Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Maltipoo Comparison - Dog breed selector: Mal-Shi or Barbone or Maltapoo? Find the right dog for you

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

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	Toy Poodle	Maltipoo
Origins	United States	Germany France	Germany France Italy
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Designer Dogs	Companion Dogs	Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank	622	449	558
Reviews	3	5	4
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Maltese Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo breeds.	Mal-Shi Malti Zu Malt-Tzu	Barbone Pudle Teacup Poodle Teddy Poodle	Maltapoo Malt-A-Poo Malte-Poo Maltese-Poodle MaltiPoodle Malt-oodles Moodle mPoo Multapoo Multipoo Multi-Poo Maltepoo
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Maltese Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo? Compare their breeding categories.	Cross Breed	Purebred	Cross Breed

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Maltipoo Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Maltese Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Small Medium
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Maltese Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo? Compare adult weight ranges.	6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg)	Male: 6-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	5-20 pounds (2,5-9 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	9 pounds (4 kg)	Male: 7.5 pounds (3.5 kg)	12.5 pounds (5,5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Maltese Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle or Maltipoo? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Maltipoo height comparison:	10-12 inches (25-30 cm)	Up to 10 inches (25.4 cm)	10-13 inches (25-33 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	11 inches (27.5 cm)	Up to 10 inches (25.4 cm)	11.5 inches (27 cm)

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Maltipoo Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Maltese Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. Find price differences between these breeds.	$500-$800	$1000-$1500	$400-$2000
Availability Which is easier to get, Maltese Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle or Maltipoo?	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.	Frequent: The Maltipoo is easier than average to get.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Maltipoo Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Maltese Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. 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: Toy Poodle is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Smart: The Maltipoo dogs have great intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Maltese Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. Which is easiest to train?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train. See more.	Toy Poodle dogs are very easy to train. See more.	Maltipoo 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, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. Which breed is most alert?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Toy Poodle dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Maltipoo dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Maltese Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. Which breed is most protective?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders. See more.	Toy Poodle dogs are average defenders. See more.	Maltipoo dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Maltipoo Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Maltese Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo? Compare temperaments.	Active Curious Playful Intelligent Outgoing Adaptable	Active Alert Intelligent Trainable Faithful Instinctual	Active Funny Intelligent Affectionate Obedient Companionable
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.	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 Toy Poodle vs Maltipoo?	Average to High: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.	High: Toy Poodle dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Maltipoo 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 Toy Poodle vs Maltipoo social needs comparison:	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Toy Poodle dogs are a social breed. See more.	Maltipoo dogs are a social breed. 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.	Toy Poodle dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Maltipoo 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.	Toy Poodle dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.	Maltipoo dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Maltipoo Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Maltese Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. Which breed is most vocal?	Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed. See more.	Average to High: The Toy Poodle is a vocal breed. See more.	A lot: Maltipoo is a particularly loud breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Maltese Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. Which breed is most playful?	Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Toy Poodle is a playful breed. See more.	The Maltipoo is a playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Maltese Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Toy Poodle breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltipoo breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Maltipoo Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Maltese Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. Which breed is most flexible?	Average: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.	Toy Poodle dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Maltipoo dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Maltese Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle or Maltipoo?	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	Toy Poodle 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.	Maltipoo 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.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Maltipoo Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Maltipoo Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Maltese Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. Which breed lives longest?	12-14 years The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years	14-16 years The average lifespan of Toy Poodle: 15 years	9-13 years The average lifespan of Maltipoo: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Maltese Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. 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 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, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. Which has fewer health issues?	Maltese Shih Tzus tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.	The Toy Poodle is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	Maltipoos tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
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 Toy Poodle should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Frequent The Maltipoo should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Maltipoo? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Maltipoo health problems comparison:	Patellar Luxation White Dog Shaker Syndrome	Heart Murmurs Slipped Stifle Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Ear Infections Skin Allergies Canine Diabetes Mellitus Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia	Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Portosystemic Liver Shunt White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Maltipoo Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Maltese Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. 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.	Toy Poodle dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Maltipoo dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Maltipoo exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle or Maltipoo? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need.	Toy Poodle dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Maltipoo dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle or Maltipoo?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Toy Poodle dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	Maltipoo dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Maltipoo Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Maltese Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. 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 Toy Poodle's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Low to Average: The Maltipoo has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Maltese Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. Which needs most food?	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.	1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	0.5 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 Toy Poodle vs Maltipoo Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maltese Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. 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, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. 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 Cream White Grey Gold Apricot Almost all colors
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Maltese Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. 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.	Average: The Maltipoo requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Maltese Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. Which drools least?	The Maltese Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Toy Poodle is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Maltipoo is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Maltese Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. Which has least natural smell?	Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Toy Poodle has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Maltipoo has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Maltese Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Curly Silky Soft Wavy Long	Dense Curly Thick	Fluffy Soft Wavy Woolly
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Maltese Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. 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 Toy Poodle or Maltipoo? Maltese Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle or {name3 shedding:	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Toy Poodle dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Maltipoo dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Maltipoo Good With Comparison

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

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle vs Maltipoo As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Maltese Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. 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.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Maltese Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. 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.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Maltese Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. 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, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. 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, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. 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 Toy Poodle breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Maltipoo breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Maltese Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. 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, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. 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 Toy Poodle vs Maltipoo Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Maltese Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. Which has most puppies?	3-5 puppies	2-4 puppies	4-6 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Maltese Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. 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, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. 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 Toy Poodle vs Maltipoo Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Maltese Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. How are they classified?	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Maltese Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. 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, Toy Poodle, and Maltipoo. Which has most recognition?	Not recognized by any clubs.	Dog Registry of America Inc.	Continental Kennel Club American Canine Hybrid Club Designer Breed Registry Designer Dogs Kennel Club National Maltipoo Club Maltipoo Club of America

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