Japanese Spitz vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Comparison - Dog breed selector: Nihon Supittsu or Maltese lion dog or Chrysanthemum Dog? Find the right dog for you

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

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 Spitz	Maltese	Shih Tzu
Origins	Japan	Italy	China
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	229	33	20
Reviews	9	3	19
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Japanese Spitz, Maltese, and Shih Tzu breeds.	Nihon Supittsu	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Japanese Spitz, Maltese, and Shih Tzu? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Japanese Spitz vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Japanese Spitz, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Japanese Spitz, Maltese, and Shih Tzu? Compare adult weight ranges.	11-20 pounds (5-10 kg)	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	15.5 pounds (7.5 kg)	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Japanese Spitz or Maltese or Shih Tzu? Japanese Spitz vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu height comparison:	12-15 inches (30-38 cm)	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	13.5 inches (34 cm)	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)	9.5 inches (24 cm)

Japanese Spitz vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

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

Japanese Spitz vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Japanese Spitz, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which breed ranks highest?	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	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.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Japanese Spitz, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which is easiest to train?	Japanese Spitz dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Japanese Spitz, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most alert?	Japanese Spitz dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Japanese Spitz, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most protective?	Japanese Spitz dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Japanese Spitz vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

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

Japanese Spitz vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Japanese Spitz, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most vocal?	A lot: Japanese Spitz is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Shih Tzu 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 Spitz, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most playful?	The Japanese Spitz is a highly playful breed. See more.	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Japanese Spitz, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Japanese Spitz breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Japanese Spitz vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Japanese Spitz vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Japanese Spitz vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Japanese Spitz, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which breed lives longest?	10-16 years The average lifespan of Japanese Spitz: 13 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Japanese Spitz, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which handles climate changes best?	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Japanese Spitz can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. 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.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Japanese Spitz, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which has fewer health issues?	The Japanese Spitz is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Maltese 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.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Japanese Spitz should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Maltese 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.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Japanese Spitz vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Japanese Spitz vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu health problems comparison:	Patellar Luxation Runny Eyes	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia 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

Japanese Spitz vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Japanese Spitz, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most active?	Japanese Spitz dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.	Maltese 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.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Japanese Spitz vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Japanese Spitz or Maltese or Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Japanese Spitz dogs have an average exercise need.	Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.	Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Japanese Spitz or Maltese or Shih Tzu?	Japanese Spitz dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Maltese 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.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Japanese Spitz vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Japanese Spitz, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which is most prone to obesity?	Low to Average: The Japanese Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Maltese 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.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Japanese Spitz, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which needs most food?	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.	Recommended daily amount: 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.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Japanese Spitz vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Japanese Spitz, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. 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 Spitz, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. What colors are available?	White	White	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Japanese Spitz, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which requires most maintenance?	Advanced: The Japanese Spitz requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Japanese Spitz, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which drools least?	The Japanese Spitz is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Maltese 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.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Japanese Spitz, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Japanese Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Japanese Spitz, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Thick	Feathered	Dense
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Japanese Spitz, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which requires most frequent baths?	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	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.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Japanese Spitz or Maltese or Shih Tzu? Japanese Spitz or Maltese or {name3 shedding:	Japanese Spitz dogs shed moderately. See more.	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Japanese Spitz vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

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

Japanese Spitz vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Japanese Spitz, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. 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.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Japanese Spitz, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. 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.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Japanese Spitz, Maltese, 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 Japanese Spitz, Maltese, 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 Japanese Spitz, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Japanese Spitz breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Maltese 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 Japanese Spitz, Maltese, 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. 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 Spitz, Maltese, 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.

Japanese Spitz vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Japanese Spitz, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which has most puppies?	1-6 puppies	3-5 puppies	2-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Japanese Spitz, Maltese, 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 Japanese Spitz, Maltese, 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.

Japanese Spitz vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Japanese Spitz, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. How are they classified?	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Japanese Spitz, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Japanese Spitz, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which has most recognition?	American Canine Registry America's Pet Registry Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club National 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	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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