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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu Comparison – Which dog is better Cavalier or Mal-Shi?

"Find similarities and differences between Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu" Compare Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is better: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Maltese Shih Tzu?
 
 
 
Name Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Maltese Shih Tzu
OriginsEngland flagEngland United States flagUnited States
Group Companion Dogs Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank19622
Reviews73
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Maltese Shih Tzu. What other names are these breeds known by?
Cavalier
Cavie
Cav
Mal-Shi
Malti Zu
Malt-Tzu
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Maltese Shih Tzu. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Cross Breed

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Small Small
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is heavier?
10-18 pounds (5-8 kg) 6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
14 pounds (6.5 kg) 9 pounds (4 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Maltese Shih Tzu? Is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel taller than a Maltese Shih Tzu?
12-13 inches (30-33 cm) 10-12 inches (25-30 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
12.5 inches (31.5 cm) 11 inches (27.5 cm)

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed costs more?
$1200-$1500 $500-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Very frequent: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is quite easy to get.
Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare training requirements.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare alertness levels.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs are not the best watchdogs.
See more.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare territorial behaviors.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
See more.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders.
See more.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Maltese Shih Tzu. How do their temperaments differ?
Active
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Gentle
Social
Fearless
Cheerful
Quiet
Nonaggressive
Polite
Graceful
Sporty
No tendency towards nervousness
Active
Curious
Playful
Intelligent
Outgoing
Adaptable
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu?
Sensitive: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu?
High: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Average to High: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
Social Needs
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu social needs comparison:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu? Which can be better for hunting?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
See more.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Average: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel barks occasionally.
See more.
Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare living space needs.
Very house-friendly dog the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare adaptability levels.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare average lifespans.
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: 12 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare climate tolerances.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is healthier?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Maltese Shih Tzus tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu?
Frequent
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Frequent
The Maltese Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Mitral Valve Disease
Dry Eye
Episodic Falling Syndrome
Syringomyelia
Patellar Luxation
White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare activity levels.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs have an average exercise need.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare obesity risks.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare daily food needs.
1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare breed colors.
Tan
Tricolor
Blenheim
Ruby
Black
White
Brown
White & Tan
Black & White
Brown & Black
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare drooling amounts.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare natural smell levels.

High 🔼

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a high chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare fur types.
Feathered Curly
Silky
Soft
Wavy
Long
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare bathing frequencies.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Maltese Shih Tzu? Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs shed more than Maltese Shih Tzu dogs?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs shed above average.
See more.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare kid-friendliness.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs are generally with other pets.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Maltese Shih Tzu? Can a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Maltese Shih Tzu be friends? Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs get along with Maltese Shih Tzu dogs?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu?
Yes
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Yes
Maltese Shih Tzu is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Maltese Shih Tzus are commonly okay with elderly people.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare service capabilities.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare therapy capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare scenting abilities.

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 & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare SAR abilities.

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.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Maltese Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare draft work capabilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which has stronger military background?

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.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which has larger litters?
3-5 puppies 3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Maltese Shih Tzu breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Toy breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the English Toy Spaniels section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is more widely recognized?
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
Not recognized by any clubs.

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