The Maltese is an adorable breed with its white coat and small stature. It's small, cute fluffy, and just overall adorable. But, are there dogs that look like Maltese?

In this article, we will go over the 15 dog breeds that look and act like Maltese.

Let's dive in!

Characteristics of a Maltese

Let's first go over what a Maltese is.

The Maltese is a small breed, usually weighing between 4 to 8 pounds, with a height ranging from 9 to 10 inches. They have a compact body covered in long, silky, and pure white hair. One of the most striking features of the Maltese is its gentle and affectionate nature. They are known for their playfulness and their love for their owners/families. With their dark, round eyes and button nose, they are truly hard to resist.

Despite their small size, the Maltese are quite energetic and enjoy daily walks and playtime. They are also intelligent dogs that are easy to train.

Now that we have a better understanding of the Maltese breed, let's explore the breeds that resemble them.

Dog Breeds That Resemble Maltese

1. Bichon Frise

• Origin: The Mediterranean region - Spain, Italy, and France.
• Size: Small-sized
• Height: Between 9.5 to 11.5 inches (24 to 29 cm) at the shoulder.
• Weight: Small breed, weighing between 12 to 18 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

The Bichon Frise is often mistaken for the Maltese due to its similar size and coat color. Like the Maltese, the Bichon Frise has a friendly and affectionate nature. However, the Bichon Frise has a more rounded face and curly hair, unlike the straight hair of the Maltese.

When it comes to grooming, the Bichon Frise require regular maintenance. However, the care routines for these breeds can differ significantly.

2. Coton De Tulear

• Origin: Madagascar
• Type: Small-sized.
• Height: 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) at the shoulder.
• Weight: Between 8 to 15 pounds (3.6 to 6.8 kg).
• Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years

Originating from Madagascar, the Tulear Cotton is another breed that resembles the Maltese. They have a fluffy, cotton-like coat that is similar to the Maltese's. However, the Tulear Cotton is slightly larger and has a more robust body structure.

These dogs are renowned for their lively and playful personalities, often bringing boundless energy and enthusiasm to their households. They are also highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train and great companions for families. The Tulear Cotton's origins in Madagascar contribute to their adaptability to warmer climates, as they are well-suited for hot and humid environments.

3. Havanese

• Origin: Cuba
• Type: Small-sized.
• Height: 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) at the shoulder.
• Weight: Between 8 to 15 pounds (3.6 to 6.8 kg).
• Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years

The Havanese breed is often confused with the Maltese due to their similar size and playful nature. However, the Havanese has a thicker coat and can come in a variety of colors, in contrast to the pure white coat of the Maltese.

4. Bolognese

• Origin: Italy
• Type: Small-sized.
• Height: 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) at the shoulder.
• Weight: Between 5.5 to 9 pounds (2.5 to 4 kg).
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years

The Bolognese breed is another white, fluffy breed that can be mistaken for the Maltese. Like the Maltese, the Bolognese is small, friendly, and loves to be around people. However, the Bolognese has a more square-shaped body and a more laid-back temperament.

5. Shih Tzu

• Origin: Tibet
• Type: Small-sized.
• Height: 9 to 11 inches (23 to 28 cm) at the shoulder.
• Weight: Between 9 to 16 pounds (4 to 7.3 kg).
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years

The Shih Tzu is a popular breed that is often mistaken for the Maltese. They have a similar size and long, flowing coat. However, the Shih Tzu has a more rounded face and can come in a variety of colors.

6. Lhasa Apso

• Origin: Tibet
• Type: Small-sized.
• Height: 10 to 11 inches (25 to 28 cm) at the shoulder.
• Weight: Between 12 to 18 pounds (5.4 to 8.2 kg).
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

The Lhasa Apso is another breed that looks like the Maltese. They have a similar long, flowing coat and small size. However, the Lhasa Apso has a more independent temperament and can sometimes be more challenging to train.

7. Pekingese

• Origin: China
• Type: Small-sized.
• Height: 6 to 9 inches (15 to 23 cm) at the shoulder.
• Weight: Between 7 to 14 pounds (3.2 to 6.4 kg).
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

The Pekingese is a breed that can be mistaken for the Maltese due to its small size and long coat. However, the Pekingese has a more lion-like appearance, with a broad face and mane-like coat around the neck.

8. Japanese Chin

• Origin: China
• Type: Small-sized.
• Height: 8 to 11 inches (20 to 28 cm) at the shoulder.
• Weight: Between 4 to 9 pounds (1.8 to 4.1 kg).
• Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years

The Japanese Chin is another small breed that resembles the Maltese. Like the Maltese, the Japanese Chin has a friendly and affectionate nature. However, the Japanese Chin has a more square-shaped face and a more laid-back temperament.

9. Tibetan Spaniel

• Origin: Tibet
• Type: Small-sized.
• Height: 10 inches (25 cm) at the shoulder.
• Weight: Between 9 to 15 pounds (4 to 7 kg).
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years

The Tibetan Spaniel is another breed that can be mistaken for the Maltese. They have a similar small size and long coat. However, the Tibetan Spaniel has a more independent temperament and a more robust body structure.

10. Yorkipoo

• Origin: Developed by crossbreeding Yorkshire Terriers and Poodles
• Type: Small-sized.
• Height: 7 to 12 inches (18 to 30 cm) at the shoulder.
• Weight: Between 4 to 15 pounds (1.8 to 6.8 kg).
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

The Yorkipoo is a crossbreed between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Poodle. They have a similar size and playful nature to the Maltese. However, the Yorkipoo can come in a variety of colors and has a more curly coat.

11. Maltipoo

• Origin: United States
• Type: Small-sized.
• Height: 8 to 14 inches (20 to 35 cm) at the shoulder.
• Weight: Between 5 to 20 pounds (2.3 to 9 kg).
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

The Maltipoo is a crossbreed between a Maltese and a Poodle. They are often mistaken for the Maltese due to their similar size and playful nature. However, the Maltipoo has a more curly coat and can come in a variety of colors.

12. Shih-Poo

• Origin: United States.
• Type: Small-sized.
• Height: 8 to 13 inches (20 to 33 cm) at the shoulder.
• Weight: Between 7 to 20 pounds (3.2 to 9 kg).
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years

The Shih-Poo is a crossbreed between a Shih Tzu and a Poodle. They have a similar size and playful nature to the Maltese. However, the Shih-Poo has a more curly coat and can come in a variety of colors.

13. Cavachon

• Origin: Italy
• Type: Small-sized.
• Height: 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) at the shoulder.
• Weight: Between 5.5 to 9 pounds (2.5 to 4 kg).
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years

The Cavachon is a crossbreed between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise. They have a similar size and friendly nature to the Maltese. However, the Cavachon has a more rounded face and can come in a variety of colors.

14. Papillon

• Origin: United States
• Type: Small-sized.
• Height: 9 to 18 inches (23 to 46 cm) at the shoulder.
• Weight: Between 10 to 20 pounds (4.5 to 9 kg).
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years

The Papillon is a small breed that resembles the Maltese. Like the Maltese, the Papillon has a friendly and affectionate nature. However, the Papillon has distinctive butterfly-like ears, thus the name Papillon, which is French for butterfly.

15. Miniature Poodle

• Origin: France
• Type: Small-sized.
• Height: 10 to 15 inches (25 to 38 cm) at the shoulder.
• Weight: Between 10 to 15 pounds (4.5 to 6.8 kg).
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

The Miniature Poodle is another breed that resembles the Maltese. They have a similar size and playful nature. However, the Miniature Poodle has a curly coat and can come in a variety of colors.

The Bottom Line

So there you have it, the 15 dog breeds that look like the Maltese. While these breeds may resemble the Maltese in some ways, each breed has its unique characteristics and temperaments.

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