Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle Comparison - Dog breed selector: Mal-Shi or Cavoodle or Barbone? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle" Compare Maltese Shih Tzu and Cavapoo. Which is better: Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Poodle?

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	Maltese Shih Tzu	Cavapoo	Poodle
Origins	United States	Australia	Germany France
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Designer Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	622	555	7
Reviews	3	10	14
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Mal-Shi Malti Zu Malt-Tzu	Cavoodle	Barbone Caniche Chien Canne Grosse Pudel French Poodle
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle breed type comparison:	Cross Breed	Cross Breed	Purebred

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Poodle? Which is the smallest dog, Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Poodle?	Small	Small Medium	Medium
Weight Which is heavier, Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Cavapoo? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle weight comparison:	6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg)	12-24 pounds (5.4-11 kg)	Male: 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg), Female: 45-60 pounds (20-27 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	9 pounds (4 kg)	18 pounds (5.7.5 kg)	Male: 57.5 pounds (26 kg), Female: 52.5 pounds (23.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Poodle? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle height comparison:	10-12 inches (25-30 cm)	11-18 inches (28-45 cm)	15 inches (38 cm) or more
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	11 inches (27.5 cm)	14.5 inches (36.5 cm)	15 inches (38 cm) or more

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Poodle? Which is more expensive?	$500-$800	$1200-$1800	$1000-$1500
Availability Which is easier to get, Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Poodle?	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.	Very frequent: The Poodle is quite easy to get.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Poodle? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle behavior/temperament comparison:	Active Curious Playful Intelligent Outgoing Adaptable	Loving Intelligent Gentle	Active Alert Intelligent Trainable Faithful Instinctual
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	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.	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: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle?	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.	High: Poodle dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle 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.	Poodle dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Cavapoo dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Poodle dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? 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.	Poodle 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

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle playfulness comparison:	Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Cavapoos, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Poodle is a playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle?	Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed. See more.	Average: The Cavapoo barks occasionally. See more.	Average to High: The Poodle is a vocal breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Poodle?	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Cavapoo breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Poodle breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Poodle?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Cavapoo bite force: Weak.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Poodle bite force: Ordinary.
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 Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Cavapoo has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Poodle has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle mouthiness comparison:	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.	Poodle dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle health comparison. Which is the healthier: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle?	Maltese Shih Tzus tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.	Very healthy dog breed.	The Poodle 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: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle health problems comparison:	Patellar Luxation White Dog Shaker Syndrome	Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Allergies Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Sebaceous Adenitis Ear Infections Addison's Disease Cushing's Syndrome Runny Eyes Canine Atrial Septal Defect (asd) Neonatal Encephalopathy (news) Optic Nerve Hypoplasia Premature Graying
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	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).	Average The Poodle should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle lifespan comparison. How long do Maltese Shih Tzu, Cavapoo and Poodle breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	12-14 years The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years	9-15 years The average lifespan of Cavapoo: 12 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Poodle: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle?	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.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Poodle? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle energy level comparison:	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.	Poodle dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Poodle? 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.	Poodle dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Poodle?	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.	Poodle dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Poodle?	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.	2 to 3 cups 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? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle weight gain potential comparison:	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.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Poodle's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle coat comparison:	Curly Silky Soft Wavy Long	Curly Wavy Straight	Curly
Colors What are the original Maltese Shih Tzu, Cavapoo and Poodle color?	Black White Brown White & Tan Black & White Brown & Black	Black Cream White Sable Tricolor Chestnut Apricot Red sable Phantom	Black Gray Red Blue Cream White Silver Brown Fawn Beige Apricot
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Poodle? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle grooming comparison:	Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Advanced: The Cavapoo requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Poodle? Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or {name3 shedding:	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Cavapoo dogs shed moderately. See more.	Poodle 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: Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Poodle?	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.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.
Hypoallergenic Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	Yes 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, Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle?	Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Cavapoo has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Poodle has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	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.	The Poodle is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly 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.	Poodle dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Poodle? Which dog is more friendly?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Cavapoo dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Poodle dogs are 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 Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Poodle?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.	Cavapoo dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.	Poodle dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Poodle?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.	Cavapoo dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Poodle dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Poodle?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Cavapoo dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Poodle dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle?	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.	Yes Poodle 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.	No Poodle 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.	Poodles are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle 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.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Poodle? Which is better for autism?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect 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: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle?	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.	Yes Poodle breed usually likes 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.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle 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 Maltese Shih Tzu and Cavapoo and Poodle have?	3-5 puppies	2-8 puppies	2-4 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887 as a Non-Sporting & Toy breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Not recognized by FCI.	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Poodle section.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	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	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

Popular Dog Compares

Despite the best intentions, there may be errors. If you find one, please let us know and we will fix it as soon as possible. Contact us here.

Rate This Comparsion - Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Poodle

Reviews