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Compare Japanese Chin and Maltese side by side: temperament, energy, trainability, apartment fit, shedding, lifespan, weight and free adoption listings.

Breed traits

Character & behavior

Energy level

Playfulness

Intelligence

Trainability

Protectiveness

Sociability

Can stay alone

Lifestyle fit

Apartment-friendly

Yes

Good with kids

Yes

Good for first-time owners

Yes

Shedding

Noise level

Exercise needs

Physical & general

Life span

12–14 years

12–15 years

Weight

1.8–3.2 kg

3.5–4.5 kg

Height

20–27 cm

20–25 cm

Origin

Japan

Malta

Grooming effort

Nutrition sensitivity

Health risk

Heat tolerance

Cold tolerance

The Maltese and Japanese Chin are both small, affectionate breeds that thrive in apartment settings and are suitable for first-time dog owners. Both breeds share similar life spans, with the Maltese living between 12 to 15 years and the Japanese Chin between 12 to 14 years. The Maltese is slightly heavier, ranging from 3.5 to 4.5 kg, while the Japanese Chin weighs between 1.8 to 3.2 kg. In terms of energy levels, both breeds are moderate, but the Maltese is slightly more playful and trainable. Grooming difficulty is higher for the Maltese, which requires more maintenance compared to the Japanese Chin. Both breeds are sociable and good with children, making them excellent companions for families.

Japanese Chin — Advantages

Lower weight range (1.8 to 3.2 kg) makes them easier to handle
Easier grooming (2) compared to Maltese (4)
Lower health risk (2) compared to Maltese (3)
Similar sociability (5) as Maltese, making them equally friendly

Disadvantages

Lower playfulness level (3) compared to Maltese (4)
Less trainable (3) than Maltese (4)
Slightly shorter maximum lifespan (14 years) compared to Maltese (15 years)

Maltese — Advantages

Higher playfulness level (4) than Japanese Chin (3)
Better trainability (4) compared to Japanese Chin (3)
Lower shedding level (1) makes for easier cleaning
Longer maximum lifespan (15 years) compared to Japanese Chin (14 years)

Disadvantages

Higher grooming difficulty (4) than Japanese Chin (2)
Can stay alone less comfortably (2) compared to Japanese Chin (2)
Moderate noise level (3) which may be disruptive in quiet environments