Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo Comparison - Dog breed selector: Cavoodle or Mal-Shi or Pooshi? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo" Compare Cavapoo and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is better: Cavapoo or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Cavapoo	Maltese Shih Tzu	Shih-Poo
Origins	Australia	United States	China Tibet
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Designer Dogs	Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank	555	622	562
Reviews	11	3	2
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Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo breeds.	Cavoodle	Mal-Shi Malti Zu Malt-Tzu	Pooshi Shoodle
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo? Compare their breeding categories.	Cross Breed	Cross Breed	Cross Breed

Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which breed is the largest?	Small Medium	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo? Compare adult weight ranges.	12-24 pounds (5.4-11 kg)	6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg)	8-15 pounds (4-7 kg) 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	18 pounds (5.7.5 kg)	9 pounds (4 kg)	11.5 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Cavapoo or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo? Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo height comparison:	11-18 inches (28-45 cm)	10-12 inches (25-30 cm)	8-15 inches (20-38 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	14.5 inches (36.5 cm)	11 inches (27.5 cm)	11.5 inches (29 cm)

Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Find price differences between these breeds.	$1200-$1800	$500-$800	$800-$1200
Availability Which is easier to get, Cavapoo or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo?	Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed.	Frequent: The Shih-Poo is easier than average to get.

Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which breed ranks highest?	Very smart: Cavapoo is an excellent dog breed. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Smart: The Shih-Poo dogs have great intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which is easiest to train?	Cavapoo dogs are very easy to train. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which breed is most alert?	Cavapoo dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which breed is most protective?	Cavapoo dogs are not the best to protect their territory. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo? Compare temperaments.	Loving Intelligent Gentle	Active Curious Playful Intelligent Outgoing Adaptable	Intelligent Loyal Sweet Companionable
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo?	High: Cavapoo 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.	High: Shih-Poo dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo social needs comparison:	Cavapoo dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Cavapoo dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Cavapoo 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.	Shih-Poo dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which breed is most vocal?	Average: The Cavapoo barks occasionally. See more.	Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed. See more.	Low to Average: The Shih-Poo rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which breed is most playful?	Average: Cavapoos, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Shih-Poo is a playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Cavapoo breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Shih-Poo breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which breed is most flexible?	Cavapoo 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.	Shih-Poo dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Cavapoo or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo?	Cavapoo 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.	Shih-Poo dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Cavapoo has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Shih-Poo has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which uses mouth most during play?	Cavapoo 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.	Shih-Poo dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Cavapoo bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih-Poo bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which breed lives longest?	9-15 years The average lifespan of Cavapoo: 12 years	12-14 years The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years	14-16 years The average lifespan of Shih-Poo: 15 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which handles climate changes best?	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Cavapoo can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. 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.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Shih-Poo can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which has fewer health issues?	Very healthy dog breed.	Maltese Shih Tzus tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.	The Shih-Poo is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Rare The Cavapoo should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Frequent The Maltese Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.	Average The Shih-Poo should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation	Patellar Luxation White Dog Shaker Syndrome	Heatstroke Dental Problems

Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which breed is most active?	Cavapoo dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	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.	Shih-Poo dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Cavapoo or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Cavapoo dogs have an average exercise need.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need.	Shih-Poo dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Cavapoo or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo?	Cavapoo dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Shih-Poo dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Cavapoo's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih-Poo's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which needs most food?	0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.	1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. What colors are available?	Black Cream White Sable Tricolor Chestnut Apricot Red sable Phantom	Black White Brown White & Tan Black & White Brown & Black	Black White Brown Brindle Various combinations
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which requires most maintenance?	Advanced: The Cavapoo requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Easy to groom: The Shih-Poo doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which drools least?	The Cavapoo 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.	The Shih-Poo is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Cavapoo has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Shih-Poo has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Curly Wavy Straight	Curly Silky Soft Wavy Long	Curly Straight Curly & Straight
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which requires most frequent baths?	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. 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.	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 Cavapoo or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo? Cavapoo or Maltese Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding:	Cavapoo dogs shed moderately. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which is best with kids?	Cavapoo dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.	Shih-Poo dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Cavapoo dogs are generally with other pets.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.	Shih-Poo dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Cavapoo or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo? Which dog is more friendly?	Cavapoo dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Shih-Poo dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Cavapoo or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo?	Cavapoo dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.	Shih-Poo dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Cavapoo or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo?	Cavapoo dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Shih-Poo dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo?	Yes Cavapoo 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.	Yes Shih-Poo dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Cavapoo is not the best dog breed for office environment.	Yes Maltese Shih Tzu is one of the best dog breeds for office environment	No Shih-Poo is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Cavapoos are commonly okay with elderly people.	Maltese Shih Tzus are commonly okay with elderly people.	Shih-Poos are commonly okay with elderly people.

Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which is best suited for service work?	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	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.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which excels in therapy work?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which has best nose work ability?	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 & Rescue Potential Compare search and rescue potential between Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which is best for SAR work?	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.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which is best suited for water work?	Yes Cavapoo breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.	Not really Maltese Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Shih-Poo breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which is best for draft work?	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.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which has most military use?	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.

Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which has most puppies?	2-8 puppies	3-5 puppies	3-4 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. What's recommended?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.

Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. How are they classified?	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. How are they classified internationally?	Not recognized by FCI.	Not recognized by FCI.	Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Cavapoo, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which has most recognition?	Dog Registry of America Inc. American Canine Hybrid Club Designer Breed Registry Designer Dogs Kennel Club International Designer Canine Registry	Not recognized by any clubs.	Not recognized by any clubs.

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