Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese Comparison - Dog breed selector: Decker Giant or Bichon Habanero or Maltese lion dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese" Compare Rat Terrier and Havanese. Which is better: Rat Terrier or Havanese or Maltese?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Rat Terrier	Havanese	Maltese
Origins	United States	Cuba	Italy
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Hunting Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	97	23	33
Reviews	2	6	3
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Decker Giant Rat Rattie Ratting Terrier American Rat Terrier	Bichon Habanero Bichon Havanais Bichon Havanes Havanese Cuban Bichon Havaneser Havanezer Bichon Havanese	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Rat Terrier or Havanese or Maltese? Which is the smallest dog, Rat Terrier or Havanese or Maltese?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Which is heavier, Rat Terrier or Havanese or Havanese? Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese weight comparison:	Standard: 12-35 pounds (5.5-16 kg)	7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Standard: 23.5 pounds (5.10.5 kg)	10 pounds (4.5 kg)	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Rat Terrier or Havanese or Maltese? Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese height comparison:	Standard: 14-23 inches (35.5-58.5 cm)	8-11 inches (21-29 cm)	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Standard: 18.5 inches (35.5-58.5 cm)	10 inches (25 cm)	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Rat Terrier or Havanese or Maltese? Which is more expensive?	$300-$500	$900-$1200	$600-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Rat Terrier or Havanese or Maltese?	Very frequent: The Rat Terrier is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Havanese is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.

Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese intelligence:	Smart: The Rat Terrier dogs have great intelligence. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese trainability comparison.	Rat Terrier dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Havanese dogs are very easy to train. See more.	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Rat Terrier or Havanese or Maltese?	Rat Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Havanese dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Rat Terrier or Havanese or Maltese? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Rat Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Havanese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Rat Terrier or Havanese or Maltese? Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese behavior/temperament comparison:	Loving Alert Affectionate Lively Inquisitive	Playful Intelligent Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle Companionable Sturdy Amiable Charming	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese?	High: Rat Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Havanese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese social needs comparison:	Rat Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Havanese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	The wanderlust potential of the Rat Terrier is strong enough to escape from home. See more.	Havanese dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Rat Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Havanese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese playfulness comparison:	Average: Rat Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Havanese is a highly playful breed. See more.	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese?	Average: The Rat Terrier barks occasionally. See more.	Low to Average: The Havanese rarely barks. See more.	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Rat Terrier or Havanese or Maltese?	Very house-friendly dog the Rat Terrier breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Havanese breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Rat Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Havanese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Rat Terrier or Havanese or Maltese?	Rat Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Havanese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Rat Terrier or Havanese or Maltese?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Rat Terrier bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Havanese bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	Low 🔽 The Rat Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese mouthiness comparison:	Rat Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Havanese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese health comparison. Which is the healthier: Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese?	The Rat Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Havanese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Eye Problems Heart Problems	Cataracts Heart Murmurs Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Deafness Chondrodysplasia Elbow Dysplasia Mitral Valve Disease Portosystemic Liver Shunt	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Rat Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Havanese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese lifespan comparison. How long do Rat Terrier, Havanese and Maltese breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	14-18 years The average lifespan of Rat Terrier: 16 years	14-16 years The average lifespan of Havanese: 15 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese?	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.

Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Rat Terrier or Havanese or Maltese? Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese energy level comparison:	Rat Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.	Havanese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.	Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Rat Terrier or Havanese or Maltese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Rat Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.	Havanese dogs exercise need is very minimal.	Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Rat Terrier or Havanese or Maltese?	Rat Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.	Havanese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Rat Terrier or Havanese or Maltese?	No data available	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.	Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese weight gain potential comparison:	Average: The Rat Terrier has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Havanese's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese coat comparison:	Dense Shiny	Soft Wavy Woolly Flat Long	Feathered
Colors What are the original Rat Terrier, Havanese and Maltese color?	Black Tan Blue White Brown Tricolor	Black White Fawn Reddish-Brown Havana Brown Tobacco	White
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Rat Terrier or Havanese or Maltese? Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese grooming comparison:	Effortless: The Rat Terrier requires minimal grooming. See more.	Average: The Havanese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Rat Terrier or Havanese or Maltese? Rat Terrier or Havanese or {name3 shedding:	Rat Terrier dogs shed above average. See more.	Havanese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Rat Terrier or Havanese or Maltese?	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Hypoallergenic Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	No See more.	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese?	Medium ⏺ The Rat Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	The Rat Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Havanese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Rat Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.	Havanese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Rat Terrier or Havanese or Maltese? Which dog is more friendly?	Rat Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Havanese dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Rat Terrier or Havanese or Maltese?	Rat Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Havanese dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Rat Terrier or Havanese or Maltese?	Rat Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Havanese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Rat Terrier or Havanese or Maltese?	Rat Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Havanese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese?	Yes Rat Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Havanese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Rat Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Havanese is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Rat Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Havaneses are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.

Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Which one could be a service dog?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Rat Terrier or Havanese or Maltese? Which is better for autism?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) Which one could be a search and rescue dog?	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese?	Not really Rat Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Havanese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.
Litter Size How many puppies can Rat Terrier and Havanese and Maltese have?	5-7 puppies	1-9 puppies, average 4	3-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Rat Terrier vs Havanese vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2013 as a Terrier breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Dog Registry of America Inc. North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club United Kennel Club	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club United Kennel Club Havanese Club of America	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club

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