Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo Comparison - Dog breed selector: Japanese Spaniel or Chrysanthemum Dog or Maltapoo? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo" Compare Japanese Chin and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Maltipoo?

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	Japanese Chin	Shih Tzu	Maltipoo
Origins	Japan	China	Germany France Italy
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank	108	20	558
Reviews	4	19	4
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo breeds.	Japanese Spaniel Chin	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog	Maltapoo Malt-A-Poo Malte-Poo Maltese-Poodle MaltiPoodle Malt-oodles Moodle mPoo Multapoo Multipoo Multi-Poo Maltepoo
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Cross Breed

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Small Medium
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo? Compare adult weight ranges.	4-15 pounds (2-7 kg)	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)	5-20 pounds (2,5-9 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	9.5 pounds (4.5 kg)	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)	12.5 pounds (5,5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Maltipoo? Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo height comparison:	7-11 inches (18-28 cm)	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	10-13 inches (25-33 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	9 inches (23 cm)	9.5 inches (24 cm)	11.5 inches (27 cm)

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. Find price differences between these breeds.	$300-$500	$800-$1200	$400-$2000
Availability Which is easier to get, Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Maltipoo?	Frequent: The Japanese Chin is easier than average to get.	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.	Frequent: The Maltipoo is easier than average to get.

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. Which breed ranks highest?	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. See more.	Smart: The Maltipoo dogs have great intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. Which is easiest to train?	Japanese Chin dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Maltipoo dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. Which breed is most alert?	Japanese Chin dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Maltipoo dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. Which breed is most protective?	Japanese Chin dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Maltipoo dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo? Compare temperaments.	Playful Loving Independent Alert Intelligent Loyal	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle	Active Funny Intelligent Affectionate Obedient Companionable
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Japanese Chin dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	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: Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo?	High: Japanese Chin dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Maltipoo dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo social needs comparison:	Japanese Chin dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Maltipoo dogs are a social breed. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Japanese Chin dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Maltipoo is strong enough to escape from home. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Japanese Chin 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.	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Maltipoo 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

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. Which breed is most vocal?	Low: The Japanese Chin barks none to minimal. See more.	A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Maltipoo is a particularly loud breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. Which breed is most playful?	Average: Japanese Chins, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	The Maltipoo is a playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Japanese Chin breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltipoo breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. Which breed is most flexible?	Japanese Chin dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Maltipoo dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Maltipoo?	Japanese Chin dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Maltipoo dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. Which breed lives longest?	10-12 years The average lifespan of Japanese Chin: 11 years	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years	9-13 years The average lifespan of Maltipoo: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. Which handles climate changes best?	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. Which has fewer health issues?	The Japanese Chin is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	Maltipoos tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Japanese Chin should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Frequent The Maltipoo should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo health problems comparison:	Cataracts Heart Murmurs Patellar Luxation Hypothyroidism Eye Problems Epilepsy Entropion Heart Disease	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	Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Portosystemic Liver Shunt White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average: The Japanese Chin has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Low to Average: The Maltipoo has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. Which needs most food?	1/4 to 1/2 cup 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.	0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. What colors are available?	Black White Sable Lemon	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold	Black Cream White Grey Gold Apricot Almost all colors
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. Which requires most maintenance?	Average: The Japanese Chin requires average grooming effort. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Average: The Maltipoo requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. Which drools least?	The Japanese Chin is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Maltipoo is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Japanese Chin has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Maltipoo has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Feathered	Dense	Fluffy Soft Wavy Woolly
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. Which requires most frequent baths?	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. 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 Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Maltipoo? Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding:	Japanese Chin dogs shed moderately. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Maltipoo dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. Which is best with kids?	Japanese Chin dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Maltipoo dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Japanese Chin dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Maltipoo dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Maltipoo? Which dog is more friendly?	Japanese Chin dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Maltipoo 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 Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Maltipoo?	Japanese Chin dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Maltipoo dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu or Maltipoo?	Japanese Chin dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Maltipoo dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo?	Yes Japanese Chin 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 Maltipoo dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Japanese Chin is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Maltipoo is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Japanese Chins are not the best breed for elderly people.	Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.	Maltipoos are usually recommended for elderly people.

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. Which is best suited for service work?	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.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. Which excels in therapy work?	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.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. 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 Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. 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 Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Japanese Chin 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.	Not really Maltipoo breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. 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 Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. 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.

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. Which has most puppies?	1-3 puppies	2-5 puppies	4-6 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. 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.

Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Japan Chin and Pekingese section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.	Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Maltipoo. 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	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	Continental Kennel Club American Canine Hybrid Club Designer Breed Registry Designer Dogs Kennel Club National Maltipoo Club Maltipoo Club of America

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