Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Lhasa Apso Comparison - Dog breed selector: Mal-Shi or Maltese lion dog or Lion Dog? Find the right dog for you

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

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	Maltese	Lhasa Apso
Origins	United States	Italy	Tibet
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Designer Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	622	33	77
Reviews	3	3	4
User Ratings

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

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Lhasa Apso Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltese or Lhasa Apso? Which is the smallest dog, Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltese or Lhasa Apso?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Which is heavier, Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltese or Maltese? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Lhasa Apso weight comparison:	6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg)	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	13-15 pounds (5.9-6.8 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	9 pounds (4 kg)	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)	14 pounds (5.9-6.8 kg)
Height Which is taller, Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltese or Lhasa Apso? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Lhasa Apso height comparison:	10-12 inches (25-30 cm)	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)	10-11 inches (25-28 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	11 inches (27.5 cm)	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)	10.5 inches (26.5 cm)

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Lhasa Apso Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltese or Lhasa Apso? Which is more expensive?	$500-$800	$600-$800	$500-$700
Availability Which is easier to get, Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltese or Lhasa Apso?	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed.	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Lhasa Apso is quite easy to get.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Lhasa Apso Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Lhasa Apso intelligence:	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Lhasa Apso trainability comparison.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train. See more.	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Lhasa Apso dogs are quite 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 Maltese or Lhasa Apso?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Lhasa Apso dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltese or Lhasa Apso? 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.	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Lhasa Apso dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Lhasa Apso Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltese or Lhasa Apso? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Lhasa Apso behavior/temperament comparison:	Active Curious Playful Intelligent Outgoing Adaptable	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Playful Alert Intelligent Friendly Obedient Devoted Lively Steady Spirited Assertive
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.	Sensitive: Lhasa Apso 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 Maltese vs Lhasa Apso?	Average to High: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.	High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Lhasa Apso 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 Maltese vs Lhasa Apso social needs comparison:	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Lhasa Apso dogs need for social interaction is average. 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.	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Lhasa Apso 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?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.	Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Lhasa Apso dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Lhasa Apso Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Lhasa Apso playfulness comparison:	Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Lhasa Apsos, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Lhasa Apso?	Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed. See more.	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Lhasa Apso is a particularly loud 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 Maltese or Lhasa Apso?	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Lhasa Apso breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Lhasa Apso 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.	Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Lhasa Apso 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 Maltese or Lhasa Apso?	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.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Lhasa Apso Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Lhasa Apso Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Lhasa Apso health comparison. Which is the healthier: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Lhasa Apso?	Maltese Shih Tzus tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.	The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	Lhasa Apsos tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Lhasa Apso? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Lhasa Apso health problems comparison:	Patellar Luxation White Dog Shaker Syndrome	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome	Patellar Luxation Allergies Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Sebaceous Adenitis Cherry Eye Familial Inherited Renal Dysplasia Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca
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.	Average The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Frequent The Lhasa Apso should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Lhasa Apso lifespan comparison. How long do Maltese Shih Tzu, Maltese and Lhasa Apso breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	12-14 years The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Lhasa Apso: 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 Maltese vs Lhasa Apso?	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 warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. 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 Maltese vs Lhasa Apso Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltese or Lhasa Apso? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Lhasa Apso 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.	Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.	Lhasa Apso 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 Maltese vs Lhasa Apso exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltese or Lhasa Apso? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need.	Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.	Lhasa Apso dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltese or Lhasa Apso?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Lhasa Apso 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 Maltese vs Lhasa Apso Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltese or Lhasa Apso?	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.	Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	1/4 to 1 cup 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 Maltese vs Lhasa Apso weight gain potential comparison:	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Lhasa Apso has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Lhasa Apso Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Lhasa Apso coat comparison:	Curly Silky Soft Wavy Long	Feathered	Dense
Colors What are the original Maltese Shih Tzu, Maltese and Lhasa Apso color?	Black White Brown White & Tan Black & White Brown & Black	White	Black Red White Brown Yellow
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltese or Lhasa Apso? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Lhasa Apso grooming comparison:	Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. 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 Maltese or Lhasa Apso? Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltese or {name3 shedding:	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Lhasa Apso dogs shed above average. 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 Maltese or Lhasa Apso?	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.
Hypoallergenic Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Lhasa Apso hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	Yes See more.	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 vs Maltese vs Lhasa Apso?	Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Lhasa Apso 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 Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Lhasa Apso is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Lhasa Apso 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.	Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Lhasa Apso dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltese or Lhasa Apso? Which dog is more friendly?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Lhasa Apso dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
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 Maltese or Lhasa Apso?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Lhasa Apso dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltese or Lhasa Apso?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Lhasa Apso dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltese or Lhasa Apso?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Lhasa Apso dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Lhasa Apso?	Yes Maltese Shih Tzu 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.	Yes Lhasa Apso 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 Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Lhasa Apso 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.	Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.	Lhasa Apsos are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Lhasa Apso 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.	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 Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltese or Lhasa Apso? Which is better for autism?	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
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 Maltese vs Lhasa Apso?	Not really Maltese Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Lhasa Apso breed usually doesn't like 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 Maltese vs Lhasa Apso 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 Maltese and Lhasa Apso have?	3-5 puppies	3-5 puppies	4-6 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Lhasa Apso 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 1888 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds 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	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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