10 Dog Breeds Similar to Maltese in 2026 (Ranked by Similarity)

If you love the Maltese, you’re in good company. These little white dogs have charmed people for over 2,000 years — from ancient Mediterranean royalty to modern apartment dwellers who just want a soft, snuggly companion. But maybe you can’t find a Maltese breeder nearby, or you’re curious about breeds that share that same silky elegance and velcro-dog personality.

Good news: several breeds hit those same notes. Some are nearly identical in size and coat. Others match the Maltese’s gentle, people-first temperament almost perfectly. A few bring the same low-shedding coat that makes the Maltese so appealing for allergy-prone households.

This guide ranks 10 dog breeds similar to the Maltese — starting with the closest matches in personality, size, and coat type. Whether you’re shopping for your first dog or exploring your options after falling in love with a friend’s Maltese, here’s where to start.

The 10 Most Similar Breeds to the Maltese

1. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is the closest match to the Maltese you’ll find in another breed. Both have white, fluffy, low-shedding coats. Both were bred purely for companionship. Both thrive on being the center of attention and do well in apartments or smaller homes.

The key difference? The Bichon Frise has a puffier, curlier coat — almost like a powder puff — while the Maltese has a silkier, straighter coat that flows closer to the body. Bichons also tend to be slightly sturdier, weighing 12-18 pounds compared to the Maltese’s typical 4-7 pounds. That extra weight makes them a bit more durable if you have young kids in the house.

Bichon Frises are cheerful, adaptable, and easy to train. They love learning tricks and respond well to positive reinforcement. Their coats require regular professional grooming (every 4-6 weeks) to maintain that signature puffy look, but daily brushing keeps matting at bay between appointments. If you love the Maltese’s white coat and cheerful, people-oriented personality, the Bichon Frise is your closest alternative. Both are among the best low-shedding small dog breeds for allergy-prone households.

Size: 12-18 lbs  |  Coat: Curly, fluffy, white  |  Energy: Moderate  |  Shedding: Minimal

2. Havanese

Cuba’s national dog shares so much with the Maltese that many owners confuse the two as puppies. The Havanese has a silky, flowing coat that comes in a much wider color range — cream, chocolate, blue, parti-color, and more — but the texture and length feel very familiar to anyone who’s touched a Maltese’s coat.

What’s different? The Havanese is a bit more outgoing and social. They’re friendlier with strangers than the Maltese tends to be, and they handle brief periods alone slightly better (though they’re still very people-dependent). They weigh 7-13 pounds, which puts them just a step above the Maltese in size but still firmly in toy-breed territory.

Havanese are known for being gentle with kids and other pets. They’re also one of the more adaptable toy breeds — they do well in the city, the suburbs, and even rural settings as long as their person is nearby. If you want a small companion with that same flowing coat and sweet personality but a little more flexibility, the Havanese delivers.

Size: 7-13 lbs  |  Coat: Silky, long, multi-color  |  Energy: Moderate  |  Shedding: Minimal

3. Coton de Tulear

The name literally means “cotton from Tulear” — a nod to the breed’s distinctively soft, cotton-like coat. The Coton de Tulear is one of the Maltese’s closest relatives, sharing a similar small frame (8-15 lbs), a gentle personality, and a deeply social nature that makes them miserable when left alone for long periods.

What sets the Coton apart is its personality. These dogs are clownish in the best possible way — they love to make you laugh, they bounce when they’re excited, and they’ll walk on their hind legs just to get your attention. They adapt well to both families and single owners, and they don’t tend toward the anxious behavior some toy breeds display. Cotons are a bit hardier than Maltese, which makes them slightly better with younger children.

Their coats require regular brushing to prevent mats, but they don’t shed much, which keeps things manageable. If you want a dog that feels like a Maltese but brings a little more joie de vivre, this is your breed.

Size: 8-15 lbs  |  Coat: Soft, cotton-like, mostly white  |  Energy: Moderate  |  Shedding: Minimal

4. Japanese Chin

If the Maltese had a quieter, more refined cousin, it would be the Japanese Chin. These small dogs are famous for their cat-like behaviors — they like to perch on high surfaces, clean their faces with their paws, and observe the room before deciding to engage. That preference for calm, peaceful environments mirrors the Maltese’s love of a cozy, low-stress home life.

The Japanese Chin weighs 7-11 pounds and has a beautiful, flat silky coat that’s usually black and white or red and white. Grooming is easier than you’d expect — their coat doesn’t mat as readily as the Maltese’s despite looking similarly luxurious. They’re gentle enough for elderly owners and calm enough for people who specifically don’t want a hyperactive dog.

One thing to know: Japanese Chins can be a bit reserved with strangers. They form deep bonds with their families but aren’t always the first to warm up to a new face. So if you host a lot of guests and want a dog that greets everyone at the door, you might prefer the Bichon Frise instead.

Size: 7-11 lbs  |  Coat: Long, silky, flat  |  Energy: Low  |  Shedding: Moderate

5. Toy Poodle

The Toy Poodle is one of the most popular small dogs in the world — and for good reason. They’re brilliant, affectionate, and their curly coats are some of the most allergy-friendly you’ll find in any breed. Like the Maltese, Toy Poodles thrive on human attention and do poorly when left alone for long stretches.

Where they differ: Toy Poodles are more athletic and mentally driven. They genuinely enjoy dog sports, obedience work, and learning tricks. If you want a dog that’s as smart as it is cuddly, the Toy Poodle wins the IQ competition on this list. They typically weigh 4-6 pounds and share the Maltese’s love of lap time — but they can also go on a quick run with you without missing a beat.

Their curly, dense coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting, and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks is standard. If you want easy daily maintenance, the clip-style cuts (puppy clip, teddy bear clip) are practical and adorable. Small dogs like the Toy Poodle thrive on quality nutrition — the best freeze-dried foods for Maltese and toy breeds are a solid starting point for anyone feeding a small companion dog.

Size: 4-6 lbs  |  Coat: Curly, dense  |  Energy: Moderate-High  |  Shedding: Very Low

6. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkies are a bit different from the breeds above — they’re terriers at heart, which means they’ve got more spunk and stubbornness than your average lapdog. But their silky, fine coat is strikingly similar to the Maltese’s, and they share the same petite size (4-7 lbs). If you want Maltese-level elegance with a little more attitude, the Yorkie is worth a serious look.

The big personality difference: while the Maltese tends to be gentle and sweet, Yorkies are bold. They’ll bark at strangers, chase larger dogs, and generally act like they’re much bigger than they are. That said, they’re incredibly affectionate with their people and love to be close. Many Yorkie owners say their dog is more like a small person than a dog — opinionated, charming, and fully convinced they’re in charge.

Yorkies don’t shed much, but their silky coat needs daily brushing to stay tangle-free. Many owners keep them in a “puppy cut” to reduce grooming time significantly. Understanding how independent-minded small dogs behave can help — our guide to the least obedient dog breeds and how to train them covers the terrier mindset well.

Size: 4-7 lbs  |  Coat: Silky, fine, long  |  Energy: Moderate-High  |  Shedding: Minimal

7. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu was bred for one purpose: to be a companion. They’re among the most laid-back toy breeds you’ll find, and their long, flowing double coats share a lot in common with the Maltese’s signature look. While they weigh a bit more (9-16 lbs), they carry themselves with the same regal ease that makes the Maltese so appealing.

Shih Tzus are famous for their patient, friendly temperament. They get along well with kids, other dogs, and even cats. They’re not as needy as the Maltese tends to be, which makes them a good choice for people who work from home but aren’t glued to the couch all day. They’re also more tolerant of different household energy levels — a Shih Tzu adapts to a busy family about as well as it adapts to a quiet retired couple.

Their double coat requires daily brushing if kept long, or easy maintenance if trimmed into a puppy cut. Regular grooming appointments every 6-8 weeks keep things manageable. For families who want a Maltese-like dog with a slightly more easygoing nature, the Shih Tzu is one of the top picks on this list.

Size: 9-16 lbs  |  Coat: Long, double-layered, flowing  |  Energy: Low-Moderate  |  Shedding: Low

8. Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso comes from Tibet, where it served as a sentinel dog inside Buddhist monasteries. That history shows up clearly in its personality — these dogs are watchful, intelligent, and more independent than the Maltese. Don’t expect the same velcro-dog behavior. Lhasas are loyal to their families, but they’re also perfectly happy to have some time to themselves.

Like the Maltese, the Lhasa Apso has a long, floor-length coat that requires consistent daily grooming. They’re similar in size to the Bichon Frise at 12-18 lbs, and they adapt well to apartment life. The key difference is personality: Lhasas can be aloof with strangers and take longer to warm up to new people or dogs. Early socialization makes a big difference.

If you want a Maltese-like appearance but a slightly more self-sufficient personality, the Lhasa Apso is a good fit. They still love their people — they just express it in a quieter way.

Size: 12-18 lbs  |  Coat: Long, straight, dense  |  Energy: Low-Moderate  |  Shedding: Low

9. Pomeranian

Pomeranians pack an enormous personality into a tiny body. They typically weigh 3-7 pounds — similar to the Maltese — and their fluffy double coats make them look bigger than they are. Where the Maltese has a flowing, silky coat, the Pomeranian has a thick, spiky “poof” coat that fans out around their fox-like face.

Pomeranians are bold, alert, and sometimes a little dramatic. They’re known for their tendency to bark, which can be a concern in apartment buildings with thin walls. That said, they’re incredibly affectionate with their owners and love to be involved in everything happening around them. They pick up commands quickly when you use positive reinforcement consistently.

Grooming is moderate — their double coat sheds more than a Maltese’s but requires less day-to-day detangling. Brushing 2-3 times a week keeps it looking full and healthy. If you want a Maltese-sized dog with a bigger personality and don’t mind a little extra bark, the Pomeranian is hard to resist. You can even start picking out the perfect name early — here are 101 Pomeranian names with meanings if you’re already planning ahead.

Size: 3-7 lbs  |  Coat: Thick, double-layered, fluffy  |  Energy: High  |  Shedding: Moderate

10. Papillon

The Papillon rounds out this list as one of the most distinctive-looking toy breeds. Named for its butterfly-shaped ears, the Papillon has a long, silky coat and a reputation for being one of the most intelligent toy dogs alive. They’re quick learners, naturally agile, and love dog sports — noticeably more active than the typical Maltese.

Papillons weigh 5-10 pounds and share the Maltese’s preference for human company and a life spent close to their people. They’re one of the few toy breeds that can genuinely compete in agility courses and come home still excited for playtime. If you want a Maltese-sized dog with an athlete’s brain and the same elegant look, the Papillon delivers.

Their coat is easier to maintain than a Maltese’s — it doesn’t mat as quickly despite being long and silky. Weekly brushing is usually enough between grooming visits. For those interested in how breed comparisons work across very different dog types, check out our guide to dog breeds similar to the Shiba Inu for a different approach to breed matching.

Size: 5-10 lbs  |  Coat: Long, silky, flat  |  Energy: Moderate-High  |  Shedding: Low

How to Choose the Right Breed for You

Three things should drive your decision: your lifestyle, your grooming patience, and how much time your dog will spend alone each day.

If you’re home most of the day and want the closest thing to a Maltese, go with the Bichon Frise or Havanese. They’re the most similar in both temperament and coat. The Toy Poodle is a great pick if you want smarts alongside that companion personality — they’re trainable enough to keep up with your schedule and affectionate enough to cuddle on command.

For families with young kids, the Shih Tzu and Coton de Tulear handle the energy of a busy household better than the delicate Maltese does. For owners who want some independence in their dog, the Lhasa Apso or Japanese Chin are less clingy without being cold.

All 10 breeds on this list rank among the top low-shedding dog breeds for people with allergies, which makes every option here a practical pick if you’re managing sensitivities at home.

If you’re still not sure, spend time around a few of these breeds before committing. Rescues and breed-specific meetup groups are a great way to see a breed’s real personality up close — not just what a breeder’s website says about them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What dog is most similar to a Maltese?

The Bichon Frise is the most similar breed to the Maltese. Both are white, fluffy, low-shedding companion dogs of similar size and temperament. The main difference is coat texture — Bichons have a curlier, puffier coat, while Maltese have a silkier, straighter coat. The Havanese is a close second for overall similarity.

Are Maltese-like breeds good for apartments?

Yes, all 10 breeds on this list handle apartment living well. They’re small, don’t need a yard, and are satisfied with daily walks and indoor play. The Maltese, Bichon Frise, Havanese, and Shih Tzu are particularly well-suited to smaller spaces. The Pomeranian and Papillon can be more vocal, which is worth considering if you have thin walls.

What’s the best low-shedding breed similar to a Maltese?

The Toy Poodle sheds the least of any breed on this list, followed closely by the Bichon Frise and Havanese. The Maltese itself is one of the lowest-shedding breeds in existence. None of these breeds are truly hypoallergenic — no dog is — but all produce significantly less dander and shed far less than average breeds.

Do Maltese-similar breeds have separation anxiety?

Many do, especially breeds that were developed solely as companions. The Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Havanese are particularly prone to separation anxiety because they bond so closely with their owners. If you’re away from home regularly, the Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu tolerate alone time a bit better. Any toy breed benefits from crate training and a consistent daily routine.

How long do breeds similar to the Maltese live?

Most small companion breeds live 12-16 years. The Maltese specifically lives 12-15 years on average. Toy Poodles often reach 15-18 years. The Bichon Frise, Havanese, and Shih Tzu all average 12-16 years. Generally speaking, smaller dogs outlive larger ones — which is one of the more appealing aspects of choosing a toy breed.

Which Maltese-like breed is best for first-time dog owners?

The Bichon Frise and Havanese are the easiest picks for first-time owners. They’re forgiving of training mistakes, adaptable to different lifestyles, and naturally social with people and other dogs. The Toy Poodle is also excellent for beginners because it’s highly trainable. Avoid starting with a Lhasa Apso or Yorkshire Terrier if you’ve never owned a dog before — their stubbornness requires a more experienced hand.

Bottom Line

If you love the Maltese’s combination of elegance, affection, and manageable size, you’ve got excellent options. The Bichon Frise and Havanese are the easiest swaps — nearly identical in personality and close in appearance. The Toy Poodle adds intelligence and trainability. The Shih Tzu and Coton de Tulear bring a slightly more easygoing spirit that works well for families. And the Papillon delivers that same toy-breed charm with a surprisingly athletic twist.

Whatever breed you choose, one thing’s certain: small companion dogs like these make daily life a lot warmer. They don’t need a yard. They don’t need two hours of running. They just need you nearby — and a consistent grooming schedule, which is a small price to pay for that much loyalty.

Take your time. Visit breeders or breed-specific rescues before deciding. These dogs live 12-16 years, so it’s worth getting the match right the first time.