wonderful pet.

FAQs

Are Maltipoos or Havanese Better for Seniors?

Both dogs can make fantastic companions to seniors thanks to their joyful nature as well as their small size, which makes them easy to manage.

Do Maltipoos or Havanese Get Along with Other Pets?

Both Maltipoos and Havanese generally get along well with other pets, especially if they’re socialized from a young age. They’re friendly and sociable, making them a good fit for households with other dogs or cats.

Which Breed is Better for First-Time Dog Owners?

Both breeds are great for first-time dog owners, but Havanese might have a slight edge because they’re easier to train and less prone to separation anxiety. Maltipoos are also a good choice, but they require a bit more patience when it comes to training and managing their attachment to their owners.