When it comes to small dog breeds that capture hearts with their charm and adorable appearance, the Maltese often tops the list. Known for their long, silky white coats and affectionate nature, these little companions are a favorite among dog lovers. However, there are several other breeds that share similar qualities with the Maltese, offering a delightful blend of cuteness, intelligence, and companionship. In this guide, we explore the top seven dog breeds that exude a similar charm to the Maltese, each with their own unique traits yet equally enchanting presence. Whether you’re looking for a playful partner or a loyal lap dog, these breeds are sure to win you over.
If you’re looking for a small, playful dog with a friendly and loving disposition, several breeds share qualities similar to those of the Maltese. These breeds tend to be compact, with coats that require regular grooming and a charming personality that can brighten any room.
With their affectionate nature, they make wonderful companions for anyone who enjoys a dog that thrives on attention and companionship. Whether you’re drawn to a more independent pup or one with a gentle and playful spirit, various breeds resemble the Maltese in terms of size, coat type, and temperament.
Each dog brings its unique traits while maintaining the same warmth and energy that make them lovable and great companions.
Did you know?
The Maltese, known for its luxurious coat, was once a favorite among royalty, including Queen Elizabeth I and even Roman emperors!
Dog Breeds Similar To Maltese
1. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is often mistaken for the Maltese due to its fluffy white coat and lively personality. Standing 9-11 inches tall and weighing around 12 pounds, this breed is slightly bigger but just as affectionate and charming.
Bichons are known for their cheerful and friendly nature. They get along well with everyone, including children, strangers, and other pets, making them ideal family dogs. Their playful spirit means they are always ready for games, cuddles, and fun outings.
Training a Bichon Frise is relatively easy because they are intelligent and eager to please. However, they can develop an independent streak, so early training and socialization are recommended. They thrive in environments where they receive consistent attention and affection.
One key difference from the Maltese is their curly, dense coat, which requires regular grooming to prevent matting. However, like Maltese, Bichons are low-shedding and hypoallergenic, making them an excellent choice for allergy sufferers.
Fun fact
The Bichon Frise was popular among Mediterranean sailors, often kept aboard ships as cheerful companions.
2. Havanese
The Havanese is another small, affectionate breed that resembles the Maltese in both size and personality. Standing 8-11 inches tall and weighing 7-13 pounds, they have a soft, flowing coat that gives them an elegant appearance.
According to the AKC, the Havanese dogs are extremely social and loving. They thrive on human companionship and love to be the center of attention. Like the Maltese, they are playful yet gentle, making them fantastic companions for families and individuals alike.
They are highly intelligent and eager to learn, making training fairly easy. However, they can become too attached to their owners, which may lead to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.
Their long, silky coat requires regular grooming, much like the Maltese. Fortunately, they are low-shedding and hypoallergenic, making them a great option for those with allergies.
Fun fact
The Havanese is Cuba’s national dog, originally bred as a lapdog for aristocrats in the 1500s.
3. Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear is a small breed with a cotton-like coat that gives it a cloud-like appearance, just like its name. Standing 9-11 inches tall and weighing 8-13 pounds, they are similar in size and temperament to the Maltese.
Coton de Tulears are gentle, playful, and affectionate. They love spending time with their owners and form strong bonds with their families. These dogs are incredibly friendly and adaptable, making them great for households of all sizes.
Training a Coton de Tulear is enjoyable, as they are intelligent and quick learners. They respond well to positive reinforcement and enjoy engaging in activities like trick training and obedience games.
Their fluffy coat requires regular grooming, as it can become matted if not brushed frequently. However, like the Maltese, they are low-shedding and hypoallergenic, making them ideal for allergy-sensitive households.
Fun fact
The Coton de Tulear was once known as the “Royal Dog of Madagascar,” favored by the Malagasy nobility.
4. Bolognese
According to the PetMD, Bolognese is a tiny, fluffy dog that stands 10-12 inches tall and weighs 6-10 pounds. Their soft, curly coat and loving personality make them a wonderful alternative to the Maltese.
Bolognese dogs are loyal, calm, and affectionate. Unlike some other toy breeds, they are more laid-back and prefer relaxing by their owner’s side rather than engaging in constant play. They are perfect for people seeking a gentle, low-energy companion.
Training a Bolognese is straightforward, as they are intelligent and eager to please. However, they can be shy with strangers, so early socialization is necessary to help them become more confident in different environments.
Like the Maltese, they require regular grooming to prevent their long, fluffy coat from matting. However, they are low-shedding and hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for allergy sufferers.
Fun fact
The Bolognese was a favorite pet of Renaissance nobility, often gifted between European aristocrats.
5. Toy Poodle
The Toy Poodle is one of the most intelligent toy breeds, standing 10 inches tall and weighing around 4-6 pounds. They share the Maltese’s affectionate nature but come with incredible trainability and agility.
Toy Poodles are playful, affectionate, and highly adaptable. They form strong bonds with their owners and are known for their fun-loving and eager-to-please attitude. They are excellent for both families and individuals.
Training a Toy Poodle is exceptionally easy, as they are one of the smartest dog breeds. They excel in obedience, agility, and tricks, making them a great choice for owners who love interactive activities.
Their curly coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting, similar to the Maltese. However, their intelligence and trainability make them one of the easiest small breeds to manage.
Fun fact
Toy Poodles are among the top performers in dog sports, often winning agility and obedience competitions worldwide.
6. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, is a small but spirited breed, standing around 7-8 inches tall and weighing between 4-7 pounds. While their long, silky coat gives them an elegant appearance similar to the Maltese.
Yorkies are affectionate and form strong bonds with their owners. Despite their small size, they have a big-dog attitude and are confident, energetic, and always ready for an adventure. They are excellent companion dogs for individuals or families who enjoy a lively, playful pet.
Training a Yorkshire Terrier can be both fun and challenging. They are intelligent and quick learners, but independent at times which can make them a bit stubborn at times. Positive reinforcement and consistency are key to keeping them engaged and well-behaved.
Their long, flowing coat requires regular brushing to prevent tangles and matting, similar to the Maltese. However, many owners choose to keep their Yorkie’s coat trimmed short for easier maintenance. They are low-shedding, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers.
Fun fact
Yorkshire Terriers were originally bred to catch rats in textile mills during the Industrial Revolution, proving that their small size doesn’t limit their bravery and hunting skills.
7. Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is an elegant and graceful toy breed, standing between 8-11 inches tall and weighing around 4-9 pounds. They have a luxurious, flowing coat and a distinctive plumed tail that curls over their back, giving them a regal appearance.
Japanese Chins are known for their affectionate and charming nature, just like the Maltese. They form strong bonds with their families and enjoy being pampered. They are generally quiet and reserved, preferring to observe their surroundings with intelligence and curiosity.
Royal Canin states that training a Japanese Chin is relatively easy, but they can be somewhat independent. They respond well to positive reinforcement and enjoy learning new tricks.
Their long, silky coat requires regular grooming to keep it looking its best. While they shed moderately, routine brushing helps reduce loose fur and prevents tangles. They are well-suited for apartment living and thrive in homes where they receive plenty of love and attention.
Fun fact
The Japanese Chin was once a prized companion of Japanese nobility and was often kept in royal palaces as a symbol of luxury and refinement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Maltese dogs are a standout breed with their affectionate nature and elegant coat, several other toy breeds share similar traits. Whether it’s the playful temperament, size, or beautiful fur, each of these breeds brings its charm and can make an excellent companion for the right individual.
The Shih Tzu, though not mentioned above, is another favorite breed among dog lovers. It is similar to the Maltese in terms of size and temperament. If you’re interested in a breed with a friendly personality and a beautiful coat, you might want to look into them as an option.
Choosing the right dog depends on your lifestyle and preferences, but if you love the Maltese breed, any of these toy breeds will offer similar companionship and joy. Ultimately, all of them are wonderful options for those looking for a small, loving dog with a heart of gold.
In conclusion, the Maltese is celebrated for its charm and charisma, qualities that are also found in several other equally adorable dog breeds. Among the top seven you might consider are the Bichon Frise, Havanese, Coton de Tulear, Shih Tzu, Pekingese, Pomeranian, and the Lhasa Apso. Each of these breeds shares the playful and loving nature of the Maltese, along with compact sizes and delightful looks. While every breed offers its unique traits, they all make wonderful companions, bringing joy and warmth to households with their affectionate personalities and endearing presence.