Maltese Shih Tzu vs Morkie vs Bichon Frise Comparison - Dog breed selector: Mal-Shi or Morkshire Terrier or Bichon A Poil Frise? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese Shih Tzu vs Morkie vs Bichon Frise" Compare Maltese Shih Tzu and Morkie. Which is better: Maltese Shih Tzu or Morkie or Bichon Frise?

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	Morkie	Bichon Frise
Origins	United States	United States	Spain Belgium
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Designer Dogs	Designer Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	622	580	46
Reviews	3	1	5
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise breeds.	Mal-Shi Malti Zu Malt-Tzu	Morkshire Terrier	Bichon A Poil Frise Bichon Tenerife Purebred Bichon Tenerife Dog Bichon Frise
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise? Compare their breeding categories.	Cross Breed	Cross Breed	Purebred

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Morkie vs Bichon Frise Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise? Compare adult weight ranges.	6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg)	7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)	7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	9 pounds (4 kg)	10 pounds (4.5 kg)	10 pounds (4.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Maltese Shih Tzu or Morkie or Bichon Frise? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Morkie vs Bichon Frise height comparison:	10-12 inches (25-30 cm)	5-9 inches (13-23 cm)	Male: 9-12 inches (23–30 cm) Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	11 inches (27.5 cm)	7 inches (18 cm)	Male: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm)

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Morkie vs Bichon Frise Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. Find price differences between these breeds.	$500-$800	$800-$1200	$700-$1000
Availability Which is easier to get, Maltese Shih Tzu or Morkie or Bichon Frise?	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed.	Average: The Morkie is a commonly available dog breed.	Very frequent: The Bichon Frise is quite easy to get.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Morkie vs Bichon Frise Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. Which breed ranks highest?	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Smart: The Morkie dogs have great intelligence. 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, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. Which is easiest to train?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train. See more.	Morkie dogs are easy to train. See more.	Bichon Frise dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. Which breed is most alert?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Morkie dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Bichon Frise dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. Which breed is most protective?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders. See more.	Morkie dogs are average defenders. See more.	Bichon Frise dogs are not the best to protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Morkie vs Bichon Frise Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise? Compare temperaments.	Active Curious Playful Intelligent Outgoing Adaptable	Playful Funny Energetic Lovable	Playful Sensitive Intelligent Affectionate Gentle Cheerful
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.	Morkie 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.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Morkie vs Bichon Frise?	Average to High: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.	Average to High: Morkie dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.	High: Bichon Frise 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 Morkie vs Bichon Frise social needs comparison:	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Morkie dogs are a social breed. See more.	Bichon Frise dogs need a lot of social interaction. 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.	Morkie dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Bichon Frise dogs have average wanderlust potential. 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.	Morkie 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. See more.	Their prey drive is low. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Morkie vs Bichon Frise Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. Which breed is most vocal?	Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed. See more.	A lot: Morkie is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Average: The Bichon Frise barks occasionally. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. Which breed is most playful?	Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Morkie is a highly playful breed. See more.	The Bichon Frise is a playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed.	It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Morkie indoors.	Very house-friendly dog the Bichon Frise breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Morkie vs Bichon Frise Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. Which breed is most flexible?	Average: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.	Average: Morkie dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.	Bichon Frise 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 Morkie or Bichon Frise?	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	Morkie dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.	Bichon Frise 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 Morkie vs Bichon Frise Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Morkie has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Bichon Frise has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. 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.	Morkie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Bichon Frise dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Morkie bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Bichon Frise bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Morkie vs Bichon Frise Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. Which breed lives longest?	12-14 years The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years	10-14 years The average lifespan of Morkie: 12 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Bichon Frise: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. 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 cold weather conditions The Morkie can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. Which has fewer health issues?	Maltese Shih Tzus tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.	Morkies are commonly healthy dogs.	The Bichon Frise 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.	Rare The Morkie should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Average The Bichon Frise 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 Morkie vs Bichon Frise? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Morkie vs Bichon Frise health problems comparison:	Patellar Luxation White Dog Shaker Syndrome	Collapsed Trachea Dental Problems Hernia Reverse Sneezing Glaucoma	Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Allergies Vaccination Sensitivity Bladder Stones Juvenile Cataracts

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Morkie vs Bichon Frise Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. 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.	Morkie dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Bichon Frise dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Maltese Shih Tzu vs Morkie vs Bichon Frise exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese Shih Tzu or Morkie or Bichon Frise? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need.	Morkie dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Bichon Frise dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese Shih Tzu or Morkie or Bichon Frise?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Morkie dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	Bichon Frise dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Morkie vs Bichon Frise Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. 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 Morkie's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Bichon Frise's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. Which needs most food?	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.	1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Morkie vs Bichon Frise Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. What colors are available?	Black White Brown White & Tan Black & White Brown & Black	Black White Brown	Cream White Buff Apricot
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. Which requires most maintenance?	Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Average: The Morkie 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
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. Which drools least?	The Maltese Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Morkie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Bichon Frise is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. Which has least natural smell?	Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Morkie has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Bichon Frise has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Curly Silky Soft Wavy Long	Fluffy Soft Luxurious Long	Curly
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. 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.	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 Morkie or Bichon Frise? Maltese Shih Tzu or Morkie or {name3 shedding:	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Morkie dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Bichon Frise dogs are low shedders. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Morkie vs Bichon Frise Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. Which is best with kids?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.	Morkie dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.	Bichon Frise 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.	Morkie dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.	Bichon Frise dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Morkie or Bichon Frise? Which dog is more friendly?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Morkie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Bichon Frise dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
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 Morkie or Bichon Frise?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.	Morkie dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.	Bichon Frise 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 Morkie or Bichon Frise?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Morkie dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	Bichon Frise dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Morkie vs Bichon Frise?	Yes Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Morkie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Bichon Frise 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	Yes Morkie is one of the best dog breeds for office environment	No Bichon Frise 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.	Morkies are commonly okay with elderly people.	Bichon Frises are usually recommended for elderly people.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Morkie vs Bichon Frise As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. 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, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. Which excels in therapy work?	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.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. 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, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. 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, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. 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 Morkie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Bichon Frise breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. 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, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. 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 Morkie vs Bichon Frise Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. Which has most puppies?	3-5 puppies	3-5 puppies	2-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. 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, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. 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 Morkie vs Bichon Frise Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. 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 1972 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. How are they classified internationally?	Not recognized by FCI.	Not recognized by FCI.	Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Maltese Shih Tzu, Morkie, and Bichon Frise. Which has most recognition?	Not recognized by any clubs.	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 The Bichon Frise Club Of America

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