Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Shih-Poo Comparison - Dog breed selector: Lab or Maltese lion dog or Pooshi? Find the right dog for you
"Find similarities and differences between Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Shih-Poo"
Compare Labrador Retriever and Maltese. Which is better: Labrador Retriever or Maltese or Shih-Poo?
Name | Labrador Retriever | Maltese | Shih-Poo |
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Origins | ![]() ![]() | ![]() | ![]() ![]() |
Group | Gun Dog | Companion Dogs | Designer Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 1 | 33 | 562 |
Reviews | 11 | 3 | 2 |
User Ratings |
Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo breeds. |
Lab Labrador |
Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog |
Pooshi Shoodle |
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Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo? Compare their breeding categories. | Purebred | Purebred | Cross Breed |
Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Shih-Poo Size and Weight Comparison
Size Classification
Compare size differences between Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. Which breed is the largest? | Large | Small | Small |
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Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo? Compare adult weight ranges. | Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) | 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) |
8-15 pounds (4-7 kg) 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg) |
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) | 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) | 11.5 pounds (5.5 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, Labrador Retriever or Maltese or Shih-Poo? Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Shih-Poo height comparison: | Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm) | Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) | 8-15 inches (20-38 cm) |
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm) | Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) | 11.5 inches (29 cm) |
Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Shih-Poo Price and Availability Comparison
Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. Find price differences between these breeds. | $1000-$2000 | $600-$800 | $800-$1200 |
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Availability
Which is easier to get, Labrador Retriever or Maltese or Shih-Poo? | Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get. | Frequent: The Shih-Poo is easier than average to get. |
Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Shih-Poo Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. Which breed ranks highest? | Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds. | Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. | Smart: The Shih-Poo dogs have great intelligence. |
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. Which is easiest to train? | Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train. | Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. | Shih-Poo dogs are quite easy to train. |
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. Which breed is most alert? | Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. | Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. | Shih-Poo dogs are average watchdogs. |
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. Which breed is most protective? | Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders. | Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. | Shih-Poo dogs are average defenders. |
Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Shih-Poo Personality and Temperament Comparison
Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo? Compare temperaments. |
Playful Loving Energetic Alert Intelligent Friendly Responsive Affectionate Loyal Gentle Going Social Cheerful |
Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing |
Intelligent Loyal Sweet Companionable |
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Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference? | Sensitive: Labrador Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. |
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Shih-Poo? | Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. | High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Shih-Poo dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
Social Needs
Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Shih-Poo social needs comparison: | Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Shih-Poo dogs need a lot of social interaction. |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? | Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential. | Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. | Shih-Poo dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. |
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting? | Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. | Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Shih-Poo dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. |
Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Shih-Poo Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. Which breed is most vocal? | Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally. | A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. | Low to Average: The Shih-Poo rarely barks. |
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. Which breed is most playful? | The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed. | Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. | The Shih-Poo is a playful breed. |
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. Which adapts best to small spaces? | It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home. | Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Shih-Poo breed. |
Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Shih-Poo Adaptability and Independence Comparison
Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. Which breed is most flexible? | Labrador Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Shih-Poo dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. |
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Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Labrador Retriever or Maltese or Shih-Poo? | Labrador Retriever 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-Poo dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them. |
Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Shih-Poo Bite Characteristics Comparison
Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. Which has lowest bite risk? | Moderate ⏺ The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Shih-Poo has a low chance of biting somebody. |
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Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. Which uses mouth most during play? | Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. | Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Shih-Poo dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. |
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. Which has the strongest bite? | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih-Poo bite force: Weak. |
Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Shih-Poo Health and Lifespan Comparison
Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. Which breed lives longest? |
10-12 years The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years |
14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years |
14-16 years The average lifespan of Shih-Poo: 15 years |
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Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. 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. | Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. | Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Shih-Poo can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. |
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. Which has fewer health issues? | The Labrador Retriever 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-Poo 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? |
Average The Labrador Retriever 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-Poo should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Shih-Poo? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Shih-Poo health problems comparison: |
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Bloat Epilepsy Ear Infections Elbow Dysplasia Osteochondrosis Dissecans Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia Acute Moist Dermatitis Cold Tail Myopathy |
Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome |
Heatstroke Dental Problems |
Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Shih-Poo Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. Which breed is most active? | Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs. | 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-Poo 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
Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Shih-Poo exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Labrador Retriever or Maltese or Shih-Poo? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises. | Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal. | Shih-Poo dogs have an average exercise need. |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Labrador Retriever or Maltese or Shih-Poo? | Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep. | Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed. | Shih-Poo dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed. |
Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Shih-Poo Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. Which is most prone to obesity? | High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. | Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih-Poo's weight, he can easily gain weight. |
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. Which needs most food? | Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. | Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. | 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. |
Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Shih-Poo Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. Which is best for allergy sufferers? | No See more. | Yes See more. | Yes See more. |
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Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. What colors are available? |
Black Yellow Chocolate | White |
Black White Brown Brindle Various combinations |
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. Which requires most maintenance? | Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming. | Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. | Easy to groom: The Shih-Poo doesn't require a lot of grooming. |
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. Which drools least? | The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler. | The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Shih-Poo is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. Which has least natural smell? | High 🔼 The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell. | Low 🔽 The Shih-Poo has a low chance of bad smell. |
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. How do their fur characteristics differ? |
Dense Waterproof Hard Short | Feathered |
Curly Straight Curly & Straight |
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. 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. | 6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Labrador Retriever or Maltese or Shih-Poo? Labrador Retriever or Maltese or {name3 shedding: | Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately. | Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. | Shih-Poo dogs shed none to minimal. |
Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Shih-Poo Good With Comparison
Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. Which is best with kids? | Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. | Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs. | Shih-Poo dogs are average friendly dogs towards children. |
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Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets? | Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets. | Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. | Shih-Poo dogs are generally with other pets. |
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Labrador Retriever or Maltese or Shih-Poo? Which dog is more friendly? | Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs. | Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs. | Shih-Poo dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Labrador Retriever or Maltese or Shih-Poo? | Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs. | Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Shih-Poo dogs are average friendly towards cats. |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Labrador Retriever or Maltese or Shih-Poo? | Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | Shih-Poo dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. |
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Shih-Poo? |
Yes Labrador Retriever 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-Poo dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office? |
No Labrador Retriever is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No Shih-Poo is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people? | Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people. | Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people. | Shih-Poos are commonly okay with elderly people. |
Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Shih-Poo As a Working Dog Comparison
Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. Which is best suited for service work? | Yes This breed makes good 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 Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. Which excels in therapy work? | Yes This breed makes a perfect 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. |
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. Which has best nose work ability? | Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. | Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. | 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 Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. Which is best for SAR work? | Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. | Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. | Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. |
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. Which is best suited for water work? | Yes Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat. | Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Shih-Poo breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. Which is best for draft work? | 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. |
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. 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. |
Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Shih-Poo Reproducibility Comparison
Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. Which has most puppies? | 5-10 puppies | 3-5 puppies | 3-4 puppies |
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Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. Any breeding differences? | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. What's recommended? | 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. |
Labrador Retriever vs Maltese vs Shih-Poo Recognition Comparison
AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. How are they classified? | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. | Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. |
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FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. How are they classified internationally? | Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. | Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section. | Not recognized by FCI. |
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Labrador Retriever, Maltese, and Shih-Poo. 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 Canadian Canine Registry |
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. |
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