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Maltese Shih Tzu vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua Comparison - Dog breed selector: Mal-Shi or Barboncino Miniatura or Csivava? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese Shih Tzu vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua" Compare Maltese Shih Tzu and Miniature Poodle. Which is better: Maltese Shih Tzu or Miniature Poodle or Chihuahua?
 
 
 
Name Maltese Shih Tzu Miniature Poodle Chihuahua
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States Germany flagGermany France flagFrance Mexico flagMexico
Group Designer Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank62243532
Reviews3317
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua breeds.
Mal-Shi
Malti Zu
Malt-Tzu
Barboncino Miniatura
Barbone
Carniche Moyen
Pudle
Zwergpudel
Csivava
Chihuahueño
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua? Compare their breeding categories.
Cross Breed Purebred Purebred

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua? Compare adult weight ranges.
6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg) 15-17 pounds (7-8 kg) 2-6 pounds (1-3 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
9 pounds (4 kg) 16 pounds (7.5 kg) 4 pounds (2 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Maltese Shih Tzu or Miniature Poodle or Chihuahua? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua height comparison:
10-12 inches (25-30 cm) 11-15 inches (28-38 cm) 6-9 inches (15-23 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
11 inches (27.5 cm) 13 inches (33 cm) 7.5 inches (19 cm)

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. Find price differences between these breeds.
$500-$800 $1000-$1500 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Maltese Shih Tzu or Miniature Poodle or Chihuahua?
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 Chihuahua is quite easy to get.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. 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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Outstanding: Miniature Poodle is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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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, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. Which is easiest to train?
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train.
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Miniature Poodle dogs are very easy to train.
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Chihuahua dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. Which breed is most alert?
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
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Miniature Poodle dogs are good watchdogs.
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Chihuahua dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. Which breed is most protective?
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders.
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Miniature Poodle dogs are average defenders.
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Chihuahua dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Maltese Shih Tzu vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua? Compare temperaments.
Active
Curious
Playful
Intelligent
Outgoing
Adaptable
Active
Alert
Intelligent
Trainable
Faithful
Instinctual
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Quick
Devoted
Lively
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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Sensitive: Chihuahua dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua?
Average to High: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: Miniature Poodle dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Chihuahua dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua social needs comparison:
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Miniature Poodle dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Chihuahua 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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Miniature Poodle dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Chihuahua dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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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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Miniature Poodle dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Chihuahua 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.
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Maltese Shih Tzu vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. Which breed is most flexible?
Average: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Miniature Poodle dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Chihuahua 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 Miniature Poodle or Chihuahua?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Miniature Poodle dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Chihuahua 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 Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

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

Low 🔽

The Miniature Poodle has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Chihuahua has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. 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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Miniature Poodle dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Chihuahua dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Miniature Poodle bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Chihuahua bite force: Weak.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. Which breed lives longest?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years
14-16 years
The average lifespan of Miniature Poodle: 15 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Chihuahua: 16 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. 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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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. Which has fewer health issues?
Maltese Shih Tzus tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
The Miniature Poodle is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Chihuahuas are commonly healthy dogs.
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.
Average
The Miniature Poodle should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Chihuahua 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 Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua health problems comparison:
Patellar Luxation
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Hip Dysplasia
Bloat
Epilepsy
Addison's Disease
Collapsed Trachea
Heart Murmurs
Open Fontanel
Patellar Luxation
Pulmonic Stenosis
Hydrocephalus
Hypoglycemia
Shivering

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu has an average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Miniature Poodle's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Chihuahua has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. Which needs most food?
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. Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cups of high-quality dry food a day.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. Yes See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. What colors are available?
Black
White
Brown
White & Tan
Black & White
Brown & Black
Black
Gray
Red
Blue
Cream
White
Silver
Brown
Fawn
Beige
Apricot
Black
Tan
Red
Cream
Fawn
Chocolate
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. 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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Effortless: The Chihuahua requires minimal grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. Which drools least?
The Maltese Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Miniature Poodle is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Chihuahua is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. Which has least natural smell?

Low 🔽

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

Low 🔽

The Miniature Poodle has a low chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Chihuahua has a high chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Curly
Silky
Soft
Wavy
Long
Dense
Curly
Thick
Fine
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. 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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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 Miniature Poodle or Chihuahua? Maltese Shih Tzu or Miniature Poodle or {name3 shedding:
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
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Miniature Poodle dogs shed none to minimal.
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Chihuahua dogs shed none to minimal.
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Maltese Shih Tzu vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. Which is best with kids?
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Miniature Poodle dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Chihuahua dogs are not 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.
Miniature Poodle dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Chihuahua dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Miniature Poodle or Chihuahua? Which dog is more friendly?
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Miniature Poodle dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Miniature Poodle or Chihuahua?
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Miniature Poodle dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Chihuahua dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Miniature Poodle or Chihuahua?
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Miniature Poodle dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua?
Yes
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Miniature Poodle dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Chihuahua 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
Miniature Poodle is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Chihuahua 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.
Miniature Poodles are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Chihuahuas are not recommended for elderly people.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. 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, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. 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, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. 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, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. 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

Miniature Poodle breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Chihuahua breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. 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.
See more.

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, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. 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 Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. Which has most puppies?
3-5 puppies 2-8 puppies, average 5 2-4 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. 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, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. What's recommended?

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.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Miniature Poodle vs Chihuahua Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. 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 1904 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. 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 Chihuahueno section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. Which has most recognition?
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
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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