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Maltese Shih Tzu vs Goldendoodle vs Maltese Comparison - Dog breed selector: Mal-Shi or Curly Retriever or Maltese lion dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese Shih Tzu vs Goldendoodle vs Maltese" Compare Maltese Shih Tzu and Goldendoodle. Which is better: Maltese Shih Tzu or Goldendoodle or Maltese?
 
 
 
Name Maltese Shih Tzu Goldendoodle Maltese
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States United States flagUnited States Canada flagCanada Italy flagItaly
Group Designer Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank62244733
Reviews373
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, and Maltese breeds.
Mal-Shi
Malti Zu
Malt-Tzu
Curly Retriever
Goldenpoo
Curly Golden
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, and Maltese? Compare their breeding categories.
Cross Breed Cross Breed Purebred

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Goldendoodle vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, and Maltese. Which breed is the largest?
Small Large Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, and Maltese? Compare adult weight ranges.
6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg) Miniature: 15-30 pounds (7-14 kg)Standard: 45-100 pounds (20-45 kg), Medium: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg) 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
9 pounds (4 kg) Miniature: 22.5 pounds (10.5 kg)Standard: 72.5 pounds (32.5 kg), Medium: 37.5 pounds (17 kg) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Maltese Shih Tzu or Goldendoodle or Maltese? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Goldendoodle vs Maltese height comparison:
10-12 inches (25-30 cm) 13-24 inches (33-61 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?
11 inches (27.5 cm) 18.5 inches (47 cm) Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Goldendoodle vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, and Maltese. Find price differences between these breeds.
$500-$800 $600-$800 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Maltese Shih Tzu or Goldendoodle or Maltese?
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 Maltese is quite easy to get.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Goldendoodle vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, and Maltese. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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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 Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, and Maltese. Which is easiest to train?
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train.
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Goldendoodle dogs are very easy to train.
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Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, and Maltese. Which breed is most alert?
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
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Goldendoodle dogs are average watchdogs.
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Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, and Maltese. Which breed is most protective?
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders.
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Goldendoodle dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
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Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Maltese Shih Tzu vs Goldendoodle vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, and Maltese? Compare temperaments.
Active
Curious
Playful
Intelligent
Outgoing
Adaptable
Energetic
Intelligent
Friendly
Trainable
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
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.
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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: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Goldendoodle vs Maltese?
Average to High: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: Goldendoodle 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
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Goldendoodle vs Maltese social needs comparison:
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Goldendoodle dogs need for social interaction is average.
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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?
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Goldendoodle 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?
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Goldendoodle dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Maltese Shih Tzu vs Goldendoodle vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, and Maltese. Which breed is most vocal?
Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed.
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Average: The Goldendoodle barks occasionally.
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A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, and Maltese. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Goldendoodle 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 Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, and Maltese. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Goldendoodle breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Goldendoodle vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, and Maltese. Which breed is most flexible?
Average: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Goldendoodle 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.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Maltese Shih Tzu or Goldendoodle or Maltese?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Maltese 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 Goldendoodle vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, and Maltese. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

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

Low 🔽

The Goldendoodle has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, and Maltese. Which uses mouth most during play?
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Goldendoodle dogs have a lower than 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 Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, and Maltese. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Goldendoodle bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Goldendoodle vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, and Maltese. Which breed lives longest?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years
9-15 years
The average lifespan of Goldendoodle: 12 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, 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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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 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 Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, and Maltese. Which has fewer health issues?
Maltese Shih Tzus tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Goldendoodles are commonly healthy dogs.
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?
Frequent
The Maltese Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Rare
The Goldendoodle should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably 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: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Goldendoodle vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Goldendoodle vs Maltese health problems comparison:
Patellar Luxation
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Addison's Disease
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Goldendoodle vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, and Maltese. Which breed is most active?
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.
Goldendoodle dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
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
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Goldendoodle vs Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese Shih Tzu or Goldendoodle or Maltese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need.
Goldendoodle dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese Shih Tzu or Goldendoodle or Maltese?
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Goldendoodle dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Goldendoodle vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, and Maltese. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Goldendoodle 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 Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, and Maltese. Which needs most food?
1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Goldendoodle vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, and Maltese. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. No See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, and Maltese. What colors are available?
Black
White
Brown
White & Tan
Black & White
Brown & Black
Black
Gray
Red
White
Brown
Yellow
White
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, and Maltese. Which requires most maintenance?
Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, and Maltese. Which drools least?
The Maltese Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Goldendoodle is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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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 Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, and Maltese. Which has least natural smell?

Low 🔽

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

Low 🔽

The Goldendoodle has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, and Maltese. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Curly
Silky
Soft
Wavy
Long
Curly
Wavy
Smooth
Straight
Feathered
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, 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.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maltese Shih Tzu or Goldendoodle or Maltese? Maltese Shih Tzu or Goldendoodle or {name3 shedding:
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
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Goldendoodle dogs shed moderately.
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Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Maltese Shih Tzu vs Goldendoodle vs Maltese Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, and Maltese. Which is best with kids?
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Goldendoodle dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
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.
Goldendoodle dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Goldendoodle or Maltese? Which dog is more friendly?
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Goldendoodle dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Goldendoodle or Maltese?
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Goldendoodle dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Goldendoodle or Maltese?
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Goldendoodle 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: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Goldendoodle vs Maltese?
Yes
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Goldendoodle 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?
Yes
Maltese Shih Tzu is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
No
Goldendoodle 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?
Maltese Shih Tzus are commonly okay with elderly people.
Goldendoodles are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Goldendoodle vs Maltese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, 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 Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, 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 Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, 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 Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, 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 Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, and Maltese. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Maltese Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Goldendoodle 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 Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, 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 Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, 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.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Goldendoodle vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, and Maltese. Which has most puppies?
3-5 puppies 4-8 puppies 3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, 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 Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, 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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Maltese Shih Tzu vs Goldendoodle vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, 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 Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, 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 Maltese Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, and Maltese. Which has most recognition?
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

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