---
title: "Havanese Puppies vs Maltipoo Puppies: Which Is Better"
type: "post"
slug: "havanese-puppies-vs-maltipoo-puppies-which-is-better"
published_at: "2026-10-31T13:21:17+00:00"
modified_at: "2026-10-31T13:21:35+00:00"
url: "https://sagepuppies.com/havanese-puppies-vs-maltipoo-puppies-which-is-better/"
markdown_url: "https://sagepuppies.com/havanese-puppies-vs-maltipoo-puppies-which-is-better.md"
taxonomy_category:
  - "Best Puppy Breeds"
  - "Breed Comparisons"
  - "Havanese"
author: "Matt Milar"
publisher: "Sage Puppies"
---

# Havanese Puppies vs Maltipoo Puppies: Which Is Better

> **Quick Summary:** Choose a Havanese for predictability: its documented breed standard predicts a 7-to-13-pound adult, a silky double coat, and a 14-to-16-year lifespan. Choose a Maltipoo when a soft, low-shedding, wavy or curly coat matters more than knowing the puppy’s adult size or coat texture, which can vary widely. Both breeds need regular brushing, professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks, daily activity, and companionship, and neither is truly hypoallergenic or suited to being alone all day.

Havanese vs Maltipoo puppies: the deciding factor is predictability, not cuteness. The Havanese is a recognized breed with a published standard and a narrow adult weight of about 7 to 13 pounds. The Maltipoo is a designer cross between the Maltese and the Toy Poodle, so adult size, coat type and coat-change pattern vary much more from puppy to puppy. In short, choose the Havanese if you want a documented breed history and a settled coat; choose the Maltipoo if a soft, low-shedding, curlier coat matters more than a predictable outcome. This guide compares both on grooming, temperament, size, health and true cost of ownership, then gives a clear rule for which fits your household, plus next steps for buyers ready to see current Havanese availability.

## Havanese Puppies vs Maltipoo Puppies: At a Glance

|  | Havanese puppies | Maltipoo puppies |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Breed status and predictability | AKC-recognized toy breed with a written standard; expected adult weight about 7 to 13 pounds | Not an AKC-recognized breed; a Maltese and Toy Poodle cross with wide individual variation |
| Coat type and grooming load | Silky double coat; brush several times weekly, plan a professional groom every 4 to 6 weeks | Soft wavy to curly low-shedding coat; frequent brushing and regular trims, plus coat changes as the puppy coat falls out |
| Adult size range | Typically7 to 13 pounds, usually close to adult size by 10 to 12 months | Roughly 5 to 15 pounds depending on the pairing; adult size cannot be guaranteed from a litter |
| Temperament and trainability | Sociable, playful, people-oriented, generally eager to learn and responsive to positive training | Affectionate and playful, often very people-oriented, with a higher likelihood of separation distress |
| Health and lifespan watch points | Commonly14 to 16 year lifespan; watch patellar issues, dental disease, eye and heart conditions | Commonly 12 to 16 years; watch tear staining, allergies, patellar issues and portosystemic shunt risk |
| Typical cost profile and best fit | Higher upfront price with a moderate grooming bill; best for owners who want a predictable companion | Often lower to mid pricing with steady grooming costs; best for owners who prioritise coat texture over predictability |

## How Havanese puppies and Maltipoo puppies Compare

The Havanese vs Maltipoo puppies question comes down to predictability versus coat preference. Here is who each puppy is and who it suits.

### Havanese puppies

The Havanese is Cuba’s only native breed, an established AKC toy companion with a written standard and an expected adult weight of about 7 to 13 pounds. It suits owners who want a sociable, people-oriented puppy whose size and coat stay predictable.

![Havanese puppies](https://sagepuppies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/sagepuppies.com-havanese-puppies-temperament-care-and-coat-basics-1793452680716.webp)

Havanese puppies

**Key strengths**

- Published breed standard makes adult size and coat easy to forecast
- Eager, responsive learner that takes well to positive training
- Long 14 to 16 year expected lifespan

### Maltipoo puppies

A Maltipoo is a Maltese and Toy Poodle cross, valued for a soft, low-shedding adult coat but with no breed standard to guide size or texture. Adults range roughly 5 to 15 pounds, so it fits owners who prioritize coat over predictability.

![Maltipoo puppies](https://sagepuppies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/www.akc_.org-dog-breeds-maltese-1793452679391.webp)

Maltipoo puppies

**Key strengths**

- Soft, wavy to curly coat that sheds very little
- Affectionate, playful nature that bonds closely with people
- Often lower to mid pricing with a long 12 to 16 year lifespan

## Coat and Grooming: Which One Takes Less of Your Time

Which coat is easier to live with? Compare these factors side by side:

- **Shedding:** both are low-shedding, but neither is truly zero
- **Brushing:** both need several sessions weekly to prevent mats
- **Coat type:** Havanese has a silky double coat; Maltipoo is wavy to curly
- **Professional grooming:** every 4 to 6 weeks for either dog

Here is the grooming side of the Havanese vs Maltipoo puppies question in practical terms.

### Havanese coat maintenance in practical terms

The Havanese carries a long, silky double coat, and both layers matter. The soft undercoat traps loose hair, so tangles start close to the skin where you cannot see them. Plan on brushing three to four times a week with a slicker and a metal comb, working down to the base. Miss a week and mats form fast, especially behind the ears and in the armpits.

Most owners book a full professional groom every 4 to 6 weeks. A popular shortcut is the “puppy cut,” which keeps the coat short and cuts daily work to almost nothing. If you want a fuller walkthrough of coat care alongside temperament, the basics of Havanese puppy care cover grooming in detail.

### Maltipoo coat texture, shedding and the puppy coat change

A Maltipoo’s coat depends on which parent it favors. Some littermates carry soft wavy hair, others tighter curls, so two puppies from the same pair can groom very differently. Curly coats shed the least but mat the fastest, so daily brushing is the safe assumption.

Expect the puppy coat change between 6 and 12 months. The fluffy baby coat gives way to a denser adult coat, and this is when matting peaks. Brush daily during that stretch and keep up professional trims every 4 to 6 weeks.

For time, the difference is small. The real variable is coat length, not breed.

## Temperament, Barking and How Easily Each Dog Trains

![Havanese puppy catching a treat during training](https://sagepuppies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ai-image-1793452721846-ateumh.webp)

Havanese puppy catching a treat during training

### The Havanese temperament profile

The Havanese was built for companionship. The AKC describes the breed as smart, trainable extroverts with the comic instincts of a born clown, and they are natural trick dogs ([AKC](https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/havanese/)
). They shadow their people from room to room, greet guests warmly, and usually get along with children and other dogs.

Two habits deserve planning. First, barking: the Havanese makes an excellent watchdog, so it announces every delivery and squirrel. Breed guidance is consistent on the fix. Start early, reward quiet behavior, and avoid harsh corrections, because this sensitive breed learns fastest through positive reinforcement. Second, they bond so deeply that long days alone can lead to separation anxiety, so build alone-time gradually from puppyhood.

Training is the easy part. Havanese rank highly for trainability and love to work, which is why the breed has a long history as a circus performer. Short, playful sessions beat long drills.

### What a Maltipoo inherits from both parent breeds

A Maltipoo blends two companion breeds, and the mix shows. From the Maltese side, expect a gentle, people-focused lap dog with a soft, alert nature. From the Toy Poodle side, expect sharp intelligence and a strong desire to learn. Most Maltipoos train quickly with the same reward-based approach, and many are eager to please from the first week.

The tradeoff is variation. Because the Maltese and Toy Poodle cross is not a standardized breed, one puppy may lean clingy and quiet while a littermate is bolder and more vocal. Both parents can be prone to alert barking, so the same early “quiet” training applies. Ask a breeder which parent each puppy favors; it is the best clue you will get.

## Adult Size, Energy Level and Predictability

Both dogs stay small, but size plays out differently for each. A full-grown Havanese lands at **7 to 13 pounds** and usually stops growing by 10 to 12 months. A Maltipoo can land anywhere from **5 to 15 pounds**, depending on whether the Toy or Miniature Poodle parent was used and how the litter shakes out.

| Factor | Havanese | Maltipoo |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Adult weight | About 7 to 13 pounds, set by breed standard | Roughly 5 to 15 pounds, varies by pairing |
| Full-grown by | 10 to 12 months | 8 to 12 months, wider spread |
| Size predictability | High, parents and standard tell you the range | Lower, crossbreeding adds variance |

So how big do Havanese and Maltipoo puppies get? The honest answer is that a Havanese breeder can give you a narrow, well-documented window, while a Maltipoo breeder is estimating. Neither breed suits someone wanting a lap-sized teacup dog, and neither is big enough for rugged hiking.

![Maltipoo and Havanese puppies on a scale mat](https://sagepuppies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ai-image-1793452743079-1aa3w.webp)

Maltipoo and Havanese puppies on a scale mat

### Weight ranges and what they mean for your home

Seven pounds versus fifteen pounds sounds minor until you picture it. A 7-pound Havanese can be accidentally stepped on, so households with wobbly toddlers need gates and floor rules. A sturdier Maltipoo tolerates rougher play, though small children should still sit on the floor for cuddle sessions with either dog.

Apartment dwellers do well with both sizes. Airlines treat both as carry-on candidates, though a 13-pound Havanese pushes carrier limits, so check current airline pet policies before counting on flights. If you’re weighing a Maltipoo vs Havanese size question, ask the breeder for the parents’ actual weights, not just the average for the litter. Estimates tighten considerably when both parents are known quantities.

### Energy, play style and daily routine

Both breeds need moderate exercise, roughly **30 to 45 minutes daily** plus indoor play. Havanese tend toward clownish bursts of energy followed by long naps, while Maltipoos often inherit the Poodle’s sharper mental edge, so they thrive on puzzle toys and short training sessions alongside walks.

Neither is a jogging partner. Both can develop separation anxiety if left alone all day, so plan for midday visits or doggy daycare. Match the dog’s routine to your actual schedule, not an idealized one. The breed that fits the life you live beats the breed that looks good in photos.

## Health, Longevity and Allergy Considerations

### Lifespan and the conditions breeders screen for

Both dogs can live a long time, but the records read a little differently. A well-bred Havanese has a life expectancy of [14 to 16 years](https://www.google.com/goto?url=CAESZAHrOzAVdz8GI_zvXe5ztZWUwJaQ3Jh84ohlOLeEviGT8wgTOQV98dYwC_MVQJMJgz00Fr1u0HKEyvXYuIWPBjw2OZRnsFB_Fkj2cC92JrMGgq27RYhNjR_cnOhBMgRub92JhoQ)
, and most enjoy that long life without major illness. Maltipoos commonly reach 12 to 16 years, with the spread driven by which Poodle parent was used.

Screening is where the breed standard really helps you. The Havanese Club of America lists [OFA patellar luxation certification](https://havaneseclubofamerica.org/health-issues-and-testing/)
 among the required tests, alongside eye and hip checks, so you can ask any breeder for those results by name. Liver shunt screening matters for both dogs. Maltipoo health depends on each parent program, so you need to verify the Maltese and Poodle parents separately.

![Veterinarian gently examines a Havanese puppy's knee](https://sagepuppies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ai-image-1793452793384-1xzrwc.webp)

Veterinarian gently examines a Havanese puppy’s knee

### Allergies, sensitivities and separating evidence from marketing

Are Maltipoos hypoallergenic? No dog is truly hypoallergenic, and that includes the Maltipoo. People react to proteins in dander and saliva, not just shedding hair, so any dog can trigger symptoms.

Here is the honest reality check:

- **Low-shedding is real.** The Poodle coat sheds very little, which reduces loose dander in your home.
- **Reaction levels vary.** Two Maltipoos from the same litter can affect the same person differently.
- **The Havanese is also low-shedding**, but its double coat holds dander close until you brush, so grooming frequency matters more than the label.

If allergies are severe, spend time with adult dogs of each type before you commit. Both breeds reward that test with a long, healthy companionship.

## Cost of Ownership and Where These Puppies Come From

### Purchase price and the first-year budget

How much do Havanese and Maltipoo puppies cost? Labeled example price ranges, not quotes: Havanese puppies from reputable breeders often run about $2,000 to $3,500, with some higher, and first-year costs of food, vet care, and supplies can add $2,500 or more on top of the purchase price. A Maltipoo from a careful crossbreeder often lands in a similar band, though it varies by pairing, size, and region.

Sage Puppies prices its Havanese puppies at $3,500 to $4,500, which reflects health testing on the parents, early socialization, and a small program rather than a large kennel.

The bigger number is not the sticker price. Grooming every 4 to 6 weeks, dental care, and 12 to 16 years of food and vet visits dwarf the day-one check. Budget for those before you budget for the puppy.

![Havanese and Maltipoo purchase and first-year budget comparison](https://sagepuppies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ai-image-1793452839557-ndw5j3.webp)

Havanese and Maltipoo purchase and first-year budget comparison

### Choosing a breeder for either puppy type

The questions are the same for a purebred Havanese and a Maltipoo pairing. Ask to see the mother. Ask for health testing results on both parents, including patellar luxation screening. Ask how puppies are raised in the first eight weeks, because that window shapes temperament more than any chart.

Red flags are just as consistent: no vet records, multiple litters always available, no questions asked of you, and prices that seem too good. A [reputable Havanese breeder](https://spiritdogtraining.com/havanese-cost/)
 will usually interview you as hard as you interview them, and you should want that.

Whether you buy in Utah and pick up, or arrange puppy delivery, an application-first process protects both sides. Take your time with it.

## Which Should You Choose: Havanese or Maltipoo?

For most first-time families, the Havanese is the safer pick because a written breed standard predicts size, coat and temperament. Choose the Maltipoo if you value a wavy, low-shedding coat more than that predictability. Neither is better in the abstract; the right answer depends on your grooming budget, your tolerance for variation, and how your household runs.

### Choose a Havanese when

Pick the Havanese if you want to know what you are getting before you pay. An adult will land between 7 and 13 pounds, usually close to full size by 10 to 12 months, so you can plan carriers, crates and furniture rules with confidence. This breed also suits owners who enjoy grooming as part of the routine: the silky double coat rewards steady brushing, and that upkeep is part of the deal. If you want a deeper look at daily life with this breed, our guide to Havanese temperament, care and training basics covers what the first year actually looks like. Choose it when predictability, a cheerful companion temperament and a long 14 to 16 year expected lifespan matter most.

### Choose a Maltipoo when, and when neither is right yet

Choose the Maltipoo if you prioritize a soft, low-shedding coat and can accept a wider adult weight range of roughly 5 to 15 pounds. Just go in knowing the litter determines much of what you get, from coat texture to final size. And be honest with yourself about readiness for either dog: both need 30 to 45 minutes of daily activity, regular professional grooming and steady companionship. If your schedule leaves a puppy alone for long stretches, or no one can cover a midday break, wait. Separation distress shows up in both breeds, and no coat type fixes an empty house. Puppies are a 12 to 16 year commitment, so the timing matters as much as the breed.

![Sage Puppies homepage](https://sagepuppies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/sagepuppies.com-1781544698129.png)  

Sage Puppies homepage

Decided on a Havanese? [Sage Puppies](https://sagepuppies.com/available-puppies/)
 lists current puppies from Cassie Milar’s Utah program, with local pickup or nationwide delivery. Start the application and reserve your match today.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Q1: Which is better in a Havanese vs Maltipoo puppies comparison?

The Havanese wins on predictability: a written standard points to 7 to 13 pounds and a settled silky coat. Pick the Maltipoo only if a curly, low-shedding coat matters more than knowing the adult size.

### Q2: How much grooming does each puppy need?

Both need brushing several times weekly and professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks. The Havanese’s silky double coat tangles close to the skin, while a Maltipoo’s curly coat often means daily brushing, especially during the puppy coat change.

### Q3: Can anyone guarantee a Maltipoo’s adult weight?

No. Because it is a Maltese and Toy Poodle cross, adults range roughly 5 to 15 pounds. Ask for both parents’ actual weights; a Havanese breeder can give you a much narrower window.

### Q4: Are either of these dogs hypoallergenic?

Neither. People react to dander and saliva proteins, not just shed hair. Both are low-shedding, but spend time with adult dogs of each type before committing if allergies are severe.

### Q5: How much does a Havanese puppy cost in Utah?

Reputable breeders often charge $2,000 to $3,500, though some charge more. Sage Puppies prices its Havanese puppies at $3,500 to $4,500, reflecting parent health testing and early socialization.

### Q6: Can either breed stay home alone all day?

No. Both bond deeply and can develop separation distress. Plan midday visits, doggy daycare, or gradual alone-time training before bringing either puppy home.

### Q7: What health tests should breeders provide?

Ask for OFA patellar luxation certification, eye and hip checks on Havanese parents, plus liver shunt screening for either dog. For Maltipoos, verify the Maltese and Poodle parents separately.

## Conclusion

The choice comes down to predictability versus coat preference. The Havanese gives you a written standard, an adult weight of 7 to 13 pounds, a settled silky coat and a 14 to 16 year lifespan. The Maltipoo offers a soft, low-shedding coat, but size and texture vary widely because it is a Maltese and Toy Poodle cross. Both need steady grooming, daily activity and companionship, and neither thrives in an empty house. If predictability wins, our guide to Havanese temperament, care and training basics covers the first year in detail.