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

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

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	Miniature Poodle	Whippet
Origins	United States	Germany France	England
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Designer Dogs	Companion Dogs	Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank	622	435	61
Reviews	3	3	2
User Ratings

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

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

Size Classification Compare size differences between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Medium
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet? Compare adult weight ranges.	6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg)	15-17 pounds (7-8 kg)	25 - 45 pounds (11 - 21 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	9 pounds (4 kg)	16 pounds (7.5 kg)	25 - 45 pounds (11 - 21 kg)
Height Which is taller, Maltese Shih Tzu or Miniature Poodle or Whippet? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Miniature Poodle vs Whippet height comparison:	10-12 inches (25-30 cm)	11-15 inches (28-38 cm)	Male: 18.5-20 inches (46-51 cm), Female: 17.5-19 inches (44-48 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	11 inches (27.5 cm)	13 inches (33 cm)	Male: 19 inches (48.5 cm), Female: 18 inches (45.5 cm)

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

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet. Find price differences between these breeds.	$500-$800	$1000-$1500	$800-$1200
Availability Which is easier to get, Maltese Shih Tzu or Miniature Poodle or Whippet?	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 Whippet is quite easy to get.

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

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet. Which breed ranks highest?	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Outstanding: Miniature Poodle is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet. Which is easiest to train?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train. See more.	Miniature Poodle dogs are very easy to train. See more.	Whippet dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet. Which breed is most alert?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Miniature Poodle dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Whippet dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet. Which breed is most protective?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders. See more.	Miniature Poodle dogs are average defenders. See more.	Whippet dogs can't provide protection for their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Miniature Poodle vs Whippet Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet? Compare temperaments.	Active Curious Playful Intelligent Outgoing Adaptable	Active Alert Intelligent Trainable Faithful Instinctual	Intelligent Friendly Affectionate Lively Gentle Outright Companionable Adaptable Quiet
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: Whippet 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 Miniature Poodle vs Whippet?	Average to High: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.	High: Miniature Poodle dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Average: Whippet dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Miniature Poodle vs Whippet social needs comparison:	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Miniature Poodle dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Whippet 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.	Miniature Poodle dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Whippet is strong enough to escape from home. 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.	Miniature Poodle dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.	Whippet dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Miniature Poodle vs Whippet Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet. Which breed is most vocal?	Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed. See more.	Average to High: The Miniature Poodle is a vocal breed. See more.	Low: The Whippet barks none to minimal. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet. Which breed is most playful?	Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Miniature Poodle is a playful breed. See more.	Average: Whippets, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet. 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 Whippet breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

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

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet. 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.	Whippet 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 Whippet?	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.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Miniature Poodle vs Whippet Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet. 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 Whippet has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet. Which uses mouth most during play?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Miniature Poodle dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Whippet dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet. 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 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Whippet bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

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

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet. 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	11-15 years The average lifespan of Whippet: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet. 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. See more.	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.	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 Whippet. 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.	The Whippet is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
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.	Average The Whippet should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Miniature Poodle vs Whippet? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Miniature Poodle vs Whippet health problems comparison:	Patellar Luxation White Dog Shaker Syndrome	Hip Dysplasia Bloat Epilepsy Addison's Disease	Heart Murmurs Hypothyroidism Von Willebrand's Disease Heart Problems Deafness Vaccination Sensitivity Drug Sensitivity Arthritis Kidney Issues Addison's Disease

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

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet. 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.	Whippet dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Maltese Shih Tzu vs Miniature Poodle vs Whippet exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese Shih Tzu or Miniature Poodle or Whippet? 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.	Whippet dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese Shih Tzu or Miniature Poodle or Whippet?	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.	Whippet dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

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

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Miniature Poodle's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Low: The Whippet has good luck with genetics. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet. 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.	1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

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

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet. 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 Red Blue Cream White Fawn
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet. Which requires most maintenance?	Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Effortless: The Whippet requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet. Which drools least?	The Maltese Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Miniature Poodle is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Whippet is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet. 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.	Low 🔽 The Whippet has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Curly Silky Soft Wavy Long	Dense Curly Thick	Fine Short Close in texture
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet. 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. 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.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Maltese Shih Tzu or Miniature Poodle or Whippet? Maltese Shih Tzu or Miniature Poodle or {name3 shedding:	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Miniature Poodle dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Whippet dogs are low shedders. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Miniature Poodle vs Whippet Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet. Which is best with kids?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.	Miniature Poodle dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Whippet dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
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.	Whippet dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Miniature Poodle or Whippet? Which dog is more friendly?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Miniature Poodle dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Whippet dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Miniature Poodle or Whippet?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.	Miniature Poodle dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Whippet dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Miniature Poodle or Whippet?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Miniature Poodle dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Whippet 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 Whippet?	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 Whippet 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 Whippet 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.	Whippets are usually recommended for elderly people.

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

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet. Which is best suited for service work?	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 Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet. Which excels in therapy work?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet. 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 Whippet. 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 Whippet. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Maltese Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Miniature Poodle breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Whippet 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 Whippet. Which is best for draft work?	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.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet. 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 Whippet Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet. Which has most puppies?	3-5 puppies	2-8 puppies, average 5	4-8 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet. 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 Whippet. 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 Whippet Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet. 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 Hound breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet. How are they classified internationally?	Not recognized by FCI.	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Sighthounds group, in the Short-haired Sighthounds section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Maltese Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, and Whippet. 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 Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale 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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