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Chihuahua vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu Comparison - Dog breed selector: Csivava or Mal-Shi or Chrysanthemum Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Chihuahua vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu" Compare Chihuahua and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is better: Chihuahua or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu?
 
 
 
Name Chihuahua Maltese Shih Tzu Shih Tzu
OriginsMexico flagMexico United States flagUnited States China flagChina
Group Companion Dogs Designer Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank3262220
Reviews17319
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu breeds.
Csivava
Chihuahueño
Mal-Shi
Malti Zu
Malt-Tzu
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Cross Breed Purebred

Chihuahua vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu? Compare adult weight ranges.
2-6 pounds (1-3 kg) 6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg) 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
4 pounds (2 kg) 9 pounds (4 kg) 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Chihuahua or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu? Chihuahua vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu height comparison:
6-9 inches (15-23 cm) 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
7.5 inches (19 cm) 11 inches (27.5 cm) 9.5 inches (24 cm)

Chihuahua vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. Find price differences between these breeds.
$600-$800 $500-$800 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Chihuahua or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu?
Very frequent: The Chihuahua is quite easy to get.
Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.

Chihuahua vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. Which breed ranks highest?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. Which is easiest to train?
Chihuahua dogs are quite easy to train.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train.
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Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most alert?
Chihuahua dogs are average watchdogs.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
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Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most protective?
Chihuahua dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders.
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Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Chihuahua vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu? Compare temperaments.
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Quick
Devoted
Lively
Active
Curious
Playful
Intelligent
Outgoing
Adaptable
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
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.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Chihuahua vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu?
High: Chihuahua dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Chihuahua vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison:
Chihuahua dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Chihuahua dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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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.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Chihuahua vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Chihuahua is a particularly loud breed.
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Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed.
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A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Chihuahuas, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Chihuahua breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.

Chihuahua vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Chihuahua vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Chihuahua has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. Which uses mouth most during play?
Chihuahua dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Chihuahua bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Chihuahua vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. Which breed lives longest?
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Chihuahua: 16 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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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 health problems common in Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. Which has fewer health issues?
Chihuahuas are commonly healthy dogs.
Maltese Shih Tzus tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
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).
Frequent
The Maltese Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Average
The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Chihuahua vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Chihuahua vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu health problems comparison:
Collapsed Trachea
Heart Murmurs
Open Fontanel
Patellar Luxation
Pulmonic Stenosis
Hydrocephalus
Hypoglycemia
Shivering
Patellar Luxation
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
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

Chihuahua vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most active?
Chihuahua 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.
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Chihuahua vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Chihuahua or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Chihuahua dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need.
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Chihuahua or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu?
Chihuahua 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.
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.

Chihuahua vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Chihuahua has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu has an average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cups of high-quality dry food a day. 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day.

Chihuahua vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Red
Cream
Fawn
Chocolate
Black
White
Brown
White & Tan
Black & White
Brown & Black
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. Which requires most maintenance?
Effortless: The Chihuahua requires minimal grooming.
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Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. Which drools least?
The Chihuahua is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Maltese Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. Which has least natural smell?

High 🔼

The Chihuahua has a high chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fine Curly
Silky
Soft
Wavy
Long
Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. 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.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Chihuahua or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu? Chihuahua or Maltese Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding:
Chihuahua dogs shed none to minimal.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
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Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
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Chihuahua vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. Which is best with kids?
Chihuahua dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Chihuahua dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Chihuahua or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?
Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Chihuahua or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu?
Chihuahua dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Chihuahua or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu?
Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Chihuahua vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu?
Yes
Chihuahua 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 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.
Yes
Maltese Shih Tzu is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
No
Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Chihuahuas are not recommended for elderly people.
Maltese Shih Tzus are commonly okay with elderly people.
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.

Chihuahua vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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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
Compare therapy dog potential between Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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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.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. 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 Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. 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 Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Chihuahua breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Maltese Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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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 Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. 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.

Chihuahua vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. Which has most puppies?
2-4 puppies 3-5 puppies 2-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. 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.

Chihuahua vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904 as a Toy breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Chihuahueno section. Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Chihuahua, Maltese Shih Tzu, and Shih Tzu. Which has most recognition?
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. 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

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