The Maltese breed is cherished for its graceful appearance and delightful personality. However, there are numerous other dog breeds that share similar charming traits. From their fluffy coats to their affectionate nature, these breeds can easily be mistaken for the Maltese. In this blog post, we will explore 20 dog breeds that resemble the Maltese in both looks and temperament.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is known for its delightful personality and fluffy white coat, often resembling a little cloud. This breed is incredibly friendly and affectionate, making them excellent companions for families and individuals alike.
With their playful and energetic nature, Bichon Frises thrive on human interaction and enjoy being the center of attention. They are highly trainable, making them perfect for those who love teaching tricks and commands.
Despite their small size, they are sturdy and love playtime, ensuring that they bring joy and laughter to any household.
Havanese
The Havanese is a small breed with a silky, flowing coat that gives them a glamorous appearance akin to the Maltese. They are renowned for their friendly and outgoing personality, always eager to meet new friends.
As a highly adaptable breed, Havanese dogs can adjust to various living arrangements, whether in bustling cities or quiet countryside. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them easy to train.
Their joyful antics and happy disposition ensure they are a constant source of entertainment and affection for their families.
Coton de Tulear
Coton de Tulears are small dogs with a cotton-like coat, giving them a soft and cuddly appearance. Known for their jovial and affectionate nature, they share many personality traits with the Maltese.
These dogs are highly social and love spending time with their owners, making them ideal pets for families of all sizes. They are intelligent, eager to learn, and enjoy mental stimulation through interactive games.
Coton de Tulears are generally healthy dogs that adapt well to various environments, making them versatile companions.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu, with its long flowing coat and regal demeanor, often draws comparisons to the Maltese. This breed is known for its affectionate and friendly nature, always eager to spend time with its human companions.
Shih Tzus are relatively low-maintenance in terms of exercise, making them perfect for apartment living or homes with limited outdoor space. They enjoy leisurely walks and indoor play sessions.
Their loyal and gentle disposition ensures they quickly become beloved members of any family.
Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apsos are small dogs with a dense, floor-length coat that is often compared to the Maltese. Known for their independent yet affectionate nature, they make excellent companions.
These dogs are alert and cautious, making them great watchdogs despite their small stature. They are loyal to their families and enjoy spending time with them.
Regular grooming is essential to maintain their beautiful coat, but their charming personality and devotion are well worth the effort.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are small dogs with a glossy coat that can easily be styled for a Maltese-like appearance. These dogs are known for their bold and confident personalities.
Despite their tiny size, Yorkies are fearless and often act as if they are much larger dogs. They form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy being part of family activities.
Their intelligence and curiosity make them quick learners, and they thrive in environments where they can explore and engage with their surroundings.
Pekingese
The Pekingese, with its lion-like mane and dignified presence, shares some aesthetic traits with the Maltese. This breed is known for its loyal and loving nature, forming strong bonds with its family.
Pekingese are calm and composed, preferring leisurely activities and quiet companionship over vigorous play. They are well-suited to homes where they can relax and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
Though independent, they are deeply affectionate and enjoy spending time with their loved ones, making them cherished companions.
Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin, with its silky coat and delicate features, is another breed that echoes the Maltese’s elegance. They are known for their charming and gentle nature, making them delightful companions.
This breed is intelligent and observant, often exhibiting cat-like behavior such as perching and grooming. They thrive in environments where they are included in daily activities.
Japanese Chins are affectionate and loyal, forming strong bonds with their families and providing endless joy and companionship.
Papillon
Papillons, known for their distinctive butterfly-like ears, are small dogs that share the Maltese’s lively and friendly demeanor. Despite their dainty appearance, they are energetic and enjoy active play.
This breed is highly intelligent and responsive, making them quick learners and eager participants in agility sports. They are social creatures that thrive on interaction and companionship.
Papillons form close bonds with their families, ensuring they are always ready to bring smiles and laughter to their household.
Silky Terrier
Silky Terriers, with their sleek and shiny coats, bear a resemblance to the Maltese in their elegant appearance. These dogs are spirited and full of personality, always ready for adventure.
Despite their small size, they are bold and confident, making them excellent watchdogs and companions. They require regular grooming to maintain their coat’s luster and health.
Silky Terriers are loving and devoted to their families, enjoying a mix of playtime and cuddles, ensuring they fit seamlessly into any home.
Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles, with their perfectly groomed coats, often mimic the Maltese’s refined look. These dogs are known for their intelligence and trainability, making them ideal for those who love teaching tricks.
Their small size makes them adaptable to various living conditions, from apartments to larger homes. They enjoy mental and physical activities, keeping them engaged and happy.
Toy Poodles are affectionate and loyal, forming strong bonds with their families, ensuring they are beloved members of any household.
West Highland White Terrier
West Highland White Terriers, or Westies, are known for their rough white coats and perky ears, giving them a Maltese-like charm. These dogs are spirited, cheerful, and full of life.
Westies are strong-willed and confident, often taking on challenges with enthusiasm. They are friendly and sociable, enjoying the company of their family and other dogs.
Their independent nature makes them fascinating companions, and their loyalty to their family ensures they are cherished members of their households.
Bolognese
The Bolognese is a small breed with a fluffy white coat, closely resembling the Maltese in appearance. Known for their gentle and calm demeanor, they are affectionate and devoted to their families.
Bolognese dogs enjoy being around people and adapt well to various living environments, from apartments to country homes. They thrive on companionship and are known to form strong bonds with their owners.
Though they require regular grooming to maintain their coat, their loving nature and loyalty make them a beloved choice for many families.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their soft, wavy coats and expressive eyes, sharing the Maltese’s gentle and affectionate traits. These dogs are friendly and sociable, making them wonderful companions.
They are eager to please and enjoy participating in family activities, whether it’s a walk in the park or cuddling on the couch. Their adaptability makes them suitable for various living situations.
Cavaliers are loving and devoted, forming strong bonds with their families, ensuring they are cherished members of their homes.
Chinese Crested
Chinese Cresteds are unique with their distinctive mane and spotted skin, yet they share the Maltese’s affectionate nature. This breed is known for its playful and lively temperament.
Despite their unusual appearance, they are highly social and thrive on human interaction, making them excellent family pets. They enjoy being part of household activities and are known for their loyalty.
Their affectionate and playful demeanor ensures they bring joy to their families, making them beloved companions despite their uncommon looks.
Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers, with their distinctive beards and bushy eyebrows, may not look like the Maltese but share similar charming traits. They are friendly and outgoing, enjoying social interaction.
This breed is known for its intelligence and eagerness to learn, making them quick learners and obedient companions. They are loyal and devoted to their families, ensuring they are always close by.
Miniature Schnauzers are energetic and playful, thriving in active households where they can participate in family adventures.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians, with their fluffy coats and fox-like faces, share the Maltese’s charming and lively demeanor. These small dogs are full of energy and enjoy being the center of attention.
Known for their intelligence and curiosity, Pomeranians are quick learners and enjoy activities that challenge their minds. They form strong bonds with their families, ensuring they are always ready to entertain.
Despite their small size, they have bold personalities and are known for their delightful antics, making them beloved family pets.
Pug
Pugs, with their wrinkled faces and charming expressions, share the Maltese’s affectionate and playful nature. These dogs are known for their friendly and sociable personalities.
Pugs thrive on human interaction and enjoy being part of family activities, whether it’s a walk in the park or relaxing at home. They are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train.
Their playful antics and loving nature ensure they are always a source of joy and laughter in any household.
Cairn Terrier
Cairn Terriers, with their rough coats and lively personalities, may not resemble the Maltese visually but share similar endearing traits. They are spirited and enjoy exploring their surroundings.
This breed is intelligent and curious, thriving in environments that allow them to engage their minds and be active participants. They are loyal companions, forming strong bonds with their families.
Cairn Terriers are adaptable and can fit well into various living situations, bringing joy and companionship to their households.
Maltipoo
The Maltipoo, a cross between a Maltese and a Poodle, inherits many charming traits from its parent breeds. Known for their fluffy coats and affectionate natures, they are delightful companions.
Maltipoos are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train and adaptable to various living conditions. They enjoy both playtime and relaxation, ensuring they fit well into family life.
Their loving and sociable demeanor ensures they form strong bonds with their families, bringing endless joy and affection to their homes.