Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Comparison - Dog breed selector: Deutsche Spitze or Chrysanthemum Dog or Maltese lion dog? Find the right dog for you
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Compare Pomeranian and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Pomeranian or Shih Tzu or Maltese?
Name | Pomeranian | Shih Tzu | Maltese |
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Origins | Germany Poland | China | Italy |
Group | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 22 | 20 | 33 |
Reviews | 6 | 15 | 3 |
User Ratings |
Other Names
What other names do they have? |
Deutsche Spitze Pom Pom Spitz Enano Spitz Nain Zwergspitz Zwers Pom |
Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog |
Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog |
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Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese breed type comparison: | Purebred | Purebred | Purebred |
Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison
Size
Which is bigger, Pomeranian or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Which is the smallest dog, Pomeranian or Shih Tzu or Maltese? | Small | Small | Small |
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Weight
Which is heavier, Pomeranian or Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu? Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese weight comparison: | 3-7 pounds (1-3 kg) | 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) | 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) |
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | 5 pounds (2 kg) | 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) | 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, Pomeranian or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese height comparison: | 7-12 inches (18-30 cm) | 8-11 inches (20-28 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? | 9.5 inches (24 cm) | 9.5 inches (24 cm) | Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) |
Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison
Price
Which is cheaper, Pomeranian or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Which is more expensive? | $600-$800 | $800-$1200 | $600-$800 |
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Availability
Which is easier to get, Pomeranian or Shih Tzu or Maltese? | Very frequent: The Pomeranian is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get. |
Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese intelligence: | Very smart: Pomeranian is an excellent dog breed. | Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. | Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. |
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Trainability
Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese trainability comparison. | Pomeranian dogs are easy to train. | Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. | Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. |
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Pomeranian or Shih Tzu or Maltese? | Pomeranian dogs are average watchdogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. | Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. |
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Pomeranian or Shih Tzu or Maltese?
Which dog is most likely to protect its owner?
Which is the best dog to use for protection? | Pomeranian dogs strongly protect their territory. | Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. | Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. |
Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison
Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Pomeranian or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese behavior/temperament comparison: |
Active Playful Intelligent Friendly Docile Lively Sociable Attentive Trainable Extroverted |
Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle |
Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing |
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Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference? | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. | Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. |
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese? | High: Pomeranian dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
Social Needs
Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese social needs comparison: | Pomeranian dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? | Pomeranian dogs are not the biggest explorers. | Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. | Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. |
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting? | Pomeranian dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. | Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. |
Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Playfulness
Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese playfulness comparison: | Average: Pomeranians, like any other dog breed, like playing. | Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. | Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. |
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese? | Average to High: The Pomeranian is a vocal breed. | A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. | A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. |
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Pomeranian or Shih Tzu or Maltese? | Very house-friendly dog the Pomeranian breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed. |
Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison
Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog? | Pomeranian dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Shih Tzu 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. |
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Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Pomeranian or Shih Tzu or Maltese? | Pomeranian dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them. | Shih Tzu 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. |
Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison
Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Pomeranian or Shih Tzu or Maltese? | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Pomeranian bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak. |
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Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison: | Low 🔽 The Pomeranian has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody. |
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese mouthiness comparison: | Pomeranian dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. |
Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison
Health Issues
Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese health comparison. Which is the healthier: Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese? | The Pomeranian is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. | The Shih Tzu 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. |
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Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese health problems comparison: |
Cataracts Collapsed Trachea Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Patent Ductus Arteriosis Allergies Hypothyroidism Epilepsy Seizures Dry Eye Heatstroke Heat Intolerance | Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Allergies Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Umbilical Hernias Ear Infections Distichiasis Portosystemic Liver Shunt Bladder Stones Ectopic Cilia Reverse Sneezing Dry Eye Proptosis Juvenile Renal Dysplasia Keratitis Retained Baby Teeth Snuffles |
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 Pomeranian should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Average The Shih Tzu 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. |
Life Expectancy
Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese lifespan comparison. How long do Pomeranian, Shih Tzu and Maltese breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? |
12-16 years The average lifespan of Pomeranian: 14 years |
10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years |
14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years |
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese? | Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Pomeranian can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. | Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. |
Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Level
Who has more energy a Pomeranian or Shih Tzu or Maltese?
Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese energy level comparison: | Pomeranian dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you. | Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. | Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you. |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Pomeranian or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | Pomeranian dogs exercise need is minimal. | Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal. | Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal. |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Pomeranian or Shih Tzu or Maltese? | Pomeranian dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed. | Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. | Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed. |
Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Pomeranian or Shih Tzu or Maltese? | Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. | Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. | Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. |
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Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese weight gain potential comparison: | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Pomeranian's weight, he can easily gain weight. | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. | Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. |
Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese coat comparison: | Fluffy | Dense | Feathered |
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Colors
What are the original Pomeranian, Shih Tzu and Maltese color? |
Black Gray Tan Red Blue White Brown Orange |
Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold | White |
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Pomeranian or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese grooming comparison: | Average: The Pomeranian requires average grooming effort. | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. | Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Pomeranian or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Pomeranian or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding: | Pomeranian dogs shed moderately. | Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. | Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. |
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Pomeranian or Shih Tzu or Maltese? | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. | 6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. |
Hypoallergenic
Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not? | No See more. | Yes See more. | Yes See more. |
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese? | Medium ⏺ The Pomeranian has an average chance of bad smell. | Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu 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 Pomeranian is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Good With Comparison
Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets? | Pomeranian dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. | Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. | Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. |
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Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Pomeranian or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Which dog is more friendly? | Pomeranian dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers. | Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs. |
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Pomeranian or Shih Tzu or Maltese? | Pomeranian dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs. | Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs. |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Pomeranian or Shih Tzu or Maltese? | Pomeranian dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Pomeranian or Shih Tzu or Maltese? | Pomeranian dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. | Shih Tzu 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: Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese? |
Yes Pomeranian dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Yes Shih Tzu 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 Pomeranian is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No Shih Tzu 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? | Pomeranians are not the best breed for elderly people. | Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people. | Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people. |
Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese As a Working Dog Comparison
Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog? | Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Pomeranian or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Which is better for autism? | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. |
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? | 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. | 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: Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese? | Not really Pomeranian breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
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. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
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. |
Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison
Gestation Length | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
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Litter Frequency | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Litter Size
How many puppies can Pomeranian and Shih Tzu and Maltese have? | 2-5 puppies | 2-5 puppies | 3-5 puppies |
Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Recognition Comparison
AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC? | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. |
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FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI? | Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the European Spitz section. | Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan 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 Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. 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 Canadian Canine Registry |
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 Canadian Canine Registry |
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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