Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Comparison - Dog breed selector: Malti Zu or Chrysanthemum Dog or Maltese lion dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese" Compare Mal-Shi and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu or Maltese?

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	Mal-Shi	Shih Tzu	Maltese
Origins	United States Canada	China	Italy
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	222	20	33
Reviews	2	16	3
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Malti Zu Malt-Tzu Malshi	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese breed type comparison:	Cross Breed	Purebred	Purebred

Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Which is the smallest dog, Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu or Maltese?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Which is heavier, Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu? Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese weight comparison:	5-15 pounds (2.3-6.8 kg)	9–16 pounds (4-7 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)	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese height comparison:	10-20 inces (25-51 cm)	8-11 inches (20-28 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)	9.5 inches (24 cm)	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Which is more expensive?	$800-$1000	$800-$1200	$600-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu or Maltese?	Average: The Mal-Shi is a commonly available dog breed.	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.

Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese intelligence:	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.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese trainability comparison.	Mal-Shi dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu or Maltese?	Mal-Shi dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Mal-Shi dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese behavior/temperament comparison:	Playful Loving Independent Alert Intelligent Affectionate Going Social Quiet	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle	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. 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: Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese?	High: Mal-Shi 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: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese social needs comparison:	Mal-Shi dogs are a social breed. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Mal-Shi dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.
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. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Maltese 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

Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese playfulness comparison:	Average: Mal-Shis, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese?	Average: The Mal-Shi barks occasionally. See more.	A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu or Maltese?	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.	Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Average: Mal-Shi dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.	Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu 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.	Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu or Maltese?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Mal-Shi bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	Low 🔽 The Mal-Shi has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese mouthiness comparison:	Mal-Shi 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.	Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese health comparison. Which is the healthier: Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese?	The Mal-Shi 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.	The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese health problems comparison:	No data available	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	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Veterinarian Visits 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 Shih Tzu 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.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese lifespan comparison. How long do Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu and Maltese breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	11-15 years The average lifespan of Mal-Shi: 13 years	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese?	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 warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.

Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese energy level comparison:	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.	Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other 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.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Mal-Shi dogs have an average exercise need.	Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.	Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu or Maltese?	Mal-Shi dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.	Maltese 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

Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu or Maltese?	1/4 to 1 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.	Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese weight gain potential comparison:	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Mal-Shi's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese coat comparison:	Silky Soft Wavy Double	Dense	Feathered
Colors What are the original Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu and Maltese color?	Black Gray White Brown Yellow	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold	White
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese grooming comparison:	Average: The Mal-Shi requires average grooming effort. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding:	Mal-Shi dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu or Maltese?	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Hypoallergenic Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	No See more.	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese?	Low 🔽 The Mal-Shi has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	The Mal-Shi 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 Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Mal-Shi dogs are generally with other pets.	Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Which dog is more friendly?	Mal-Shi dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu or Maltese?	Mal-Shi dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu or Maltese?	Mal-Shi dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu or Maltese?	Mal-Shi dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly 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 Shih Tzu vs Maltese?	Yes Mal-Shi dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Maltese 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 Shih Tzu 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.	Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.	Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.

Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Which one could be a service dog?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. 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 Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Which is better for autism?	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
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) Which one could be a search and rescue dog?	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese?	Not really Mal-Shi 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 Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. 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.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency	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.
Litter Size How many puppies can Mal-Shi and Shih Tzu and Maltese have?	4-8 puppies	2-5 puppies	3-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	No data available	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

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