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

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

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	Shih-Poo
Origins	United States Canada	China	China Tibet
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank	222	20	562
Reviews	2	19	2
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo breeds.	Malti Zu Malt-Tzu Malshi	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog	Pooshi Shoodle
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo? Compare their breeding categories.	Cross Breed	Purebred	Cross Breed

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

Size Classification Compare size differences between Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo? Compare adult weight ranges.	5-15 pounds (2.3-6.8 kg)	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)	8-15 pounds (4-7 kg) 7-9 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)	11.5 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo? Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo height comparison:	10-20 inces (25-51 cm)	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	8-15 inches (20-38 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	10-20 inces (38 cm)	9.5 inches (24 cm)	11.5 inches (29 cm)

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

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

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

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

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

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo? Compare temperaments.	Playful Loving Independent Alert Intelligent Affectionate Going Social Quiet	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle	Intelligent Loyal Sweet Companionable
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 Shih-Poo?	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: Shih-Poo 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 Shih-Poo social needs comparison:	Mal-Shi dogs are a social breed. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Shih-Poo 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.	Shih-Poo 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?	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.	Shih-Poo dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

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

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which breed is most vocal?	Average: The Mal-Shi barks occasionally. See more.	A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Low to Average: The Shih-Poo rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which breed is most playful?	Average: Mal-Shis, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	The Shih-Poo is a playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. 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.	Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Shih-Poo breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

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

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which breed is most flexible?	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.	Shih-Poo dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo?	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.	Shih-Poo 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 Shih-Poo Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

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

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which breed lives longest?	11-15 years The average lifespan of Mal-Shi: 13 years	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years	14-16 years The average lifespan of Shih-Poo: 15 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu, 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. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Shih-Poo can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. 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 Shih Tzu 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.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
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 Shih Tzu 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.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo 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	Heatstroke Dental Problems

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

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. 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.	Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.	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.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo? 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.	Shih-Poo dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo?	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.	Shih-Poo 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 Shih-Poo Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. 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. 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 to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih-Poo's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which needs most food?	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.	1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

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

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. What colors are available?	Black Gray White Brown Yellow	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold	Black White Brown Brindle Various combinations
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which requires most maintenance?	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.	Easy to groom: The Shih-Poo doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which drools 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 Shih-Poo is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which has least natural smell?	Low 🔽 The Mal-Shi has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Shih-Poo has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Silky Soft Wavy Double	Dense	Curly Straight Curly & Straight
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu, 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. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo? 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.	Shih-Poo dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which is best with kids?	Mal-Shi dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Shih-Poo dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility 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.	Shih-Poo dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo? Which dog is more friendly?	Mal-Shi dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Shih-Poo dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo?	Mal-Shi dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Shih-Poo dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo?	Mal-Shi dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu 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: Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo?	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 Shih-Poo 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 Shih-Poo 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.	Shih-Poos are commonly okay with elderly people.

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

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. 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 Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. 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 Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. 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, Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. 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, Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which is best suited for water work?	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 Shih-Poo breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu, 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. 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 Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu, 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.

Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which has most puppies?	4-8 puppies	2-5 puppies	3-4 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu, 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 Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. 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.

Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. How are they classified?	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. How are they classified internationally?	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.	Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Mal-Shi, Shih Tzu, and Shih-Poo. Which has most recognition?	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	Not recognized by any clubs.

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