• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo Comparison – Which dog is better Mal-Shi or Cavoodle?

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo" Compare Maltese Shih Tzu and Cavapoo. Which is better: Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo?
 
 
 
Name Maltese Shih Tzu Cavapoo
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States Australia flagAustralia
Group Designer Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank622555
Reviews310
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Maltese Shih Tzu and Cavapoo. What other names are these breeds known by?
Mal-Shi
Malti Zu
Malt-Tzu
Cavoodle
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Maltese Shih Tzu and a Cavapoo. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Cross Breed Cross Breed

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a Cavapoo? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Small Small
Medium
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Maltese Shih Tzu and a Cavapoo. Which breed is heavier?
6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg) 12-24 pounds (5.4-11 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
9 pounds (4 kg) 18 pounds (5.7.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo? Is a Maltese Shih Tzu taller than a Cavapoo?
10-12 inches (25-30 cm) 11-18 inches (28-45 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
11 inches (27.5 cm) 14.5 inches (36.5 cm)

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Maltese Shih Tzu and a Cavapoo. Which breed costs more?
$500-$800 $1200-$1800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo?
Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed.
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a Cavapoo? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Very smart: Cavapoo is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a Cavapoo? Compare training requirements.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Cavapoo dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a Cavapoo? Compare alertness levels.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Cavapoo dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a Cavapoo? Compare territorial behaviors.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Cavapoo dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
See more.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Maltese Shih Tzu and a Cavapoo. How do their temperaments differ?
Active
Curious
Playful
Intelligent
Outgoing
Adaptable
Loving
Intelligent
Gentle
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo?
Maltese 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.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo?
Average to High: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
High: Cavapoo dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo social needs comparison:
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Cavapoo dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo?
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Cavapoo dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo? Which can be better for hunting?
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.
Cavapoo 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.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a Cavapoo? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed.
See more.
Average: The Cavapoo barks occasionally.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a Cavapoo? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Cavapoos, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a Cavapoo? Compare living space needs.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Cavapoo breed.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a Cavapoo? Compare adaptability levels.
Average: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Cavapoo dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Cavapoo dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a Cavapoo? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Cavapoo has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a Cavapoo? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Cavapoo dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a Cavapoo? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Cavapoo bite force: Weak.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a Cavapoo? Compare average lifespans.
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years
9-15 years
The average lifespan of Cavapoo: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a Cavapoo? Compare climate tolerances.
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 Cavapoo can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Maltese Shih Tzu and a Cavapoo. Which breed is healthier?
Maltese Shih Tzus tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Very healthy dog breed.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo?
Frequent
The Maltese Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Rare
The Cavapoo should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo health problems comparison:
Patellar Luxation
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a Cavapoo? Compare activity levels.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Cavapoo dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need.
Cavapoo dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo?
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Cavapoo dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a Cavapoo? Compare obesity risks.
Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Cavapoo's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a Cavapoo? Compare daily food needs.
1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. 0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a Cavapoo? Compare allergy friendliness.
Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Maltese Shih Tzu and Cavapoo? Compare breed colors.
Black
White
Brown
White & Tan
Black & White
Brown & Black
Black
Cream
White
Sable
Tricolor
Chestnut
Apricot
Red sable
Phantom
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a Cavapoo? Compare maintenance needs.
Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Advanced: The Cavapoo requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a Cavapoo? Compare drooling amounts.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Cavapoo is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a Cavapoo? Compare natural smell levels.

Low 🔽

The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Cavapoo has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Maltese Shih Tzu and a Cavapoo? Compare fur types.
Curly
Silky
Soft
Wavy
Long
Curly
Wavy
Straight
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a Cavapoo? Compare bathing frequencies.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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 Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo? Do Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed more than Cavapoo dogs?
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Cavapoo dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a Cavapoo? Compare kid-friendliness.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Cavapoo dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Cavapoo dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo? Which dog is more friendly?
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cavapoo dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo?
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Cavapoo dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo? Can a Maltese Shih Tzu and a Cavapoo be friends? Do Maltese Shih Tzu dogs get along with Cavapoo dogs?
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Cavapoo dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo?
Yes
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Cavapoo dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
Yes
Maltese Shih Tzu is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
No
Cavapoo is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Maltese Shih Tzus are commonly okay with elderly people.
Cavapoos are commonly okay with elderly people.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a Cavapoo? Compare service capabilities.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a Cavapoo? Compare therapy capabilities.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a Cavapoo? Compare scenting abilities.

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
Which is better for search and rescue: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a Cavapoo? Compare SAR abilities.

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
Which is better on boats: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a Cavapoo? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Maltese Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Yes

Cavapoo breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a Cavapoo? Compare draft work capabilities.

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 history between Maltese Shih Tzu and Cavapoo. Which has stronger military background?

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.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Maltese Shih Tzu and Cavapoo. Which has larger litters?
3-5 puppies 2-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Maltese Shih Tzu and Cavapoo breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Maltese Shih Tzu and Cavapoo. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Maltese Shih Tzu and Cavapoo. Which groups do they belong to?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Maltese Shih Tzu and Cavapoo. Which groups are they in?
Not recognized by FCI. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Maltese Shih Tzu and Cavapoo. Which is more widely recognized?
Not recognized by any clubs. Dog Registry of America Inc.
American Canine Hybrid Club
Designer Breed Registry
Designer Dogs Kennel Club
International Designer Canine Registry

Rate This Comparsion - Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo

Reviews