---
title: "Havanese vs Maltipoo: Which Small Breed Fits Your Home?"
type: "post"
slug: "havanese-vs-maltipoo-which-small-breed-fits-your-home"
published_at: "2026-10-19T11:07:54+00:00"
modified_at: "2026-10-19T11:08:04+00:00"
url: "https://sagepuppies.com/havanese-vs-maltipoo-which-small-breed-fits-your-home/"
markdown_url: "https://sagepuppies.com/havanese-vs-maltipoo-which-small-breed-fits-your-home.md"
taxonomy_category:
  - "Breed Comparisons"
  - "Breed Guides"
  - "New Puppy Owners"
author: "Matt Milar"
publisher: "Sage Puppies"
---

# Havanese vs Maltipoo: Which Small Breed Fits Your Home?

> **Quick Summary:** The Havanese is an AKC-recognized purebred with a fixed size range of 7-13 lb, consistent temperament, and a published health-screening program, while the Maltipoo is a Maltese-Poodle cross with adult weights spanning 5-20 lb and coat or personality traits that vary by littermate. Both are affectionate, low-shedding, and live around 14-16 years, but Havanese coats only need brushing several times a week versus near-daily brushing for mat-prone Maltipoos. The choice comes down to whether a household values predictability or is comfortable with some variability, and Sage Puppies in South Jordan, Utah breeds Havanese with documented health testing for families seeking that consistency.

Havanese vs Maltipoo is a choice between predictability and range. The Havanese is a long-established purebred with a written breed standard and a defined health-screening program. The Maltipoo is a Maltese x Poodle cross, so adult size, coat, and temperament can vary a lot depending on which Poodle parent was used.

Both are small, affectionate, and low-shedding, which is why families compare them. The real question is which one fits your home, your grooming budget, and your tolerance for surprises in a young dog. Weighing a Maltipoo vs Havanese comes down to temperament, coat care, size, health screening, and daily routines. This guide covers each in plain terms, so you can decide whether a Havanese or Maltipoo suits you best.

## Havanese vs Maltipoo at a Glance

|  | Havanese | Maltipoo |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Breed status | AKC-recognized purebred (Toy Group) since 1996 | Cross between a Maltese and a Toy or Miniature Poodle; not AKC-recognized as a breed |
| Adult size range | Roughly 7-13 lb and 8.5-11.5 in tall (AKC standard) | Typically 5-20 lb and 8-14 in tall, depending on the Poodle parent |
| Coat type | Long, soft double coat; does not shed heavily but needs regular brushing | Soft, wavy to curly coat that generally sheds very little but mats easily if not brushed |
| Typical grooming commitment | Brushing several times a week, plus professional grooming every 6-8 weeks for many owners | Daily or near-daily brushing is common, with regular professional grooming to prevent matting |
| Temperament snapshot | Sociable, playful, people-oriented; described by parent club and breed media as affectionate and trainable | Affectionate and people-focused, with breed media describing sensitivity to owner mood and a tendency toward separation anxiety |
| Health-screening reference | Havanese Club of America 2025 CHIC statement: annual eyes, hip x-ray, and patella certification | No single parent-club standard; screening draws from Maltese and Poodle club recommendations |

## How Havanese and Maltipoo Compare

### Havanese

The Havanese is an AKC-recognized purebred from Cuba, part of the Bichon family, with a long, silky double coat. It suits families who want a sociable, trainable companion and can keep up with brushing several times a week plus grooming every 6-8 weeks. Its parent club publishes a clear 2025 health-screening program: annual eye exams, hip x-rays, and patella certification.

![Havanese](https://sagepuppies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/www.akc_.org-dog-breeds-havanese-1792407865090.webp)

Havanese

**Key strengths**

- Recognized Toy Group breed with a defined AKC standard
- Documented parent-club health screening

### Maltipoo

The Maltipoo is a Maltese crossed with a Toy or Miniature Poodle, so it is not an AKC-recognized breed. Adults typically weigh 5-20 lb, and coat and size vary with the Poodle parent. It fits owners drawn to a low-shedding, people-focused companion who can brush near-daily to prevent matting. Screening practices vary, since there is no single parent-club standard.

## What Is the Difference Between a Havanese and a Maltipoo?

The core difference is simple. A Havanese is a purebred dog, while a Maltipoo is a cross between two purebreds, a Maltese and a Poodle. That single distinction shapes almost everything else, from how predictable a puppy’s adult coat will be to which health records a breeder can hand you.

### Why breed status shapes what you can predict

The Havanese is Cuba’s national dog and its only native breed. The [American Kennel Club formally recognized it in 1996](https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/havanese/)
, which means every AKC-registered Havanese traces back through documented generations. Breeders can show you a pedigree, breed-specific health testing results, and a written standard describing what an adult should look like and weigh.

A Maltipoo has no such registry. Because it is a hybrid, the AKC does not recognize it, and no official standard exists. Puppies within the same litter can differ in size, coat type, and shedding level depending on which parent they favor. Adults typically weigh 5-20 lb, and that range is wide because the Poodle parent itself comes in different sizes.

Neither option is better on its own. But if predictability matters to you, the paper trail behind a purebred Havanese tells you more about the dog you will have in ten years. Before you commit to either, it helps to understand the [day-to-day care a Havanese puppy needs](https://sagepuppies.com/havanese-puppy-care-guide-feeding-grooming-and-training/)
, since that routine starts the week your puppy comes home.

### Where the two breeds actually overlap

Plenty stays the same. Both are small companion breeds bred to live close to people, so both struggle with long hours alone. Both have low-shedding coats that need steady brushing, and both stay small enough for apartments. Expect a similar lifespan of roughly 14-16 years, and similar needs: early socialization, gentle training, and regular grooming appointments.

The overlap is real, which is why this choice usually comes down to temperament nuance and how much variability you want.

## Temperament and Daily Personality Compared

Both breeds were built for company, and it shows the moment you walk through the door. The differences show up in how each one handles being alone.

### Sociability with family and other pets

The Havanese is famously people-focused. The AKC describes the breed as vivacious and sociable, and the Havanese Club of America rates it top marks for affection with family, patience with children, and getting along with other dogs. Early socialization still matters, but the breed gives you a strong head start, which is one reason it fits so many homes.

Maltipoos are also affectionate and usually friendly with visitors, kids, and other pets. The difference is consistency. Because a Maltipoo is a crossbreed, its temperament is shaped by both parents, and individual puppies in the same litter can differ in confidence and energy. Meet the parents when you can, and ask how the litter has been raised. Home-raised puppies get everyday handling that shapes how they settle into a busy family.

![Two small puppies sitting on a living room rug](https://sagepuppies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ai-image-1792407929006-d24je.webp)

Two small puppies sitting on a living room rug

### Sensitivity, separation anxiety, and barking

Both breeds bond deeply and struggle when left alone for long workdays. The Havanese is sometimes called a velcro dog for good reason, and gradual alone-time training helps either breed. Maltipoos can be prone to separation anxiety and alert barking too, so plan for company, chew puzzles, and calm departures rather than assuming either pup will self-entertain.

## Coat, Shedding, and Grooming Workload

Coat type drives how much time you spend with a brush, so this is one of the biggest day-to-day differences between these two dogs. Neither breed is truly maintenance-free, but they fail in different ways. A neglected Havanese coat tangles slowly; a neglected Maltipoo coat mats fast, sometimes within days.

### Havanese coat: long, silky, and double

The Havanese has a long, silky double coat that sheds very little, which is why the breed is often described as low-shedding rather than non-shedding. Hair falls out but tends to stay caught in the coat instead of dropping around your house. Left alone, that soft undercoat and silky topcoat tangle close to the skin, especially behind the ears and in the armpits. Most owners brush several times a week, then choose either a full show-length coat or an easier short “puppy cut.” Professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks keeps either style manageable. For a full routine, our [Havanese puppy grooming guide](https://sagepuppies.com/havanese-puppy-care-guide-feeding-grooming-and-training/)
 walks through brushing, bathing, and trimming step by step.

![Brush grooming long cream Havanese coat](https://sagepuppies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ai-image-1792407948030-fvawdr.webp)

Brush grooming long cream Havanese coat

### Maltipoo coat: variable and mat-prone

A Maltipoo’s coat is harder to predict because it blends a Maltese coat with a Poodle coat. Some puppies get a soft, wavy fleece texture, while others inherit a curlier, denser Poodle type, and littermates can differ from each other. Shedding stays low in most cases, but low shedding does not mean low work. Curly coats mat quickly when they meet moisture, so many Maltipoo owners brush daily or close to it and book professional grooming every 4 to 8 weeks. Ask to see the parents when you visit a breeder, since their coat texture gives you the best hint of what your puppy will need.

## Size, Growth Patterns, and Space Fit

### Why the Maltipoo size range is wider

The Havanese sits in a narrow band: roughly 7-13 lb and 8.5-11.5 inches tall, because the AKC breed standard defines it. The Maltipoo has no such standard. It is a cross between a Maltese and a Poodle, and the Poodle parent may be a toy (about 4-9 lb) or a miniature (10-20 lb). That single difference explains why full-grown Maltipoos can land anywhere from 5 to 20 pounds and 8 to 14 inches tall, according to [PetMD’s breed overview](https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/maltipoo)
.

![Small Havanese puppy beside a tape measure on a wooden floor](https://sagepuppies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ai-image-1792407968969-cimi.webp)

Small Havanese puppy beside a tape measure on a wooden floor

Growth patterns follow the same split. Havanese puppies grow at a fairly predictable rate and finish filling out by about a year. A Maltipoo puppy’s adult size depends on its parents, so ask the breeder which Poodle type was used and see both parents when you can.

If you like seeing size plotted clearly, we break down how a related cross grows month by month in our [Havanese and Havapoo size comparison](https://sagepuppies.com/havanese-vs-havapoo-size-differences-compared/)
.

### Matching size to your home and routine

Both breeds fit apartments, townhomes, and houses. Neither needs a yard to thrive, just daily walks and play. The real question is predictability. If you want a good estimate of adult weight before you commit, the Havanese gives you one. If a Maltipoo’s wider range excites you, and you can love a 7-pounder as much as an 18-pounder, the crossbreed flexibility works in your favor. Either way, plan for a small dog who stays portable, travels easily, and fits happily on a couch corner.

## Health and Screening Priorities to Ask About

Health questions tell you more about a breeder than any photo gallery. The two breeds here come with very different paperwork, so know what to ask for before you fall in love with a face.

![Veterinarian examines small fluffy puppy's knees on exam table](https://sagepuppies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ai-image-1792408003281-55m7g.webp)

Veterinarian examines small fluffy puppy’s knees on exam table

### Havanese screening: what the parent club publishes

Purebred Havanese have a published benchmark. The [Havanese Club of America’s health statement](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Havanese-Health-Statement.pdf)
 requires breeders on its list to test breeding dogs for current OFA CHIC certification. That covers an annual eye exam (CAER), patella (kneecap) evaluation, hip testing, and a BAER hearing test. Ask any breeder for the parents’ OFA or CHIC numbers, then look them up yourself in the public OFA database. The records take minutes to verify.

Because the breed standard is fixed, this testing framework is too. Every well-bred Havanese puppy should trace back to parents with current results in these areas, plus cardiac screening where the breeder’s vet recommends it. If a breeder dodges the question or says “the vet checked them,” treat that as a red flag.

### Maltipoo screening: combining two parent-club frameworks

Maltipoos have no single breed standard, so there is no shared test list. The practical approach is to borrow from both parent breeds. For the Maltese side, ask about eye exams, patellas, and dental checks, since small mouths crowd easily. For the Poodle side, ask about hip and patella evaluations plus the genetic eye conditions Poodles can carry, especially progressive retinal atrophy.

A good Maltipoo breeder will still run OFA-style testing and share results for each parent. The difference is that you, the buyer, need to build the checklist, because no parent club builds it for you.

## Training, Exercise, and Daily Routine Fit

### Matching a breed to your weekly schedule

Both breeds have modest exercise needs, so neither one demands a jogging partner. The Havanese has moderate requirements: the AKC notes a brisk daily walk or backyard play session is enough, and warns owners never to over-exercise the breed. A Maltipoo lands in a similar spot, with short walks and indoor play covering most of its energy budget. The real routine difference is attention. Havanese bond hard with their people and dislike long stretches alone, while a Maltipoo’s needs shift with its Poodle parent. If your week includes full workdays away from home, plan for a midday visit or doggy daycare either way.

### Training style that fits each breed

Both respond best to short, upbeat, reward-based sessions, and both can be sensitive to harsh corrections. The Havanese is a proven performer in agility and trick dog sports, so it suits owners who want a small dog that loves to learn. A Maltipoo is usually eager too, but its focus and drive vary with lineage, so some pups train like a Poodle and others coast like a Maltese. Start socialization early with either one. Consistent five-minute sessions twice a day beat one long drill every weekend.

## Which Should You Choose: Havanese or Maltipoo?

### When a Havanese is likely the better fit

Pick a Havanese if predictability matters to you. The breed standard locks in a 7-13 lb adult, so you know what you are bringing home. You also get a documented breed history, an AKC club health statement, and generations of predictable temperament. Families who value a settled, sociable dog with fewer coat surprises tend to land here.

### When a Maltipoo is likely the better fit

Choose a Maltipoo if you enjoy some range in what you get. Because the Poodle parent may be toy or miniature, adult size can run anywhere from 5 to 20 lb. Curly coats often shed less, which appeals to mild allergy households, though no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Be ready for daily brushing and grooming every 4 to 8 weeks.

### Your next step if a Havanese fits

If the Havanese side sounds like your household, look for a breeder who verifies health testing and matches puppies to your family honestly. Sage Puppies breeds Havanese in South Jordan, Utah, and works with families locally and nationwide. Prepare your questions before you apply so the match starts on solid ground.

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

Sage Puppies homepage

Still weighing the two? The honest answer is that the right choice depends on your home, and talking it through helps. [Sage Puppies](https://sagepuppies.com)
 raises Havanese with documented health testing and guides each family through a simple application, whether you pick up in Utah or welcome your puppy anywhere in the country.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Q1: What is the difference between a Havanese and a Maltipoo?

A Havanese is an AKC-recognized purebred with a fixed standard, so size, coat, and health testing follow a predictable pattern. A Maltipoo is a Maltese-Poodle cross, so adult size and coat vary widely.

### Q2: What is the temperament of a Havanese vs a Maltipoo?

Both are affectionate and people-focused. Havanese temperament is consistent across the breed, while Maltipoo personality shifts with lineage, so littermates can differ in confidence and energy.

### Q3: Do Havanese shed more than Maltipoos?

Usually not much difference. Havanese shed lightly, with hair caught in the coat. Maltipoo shedding depends on coat type, but most shed very little. Both need regular brushing.

### Q4: Which breed is better for first-time owners?

The Havanese offers more predictability in size and temperament, which helps new owners. Either breed works, though, with reward-based training and early socialization.

### Q5: How much grooming does each breed need?

Havanese: brushing several times weekly and grooming every 6-8 weeks. Maltipoos often need near-daily brushing and grooming every 4-8 weeks to prevent mats.

### Q6: How long do Havanese and Maltipoos live?

Both commonly reach roughly 14-16 years with good care, so plan for a long-term commitment either way.

## A Calm Way to Decide Between a Havanese and a Maltipoo

The choice comes down to predictability versus range. A Havanese gives you a fixed breed standard: a 7-13 lb adult, consistent temperament, and a published health-screening program you can verify. A Maltipoo offers a wider 5-20 lb size range and variable coats, with no single testing standard to lean on.

Neither is the better dog. Both live long, bond deeply, and need steady grooming and company. Ask one question of your own household: do you want to know exactly what you are getting, or are you happy to meet it as it grows