German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Comparison - Dog breed selector: Deutscher Spitz or Chrysanthemum Dog or Mal-Shi? Find the right dog for you
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Compare German Spitz and Shih Tzu. Which is better: German Spitz or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Name | German Spitz | Shih Tzu | Maltese Shih Tzu |
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Origins | Germany | China | United States |
Group | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs | Designer Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 344 | 20 | 622 |
Reviews | 2 | 16 | 3 |
User Ratings |
Other Names
What other names do they have? | Deutscher Spitz |
Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog |
Mal-Shi Malti Zu Malt-Tzu |
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Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu breed type comparison: | Purebred | Purebred | Cross Breed |
German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison
Size
Which is bigger, German Spitz or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which is the smallest dog, German Spitz or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Small Medium | Small | Small |
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Weight
Which is heavier, German Spitz or Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu? German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu weight comparison: | Male: 24-33 pounds (11-15 kg), Female: 18-27 pounds (8-12 kg) | 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) | 6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg) |
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | Male: 28.5 pounds (13 kg), Female: 22.5 pounds (10 kg) | 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) | 9 pounds (4 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, German Spitz or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu height comparison: | Male: 19-23 inches (48-58 cm), Female: 15-19 inches (38-48 cm) | 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) | 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) |
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | Male: 21 inches (53 cm), Female: 17 inches (43 cm) | 9.5 inches (24 cm) | 11 inches (27.5 cm) |
German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison
Price
Which is cheaper, German Spitz or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which is more expensive? | $800-$1000 | $800-$1200 | $500-$800 |
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Availability
Which is easier to get, German Spitz or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Average: The German Spitz is a commonly available dog breed. | Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get. | Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed. |
German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu intelligence: | Very smart: German Spitz is an excellent dog breed. | Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. | Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. |
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Trainability
German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu trainability comparison. | German Spitz dogs are easy to train. | Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train. |
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: German Spitz or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? | German Spitz dogs are one of the best watchdogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. |
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog German Spitz or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Which dog is most likely to protect its owner?
Which is the best dog to use for protection? | German Spitz dogs are average defenders. | Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders. |
German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison
Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, German Spitz or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu behavior/temperament comparison: |
Independent Devoted Lively Attentive Trainable |
Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle |
Active Curious Playful Intelligent Outgoing Adaptable |
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Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference? | Sensitive: German Spitz dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. | Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. | 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: German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu? | Average: German Spitz dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. | High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | Average to High: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are highly affectionate dogs. |
Social Needs
German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu social needs comparison: | German Spitz dogs need for social interaction is average. | Shih Tzu 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? | German Spitz dogs have average wanderlust potential. | Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not the biggest explorers. |
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting? | German Spitz dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. |
German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Playfulness
German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu playfulness comparison: | The German Spitz is a playful breed. | Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. | Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing. |
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu? | Average to High: The German Spitz is a vocal breed. | A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. | Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed. |
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly German Spitz or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? | It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Spitz indoors. | Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed. |
German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison
Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog? | Average: German Spitz 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. | 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: German Spitz or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? | 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. | Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. |
German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison
Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: German Spitz or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 German Spitz bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak. | 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 German Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody. |
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu mouthiness comparison: | German Spitz dogs have a higher 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 Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. |
German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison
Health Issues
German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu health comparison. Which is the healthier: German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu? | German Spitzs are commonly healthy dogs. | The Shih Tzu 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: German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu health problems comparison: |
Luxating Patella Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Dental Problems | 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 |
Patellar Luxation White Dog Shaker Syndrome |
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits? |
Rare The German Spitz should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). |
Average The Shih Tzu 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
German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu lifespan comparison. How long do German Spitz, Shih Tzu and Maltese Shih Tzu breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? |
12-14 years The average lifespan of German Spitz: 13 years |
10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 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: German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu? | 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. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. |
German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Level
Who has more energy a German Spitz or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu?
German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu energy level comparison: | German Spitz dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. | Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other 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
German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Spitz or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | German Spitz dogs need quite a lot of exercise. | Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need. |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Spitz or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? | German Spitz 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 Shih Tzu dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed. |
German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: German Spitz or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? | 1 to 1.5 cups 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. | 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? German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu weight gain potential comparison: | Low to Average: The German Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity. | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. | Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu has an average risk for obesity. |
German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu coat comparison: |
Dense Straight | Dense |
Curly Silky Soft Wavy Long |
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Colors
What are the original German Spitz, Shih Tzu and Maltese Shih Tzu color? |
Black White Orange Tricolor |
Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold |
Black White Brown White & Tan Black & White Brown & Black |
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, German Spitz or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu grooming comparison: | Advanced: The German Spitz requires a lot of grooming. | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. | Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming. |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Spitz or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? German Spitz or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding: | German Spitz dogs shed above average. | Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. |
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: German Spitz or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. |
Hypoallergenic
German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu 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, German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu? | Medium ⏺ The German Spitz has an average chance of bad smell. | Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low 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 German Spitz 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 Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Good With Comparison
Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets? | German Spitz dogs are generally with other pets. | Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. | 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 German Spitz or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly? | German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards strangers. | Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers. |
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly German Spitz or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? | German Spitz dogs are kid-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children. |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Spitz or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? | German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards cats. | Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs. |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Spitz or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? | German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. | Shih Tzu 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: German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu? |
Yes German Spitz 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 Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office? |
No German Spitz is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No Shih Tzu 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? | German Spitzs are usually recommended for elderly people. | Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people. | Maltese Shih Tzus are commonly okay with elderly people. |
German Spitz vs Shih Tzu 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. | 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: German Spitz or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which is better for autism? | Not really This breed is generally not used as a 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: German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu? | Not really German Spitz 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 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. |
German Spitz vs Shih Tzu 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 German Spitz and Shih Tzu and Maltese Shih Tzu have? | 2-4 puppies | 2-5 puppies | 3-5 puppies |
German Spitz vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison
AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC? | Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy 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 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. | Not recognized by FCI. |
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds? |
Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club Foundation Stock Service |
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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