Chihuahua vs Maltese
A side-by-side breakdown of size, cost, grooming load and lifestyle fit — with a straight answer on which suits which household.
Short answer
These two are closely matched. The decision comes down to cost and coat rather than temperament — pick Chihuahua if monthly budget is the deciding factor.
Comparison table
| Attribute | Chihuahua | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Species | dog | dog |
| Origin | Mexico | Malta |
| Weight (kg) | 1.5–3 | 2–4 |
| Height (cm) | 15–23 | 20–25 |
| Lifespan (years) | 14–18 | 12–15 |
| Monthly cost (USD) | $64 | $102 |
| Yearly cost (USD) | $768 | $1224 |
| Purchase price (USD) | $1400 | $1450 |
| Grooming need (1–5) | 2 | 5 |
| Shedding (1–5) | 3 | 1 |
| Energy (1–5) | 3 | 2 |
| Trainability (1–5) | 2 | 3 |
| Apartment fit (1–5) | 5 | 5 |
| Good with kids (1–5) | 1 | 2 |
| Vocal (1–5) | 5 | 3 |
What the numbers mean
- Chihuahua weighs 1.5–3 kg and lives 14–18 years; Maltese weighs 2–4 kg and lives 12–15 years.
- On estimated monthly cost, Chihuahua runs about $64/month versus $102/month for Maltese — a difference of roughly $38 a month, or $456 a year.
- Both have the same apartment suitability score (5/5).
- Chihuahua has the higher shedding score (3/5 vs 1/5) — higher means more hair on your sofa.
- Maltese has the higher grooming requirement (5/5 vs 2/5) — higher means more brushing and professional trimming.
- Chihuahua has the higher energy level (3/5 vs 2/5) — higher means more daily exercise.
- Maltese has the higher trainability score (3/5 vs 2/5).
- Maltese has the higher kid-friendliness score (2/5 vs 1/5).
- Chihuahua has the higher vocalisation score (5/5 vs 3/5) — higher means more barking or meowing.
Cost over ten years
At the estimated monthly rates above, ten years of routine care (food, treats, grooming, medication, vet visits and supplies — excluding insurance, emergency treatment and purchase price) works out to roughly $7,680 for Chihuahua and $12,240 for Maltese. The gap is $4,560 — usually larger than the difference in purchase price.
Health profile
Chihuahua
Maltese
Both breeds are associated with Patellar luxation, Hypoglycemia, so screening for these is worth raising with a breeder either way.
Which one should you pick?
- Choose Chihuahua if you want a breed that copes well in a smaller home, prefer a calmer daily routine, and your budget covers about $64 a month.
- Choose Maltese if you want a breed that copes well in a smaller home, prefer a calmer daily routine, and your budget covers about $102 a month.
- Neither, if the grooming load is more than you can sustain; both need regular coat care.