The Maltese is adored for its luxurious white coat, affectionate personality, and small size, making it a top choice for dog lovers. Its charm, intelligence, and easygoing nature make it an ideal companion. However, if you’re a fan of the Maltese and want to explore other breeds with similar qualities, there are many delightful options. From their size and temperament to their soft, silky coats, several dog breeds share the Maltese’s lovable traits, making them excellent alternatives for anyone seeking a cheerful, affectionate companion.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is often compared to the Maltese due to its similar size, cheerful personality, and fluffy white coat. Both breeds are known for their happy-go-lucky nature and love for human companionship. Like the Maltese, the Bichon Frise thrives on attention and is known for its affectionate, playful demeanor. One of the main differences is the Bichon Frise’s curly coat, which requires regular grooming to maintain its signature fluffy look. However, this breed shares the same love for cuddling and enjoys being the center of attention, making it an excellent choice for those who adore Maltese-like dogs.
Havanese
The Havanese is another small breed that shares many qualities with the Maltese. Known for their silky, flowing coats and friendly personalities, Havanese dogs are cheerful and energetic, much like their Maltese counterparts. Both breeds are affectionate and thrive in a family setting where they can be the center of attention. Havanese dogs are also highly trainable and intelligent, making teaching new tricks and commands easy. While a bit longer and fuller than the Maltese, their coats require regular grooming to keep them looking their best. With their loving nature and beautiful appearance, Havanese dogs perfectly match Maltese fans.
Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear is another small, white, fluffy dog that bears a striking resemblance to the Maltese. Known for its soft, cotton-like coat, this breed is friendly, playful, and incredibly affectionate, much like the Maltese. The Coton de Tulear enjoys spending time with its family and is known for its loyalty and strong bond with its humans. Like the Maltese, Cotons are gentle and get along well with children and other pets. Their playful, clownish behavior makes them a joy to have around, and their low-shedding coat makes them an excellent choice for those looking for a companion dog with minimal shedding.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are well-known for their long, flowing coats and regal appearance, reminiscent of the Maltese. Both breeds have a luxurious coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and keep them looking their best. Shih Tzus are affectionate and love spending time with their owners, often following them from room to room. They are known for loving lap dogs, much like the Maltese, and enjoy snuggling up for some quality relaxation time. Their playful personalities and strong bond with their families make them a wonderful option for those who appreciate the temperament of a Maltese.
Yorkshire Terrier
Though the Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, has a distinct look with its silky, steel-blue, and tan coat, it shares many personality traits with the Maltese. Both breeds are small, affectionate, and love to be the center of attention. Yorkies are known for their big personalities in small packages and are often described as feisty and confident. Like the Maltese, Yorkies bond closely with their humans and enjoy being pampered. Their long, fine coat requires regular grooming, similar to the Maltese, and they enjoy being stylish with bows or top knots. If you’re looking for a dog with the same spunky attitude as a Maltese, the Yorkie is a great choice.
Pekingese
The Pekingese, with its long, flowing coat and lion-like mane, is another breed that shares similarities with the Maltese regarding its affectionate nature and regal demeanor. Pekingese dogs are known for their loyalty and strong attachment to their owners, often forming a deep bond with one person in particular. Like the Maltese, they enjoy being lap dogs and are content to relax with their humans for long periods. Pekingese dogs are slightly more independent but still crave attention and companionship. Like the Maltese, their coat requires regular grooming to maintain its lush appearance.
Papillon
The Papillon, named for its butterfly-like ears, is another small breed that shares many qualities with the Maltese. Both breeds are known for their intelligence, playful nature, and ability to form strong bonds with their owners. Papillons are slightly more energetic than Maltese dogs and enjoy engaging in agility and obedience activities. Their beautiful, silky coats, although not as long as the Maltese, still require regular grooming to keep them looking pristine. Papillons are known for being friendly and outgoing, making them great companions for those who enjoy an active lifestyle while still wanting a small, affectionate dog by their side.
Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is a small breed that resembles the Maltese with its long, flowing coat and affectionate nature. Both breeds are known for their loyalty and attachment to their owners and enjoy being close to their families. Lhasa Apsos, however, have a more independent streak and can be a bit more aloof with strangers, unlike the typically outgoing Maltese. Their luxurious coat requires regular grooming to prevent tangles and matting, much like the Maltese. Lhasa Apsos are known for their strong personalities and their ability to adapt to various living situations, making them a great option for Maltese lovers looking for a dog with a bit more independence.
Bolognese
The Bolognese is a close relative of the Maltese and shares many of the same traits, including a small size, fluffy white coat, and affectionate nature. These dogs are gentle and loving and thrive on human interaction, making them perfect companions for families or individuals seeking a loyal, Maltese-like dog. The Bolognese has a slightly curlier coat than the Maltese but still requires regular grooming to keep it looking its best. These dogs are known for their calm, easygoing temperament and strong bond with their owners. The Bolognese is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a breed that offers the same love and devotion as a Maltese.
Toy Poodle
The Toy Poodle is known for its intelligence, playful nature, and hypoallergenic coat, which makes it a great option for those who love the Maltese but want a slightly different look. Both breeds are small, affectionate, and enjoy being around their humans. Toy Poodles are highly trainable and excel in obedience and agility activities, much like the Maltese. Their curly coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting, and like the Maltese, they don’t shed much, making them ideal for those with allergies. Toy Poodles are energetic and enjoy mental stimulation, but they also love to cuddle, making them the perfect balance of playful and affectionate.
When Your Dog Is Basically a Maltese in Disguise
These dog breeds may not be Maltese, but they share many qualities that make them so beloved. With their affectionate nature, luxurious coats, and cheerful personalities, these breeds are all excellent options for anyone looking for a dog similar to the Maltese. Next time you see a fluffy, white ball of joy prancing around the park, you might wonder—Is that a Maltese? Or is it just another breed that’s perfected the art of being pure sunshine on four paws? Either way, you’re in for some cuddles and tail wags!
Toledo, United States.
