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Mal-Shi vs Shichon vs Maltese Comparison - Dog breed selector: Malti Zu or Teddy Bear or Maltese lion dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Mal-Shi vs Shichon vs Maltese" Compare Mal-Shi and Shichon. Which is better: Mal-Shi or Shichon or Maltese?
 
 
 
Name Mal-Shi Shichon Maltese
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States Canada flagCanada United States flagUnited States Italy flagItaly
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank22230733
Reviews213
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese breeds.
Malti Zu
Malt-Tzu
Malshi
Teddy Bear
Zuchon
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese? Compare their breeding categories.
Cross Breed Cross Breed Purebred

Mal-Shi vs Shichon vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese? Compare adult weight ranges.
5-15 pounds (2.3-6.8 kg) 10-15 pounds (5-7 kg) 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
10 pounds (2.3-6.8 kg) 12.5 pounds (6 kg) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Mal-Shi or Shichon or Maltese? Mal-Shi vs Shichon vs Maltese height comparison:
10-20 inces (25-51 cm) 19-21 inches (49-53 cm) Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
10-20 inces (38 cm) 20 inches (51 cm) Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

Mal-Shi vs Shichon vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1000 $800-$1200 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Mal-Shi or Shichon or Maltese?
Average: The Mal-Shi is a commonly available dog breed.
Average: The Shichon is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.

Mal-Shi vs Shichon vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. Which breed ranks highest?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. Which is easiest to train?
Mal-Shi dogs are quite easy to train.
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Shichon dogs are quite easy to train.
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Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. Which breed is most alert?
Mal-Shi dogs are average watchdogs.
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Shichon dogs are average watchdogs.
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Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. Which breed is most protective?
Mal-Shi dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Shichon dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Mal-Shi vs Shichon vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Loving
Independent
Alert
Intelligent
Affectionate
Going
Social
Quiet
Playful
Loving
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Social
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Mal-Shi vs Shichon vs Maltese?
High: Mal-Shi dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Shichon dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Mal-Shi vs Shichon vs Maltese social needs comparison:
Mal-Shi dogs are a social breed.
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Shichon dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Mal-Shi dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Shichon dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Mal-Shi dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Shichon dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Mal-Shi vs Shichon vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. Which breed is most vocal?
Average: The Mal-Shi barks occasionally.
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Average: The Shichon barks occasionally.
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A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Mal-Shis, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Shichon is a playful breed.
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Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. Which adapts best to small spaces?
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 Mal-Shi indoors.
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 Shichon indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.

Mal-Shi vs Shichon vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. Which breed is most flexible?
Average: Mal-Shi dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Shichon dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Mal-Shi or Shichon or Maltese?
Mal-Shi 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.
Shichon 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.

Mal-Shi vs Shichon vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Mal-Shi has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shichon has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Mal-Shi bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shichon bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Mal-Shi vs Shichon vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Mal-Shi: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Shichon: 13 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. 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.
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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. Which has fewer health issues?
The Mal-Shi is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Shichon 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.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Mal-Shi should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Shichon 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.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Mal-Shi vs Shichon vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Mal-Shi vs Shichon vs Maltese health problems comparison:
No data available Allergies Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Mal-Shi vs Shichon vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Mal-Shi vs Shichon vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Mal-Shi's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Shichon has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. Which needs most food?
1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/4 to 1 cup 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.

Mal-Shi vs Shichon vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. What colors are available?
Black
Gray
White
Brown
Yellow
Black
Gray
Red
Cream
White
Silver
Apricot
White
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Mal-Shi requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The Shichon requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. Which drools least?
The Mal-Shi is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Shichon is an average drooler.
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The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. Which has least natural smell?

Low 🔽

The Mal-Shi has a low chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Shichon has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Silky
Soft
Wavy
Double
Fluffy
Dense
Curly
Silky
Feathered
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. Which requires most frequent baths?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Mal-Shi or Shichon or Maltese? Mal-Shi or Shichon or {name3 shedding:
Mal-Shi dogs shed none to minimal.
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Shichon dogs shed none to minimal.
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Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Mal-Shi vs Shichon vs Maltese Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. Which is best with kids?
Mal-Shi dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Shichon dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Mal-Shi dogs are generally with other pets.
Shichon dogs are generally with other pets.
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Mal-Shi or Shichon or Maltese? Which dog is more friendly?
Mal-Shi dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Shichon dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Mal-Shi or Shichon or Maltese?
Mal-Shi dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Shichon dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Mal-Shi or Shichon or Maltese?
Mal-Shi dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Shichon dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Mal-Shi vs Shichon vs Maltese?
Yes
Mal-Shi dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Shichon 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.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Mal-Shi is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Shichon is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Mal-Shis are usually recommended for elderly people.
Shichons are usually recommended for elderly people.
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.

Mal-Shi vs Shichon vs Maltese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. 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 Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. 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 Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Mal-Shi breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

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

Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. 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.

Mal-Shi vs Shichon vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. Which has most puppies?
4-8 puppies 3-6 puppies 3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Mal-Shi vs Shichon vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. How are they classified?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Mal-Shi, Shichon, and Maltese. Which has most recognition?
No data available American Canine Hybrid Club
Designer Breed Registry
Designer Dogs Kennel Club
International Designer 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

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