Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu Comparison - Dog breed selector: Csivava or Lab or Mal-Shi? Find the right dog for you
"Find similarities and differences between Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu"
Compare Chihuahua and Labrador Retriever. Which is better: Chihuahua or Labrador Retriever or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Name | Chihuahua | Labrador Retriever | Maltese Shih Tzu |
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Origins | Mexico | England Canada | United States |
Group | Companion Dogs | Gun Dog | Designer Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 32 | 1 | 622 |
Reviews | 16 | 9 | 3 |
User Ratings |
Other Names
What other names do they have? |
Csivava Chihuahueño |
Lab Labrador |
Mal-Shi Malti Zu Malt-Tzu |
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Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu breed type comparison: | Purebred | Purebred | Cross Breed |
Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison
Size
Which is bigger, Chihuahua or Labrador Retriever or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which is the smallest dog, Chihuahua or Labrador Retriever or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Small | Large | Small |
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Weight
Which is heavier, Chihuahua or Labrador Retriever or Labrador Retriever? Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu weight comparison: | 2-6 pounds (1-3 kg) | Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) | 6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg) |
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | 4 pounds (2 kg) | Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) | 9 pounds (4 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, Chihuahua or Labrador Retriever or Maltese Shih Tzu? Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu height comparison: | 6-9 inches (15-23 cm) | Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm) | 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) |
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | 7.5 inches (19 cm) | Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm) | 11 inches (27.5 cm) |
Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison
Price
Which is cheaper, Chihuahua or Labrador Retriever or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which is more expensive? | $600-$800 | $1000-$2000 | $500-$800 |
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Availability
Which is easier to get, Chihuahua or Labrador Retriever or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Very frequent: The Chihuahua is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get. | Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed. |
Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu intelligence: | Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. | Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds. | Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. |
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Trainability
Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu trainability comparison. | Chihuahua dogs are quite easy to train. | Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train. |
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Chihuahua or Labrador Retriever or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Chihuahua dogs are average watchdogs. | Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. |
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Chihuahua or Labrador Retriever or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Which dog is most likely to protect its owner?
Which is the best dog to use for protection? | Chihuahua dogs strongly protect their territory. | Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders. |
Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison
Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Chihuahua or Labrador Retriever or Maltese Shih Tzu? Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu behavior/temperament comparison: |
Alert Courageous Intelligent Quick Devoted Lively |
Playful Loving Energetic Alert Intelligent Friendly Responsive Affectionate Loyal Gentle Going Social Cheerful |
Active Curious Playful Intelligent Outgoing Adaptable |
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Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference? | Sensitive: Chihuahua dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. | Sensitive: Labrador Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. |
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu? | High: Chihuahua dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. | Average to High: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are highly affectionate dogs. |
Social Needs
Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu social needs comparison: | Chihuahua dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average. |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? | Chihuahua dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. | Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not the biggest explorers. |
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting? | Chihuahua 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. | Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. |
Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Playfulness
Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu playfulness comparison: | Average: Chihuahuas, like any other dog breed, like playing. | The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed. | Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing. |
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu? | A lot: Chihuahua is a particularly loud breed. | Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally. | Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed. |
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Chihuahua or Labrador Retriever or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Very house-friendly dog the Chihuahua breed. | It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home. | Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed. |
Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison
Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog? | Chihuahua dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Labrador Retriever 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. |
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Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Chihuahua or Labrador Retriever or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Chihuahua dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them. | Labrador Retriever 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. |
Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison
Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Chihuahua or Labrador Retriever or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Chihuahua bite force: Weak. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese Shih Tzu bite force: Weak. |
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Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison: | Low 🔽 The Chihuahua has a low chance of biting somebody. | Moderate ⏺ The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody. |
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu mouthiness comparison: | Chihuahua dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. |
Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison
Health Issues
Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu health comparison. Which is the healthier: Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu? | Chihuahuas are commonly healthy dogs. | The Labrador Retriever is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. | Maltese Shih Tzus tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. |
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Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu health problems comparison: |
Collapsed Trachea Heart Murmurs Open Fontanel Patellar Luxation Pulmonic Stenosis Hydrocephalus Hypoglycemia Shivering |
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Bloat Epilepsy Ear Infections Elbow Dysplasia Osteochondrosis Dissecans Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia Acute Moist Dermatitis Cold Tail Myopathy |
Patellar Luxation White Dog Shaker Syndrome |
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits? |
Rare The Chihuahua should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). |
Average The Labrador Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Frequent The Maltese Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. |
Life Expectancy
Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu lifespan comparison. How long do Chihuahua, Labrador Retriever and Maltese Shih Tzu breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? |
14-18 years The average lifespan of Chihuahua: 16 years |
10-12 years The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years |
12-14 years The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years |
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu? | Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. |
Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Level
Who has more energy a Chihuahua or Labrador Retriever or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu energy level comparison: | Chihuahua dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you. | Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs. | 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. |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Chihuahua or Labrador Retriever or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | Chihuahua dogs exercise need is very minimal. | Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need. |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Chihuahua or Labrador Retriever or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Chihuahua dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed. | Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed. |
Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Chihuahua or Labrador Retriever or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cups of high-quality dry food a day. | Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. | 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. |
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Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu weight gain potential comparison: | Average: The Chihuahua has an average risk for obesity. | High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. | Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu has an average risk for obesity. |
Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu coat comparison: | Fine |
Dense Waterproof Hard Short |
Curly Silky Soft Wavy Long |
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Colors
What are the original Chihuahua, Labrador Retriever and Maltese Shih Tzu color? |
Black Tan Red Cream Fawn Chocolate |
Black Yellow Chocolate |
Black White Brown White & Tan Black & White Brown & Black |
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Chihuahua or Labrador Retriever or Maltese Shih Tzu? Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu grooming comparison: | Effortless: The Chihuahua requires minimal grooming. | Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming. | Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming. |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Chihuahua or Labrador Retriever or Maltese Shih Tzu? Chihuahua or Labrador Retriever or {name3 shedding: | Chihuahua dogs shed none to minimal. | Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. |
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Chihuahua or Labrador Retriever or Maltese Shih Tzu? | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. |
Hypoallergenic
Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not? | No See more. | No See more. | Yes See more. |
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu? | High 🔼 The Chihuahua has a high chance of bad smell. | High 🔼 The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell. | Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell. |
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? | The Chihuahua is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler. | The Maltese Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu Good With Comparison
Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets? | Chihuahua dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. | Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family. |
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Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Chihuahua or Labrador Retriever or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly? | Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards strangers. | Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers. |
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Chihuahua or Labrador Retriever or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Chihuahua dogs are not kid-friendly dogs. | Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children. |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Chihuahua or Labrador Retriever or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Chihuahua dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs. |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Chihuahua or Labrador Retriever or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. | Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. |
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu? |
Yes Chihuahua dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Yes Labrador Retriever 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 Chihuahua is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No Labrador Retriever 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? | Chihuahuas are not recommended for elderly people. | Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people. | Maltese Shih Tzus are commonly okay with elderly people. |
Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison
Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog? | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Yes This breed makes good 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: Chihuahua or Labrador Retriever or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which is better for autism? | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. | Yes This breed makes a perfect 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. | Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. | 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. | Yes This breed would make an excellent 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: Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu? | Not really Chihuahua breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Yes Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat. | Not really Maltese Shih Tzu 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. |
Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu 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 Chihuahua and Labrador Retriever and Maltese Shih Tzu have? | 2-4 puppies | 5-10 puppies | 3-5 puppies |
Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison
AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC? | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904 as a Toy breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed. | Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. |
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FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI? | Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Chihuahueno section. | Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. | Not recognized by FCI. |
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. 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 |
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 | Not recognized by any clubs. |
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