Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever Comparison – Which dog is better Mal-Shi or Lab?

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

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	Labrador Retriever
Origins	United States	England Canada
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Designer Dogs	Gun Dog
Popularity Rank	622	1
Reviews	3	9
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Mal-Shi Malti Zu Malt-Tzu	Lab Labrador
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever breed type comparison:	Cross Breed	Purebred

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which dog is bigger, Maltese Shih Tzu or Labrador Retriever? Is the Maltese Shih Tzu bigger than the Labrador Retriever breed? Is a Maltese Shih Tzu smaller than a Labrador Retriever?	Small	Large
Weight Which is heavier, Maltese Shih Tzu or Labrador Retriever? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever weight comparison:	6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg)	Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	9 pounds (4 kg)	Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Maltese Shih Tzu or Labrador Retriever? Is a Maltese Shih Tzu taller than a Labrador Retriever?	10-12 inches (25-30 cm)	Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	11 inches (27.5 cm)	Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm)

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Maltese Shih Tzu or Labrador Retriever? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Maltese Shih Tzu and Labrador Retriever?	$500-$800	$1000-$2000
Availability Which is easier to get, Maltese Shih Tzu or Labrador Retriever?	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed.	Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Maltese Shih Tzu or Labrador Retriever smarter? Which is best? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever intelligence:	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever trainability comparison. What's the difference between Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs are very 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 Labrador Retriever?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Maltese Shih Tzu or Labrador Retriever? 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.	Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Maltese Shih Tzu or Labrador Retriever? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever behavior/temperament comparison:	Active Curious Playful Intelligent Outgoing Adaptable	Playful Loving Energetic Alert Intelligent Friendly Responsive Affectionate Loyal Gentle Going Social Cheerful
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	Sensitive: Labrador Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever?	Average to High: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.	Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever social needs comparison:	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever? Which can be better for hunting?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.	Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever playfulness comparison:	Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever?	Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed. See more.	Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally. 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 Labrador Retriever?	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed.	It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever 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.	Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever?	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Maltese Shih Tzu or Labrador Retriever?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Is a Maltese Shih Tzu more dangerous than a Labrador Retriever?	Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Moderate ⏺ The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever mouthiness comparison:	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever health comparison. Which is the healthier: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever?	Maltese Shih Tzus tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.	The Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever health problems comparison:	Patellar Luxation White Dog Shaker Syndrome	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Bloat Epilepsy Ear Infections Elbow Dysplasia Osteochondrosis Dissecans Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia Acute Moist Dermatitis Cold Tail Myopathy
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever?	Frequent The Maltese Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.	Average The Labrador Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever lifespan comparison. How long do Maltese Shih Tzu and Labrador Retriever breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Maltese Shih Tzu and Labrador Retriever?	12-14 years The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 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 Labrador Retriever?	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.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Maltese Shih Tzu or Labrador Retriever? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever 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.	Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese Shih Tzu or Labrador Retriever? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need.	Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese Shih Tzu or Labrador Retriever?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Maltese Shih Tzu or Labrador Retriever? Does the Maltese Shih Tzu breed eat more than the Labrador Retriever breed?	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.	Recommended daily amount: 2.5 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 Labrador Retriever weight gain potential comparison:	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu has an average risk for obesity. See more.	High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever coat comparison:	Curly Silky Soft Wavy Long	Dense Waterproof Hard Short
Colors What are the original Maltese Shih Tzu and Labrador Retriever color? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever color comparison:	Black White Brown White & Tan Black & White Brown & Black	Black Yellow Chocolate
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Maltese Shih Tzu or Labrador Retriever? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever grooming comparison:	Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Maltese Shih Tzu or Labrador Retriever? Do Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed more than Labrador Retriever dogs?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately. 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 Labrador Retriever?	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 Labrador Retriever hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Maltese Shih Tzu or Labrador Retriever?	Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	High 🔼 The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever?	The Maltese Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler. See more.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever 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.	Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Labrador Retriever? Which dog is more friendly?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Labrador Retriever 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 Maltese Shih Tzu or Labrador Retriever?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.	Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Labrador Retriever?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.	Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever? Can a Maltese Shih Tzu and a Labrador Retriever be friends? Do Maltese Shih Tzu dogs get along with Labrador Retriever dogs?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever?	Yes Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever 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.	Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever 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.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Maltese Shih Tzu or Labrador Retriever? 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.
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.	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
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.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever?	Not really Maltese Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Yes Labrador Retriever 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.
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.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	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.
Litter Size How many puppies can Maltese Shih Tzu and Labrador Retriever have? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever litter size comparison:	3-5 puppies	5-10 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever 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 1917 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	Not recognized by any clubs.	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

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