Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltese lion dog or Japanese Spaniel or Chrysanthemum Dog? Find the right dog for you
"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu"
Compare Maltese and Japanese Chin. Which is better: Maltese or Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu?
Name | Maltese | Japanese Chin | Shih Tzu |
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Origins | Italy | Japan | China |
Group | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 33 | 108 | 20 |
Reviews | 3 | 4 | 16 |
User Ratings |
Other Names
What other names do they have? |
Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog |
Japanese Spaniel Chin |
Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog |
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Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu breed type comparison: | Purebred | Purebred | Purebred |
Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison
Size
Which is bigger, Maltese or Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu? Which is the smallest dog, Maltese or Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu? | Small | Small | Small |
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Weight
Which is heavier, Maltese or Japanese Chin or Japanese Chin? Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu weight comparison: | 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) | 4-15 pounds (2-7 kg) | 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) |
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) | 9.5 pounds (4.5 kg) | 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, Maltese or Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu? Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu height comparison: | Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) | 7-11 inches (18-28 cm) | 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) |
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) | 9 inches (23 cm) | 9.5 inches (24 cm) |
Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison
Price
Which is cheaper, Maltese or Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu? Which is more expensive? | $600-$800 | $300-$500 | $800-$1200 |
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Availability
Which is easier to get, Maltese or Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu? | Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get. | Frequent: The Japanese Chin is easier than average to get. | Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get. |
Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu intelligence: | Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. | Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. | Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. |
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Trainability
Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu trainability comparison. | Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. | Japanese Chin dogs are quite easy to train. | Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. |
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Maltese or Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu? | Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. | Japanese Chin dogs are average watchdogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. |
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Maltese or Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu?
Which dog is most likely to protect its owner?
Which is the best dog to use for protection? | Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. | Japanese Chin dogs strongly protect their territory. | Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. |
Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison
Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Maltese or Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu? Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu behavior/temperament comparison: |
Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing |
Playful Loving Independent Alert Intelligent Loyal |
Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle |
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Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference? | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. | Japanese Chin dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. | Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. |
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu? | High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Japanese Chin dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
Social Needs
Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison: | Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Japanese Chin dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? | Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. | Japanese Chin dogs are not the biggest explorers. | Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. |
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting? | Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Japanese Chin 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. | Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. |
Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Playfulness
Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu playfulness comparison: | Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. | Average: Japanese Chins, like any other dog breed, like playing. | Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. |
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu? | A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. | Low: The Japanese Chin barks none to minimal. | A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. |
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Maltese or Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu? | Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Japanese Chin breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed. |
Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison
Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog? | Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Japanese Chin dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. |
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Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu? | Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them. | Japanese Chin dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them. | Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them. |
Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison
Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Maltese or Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu? | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Japanese Chin bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak. |
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Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison: | Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Japanese Chin has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody. |
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu mouthiness comparison: | Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Japanese Chin dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. |
Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison
Health Issues
Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu health comparison. Which is the healthier: Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu? | The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. | The Japanese Chin is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. | The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. |
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Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu health problems comparison: |
Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome |
Cataracts Heart Murmurs Patellar Luxation Hypothyroidism Eye Problems Epilepsy Entropion Heart Disease | Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Allergies Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Umbilical Hernias Ear Infections Distichiasis Portosystemic Liver Shunt Bladder Stones Ectopic Cilia Reverse Sneezing Dry Eye Proptosis Juvenile Renal Dysplasia Keratitis Retained Baby Teeth Snuffles |
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits? |
Average The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Average The Japanese Chin should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Average The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Life Expectancy
Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu lifespan comparison. How long do Maltese, Japanese Chin and Shih Tzu breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? |
14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years |
10-12 years The average lifespan of Japanese Chin: 11 years |
10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years |
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu? | Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. |
Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Level
Who has more energy a Maltese or Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu?
Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu energy level comparison: | Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you. | Japanese Chin dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal. | Japanese Chin dogs exercise need is very minimal. | Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal. |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu? | Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed. | Japanese Chin dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. | Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. |
Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Maltese or Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu? | Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. | 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. | Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. |
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Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu weight gain potential comparison: | Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. | Average: The Japanese Chin has an average risk for obesity. | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. |
Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu coat comparison: | Feathered | Feathered | Dense |
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Colors
What are the original Maltese, Japanese Chin and Shih Tzu color? | White |
Black White Sable Lemon |
Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold |
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Maltese or Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu? Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu grooming comparison: | Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. | Average: The Japanese Chin requires average grooming effort. | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maltese or Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu? Maltese or Japanese Chin or {name3 shedding: | Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. | Japanese Chin dogs shed moderately. | Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. |
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Maltese or Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu? | 6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. | 6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. |
Hypoallergenic
Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not? | Yes See more. | No See more. | Yes See more. |
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu? | Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The Japanese Chin has an average chance of bad smell. | Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell. |
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? | The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Japanese Chin is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison
Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets? | Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. | Japanese Chin dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. | Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. |
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Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly? | Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs. | Japanese Chin dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers. |
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Maltese or Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu? | Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs. | Japanese Chin dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs. |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu? | Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Japanese Chin dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu? | Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | Japanese Chin dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. |
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu? |
Yes Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Yes Japanese Chin dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Yes Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office? |
No Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No Japanese Chin is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people? | Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people. | Japanese Chins are not the best breed for elderly people. | Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people. |
Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison
Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog? | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Maltese or Japanese Chin or Shih Tzu? Which is better for autism? | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. |
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog? | Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. | Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. | Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. |
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog? | Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. | Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. | Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. |
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu? | Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Japanese Chin breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog? | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
Fighting Dog / Military Dog | Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog. | Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog. | Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog. |
Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison
Gestation Length | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
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Litter Frequency | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Litter Size
How many puppies can Maltese and Japanese Chin and Shih Tzu have? | 3-5 puppies | 1-3 puppies | 2-5 puppies |
Maltese vs Japanese Chin vs Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison
AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC? | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed. |
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FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI? | Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section. | Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Japan Chin and Pekingese section. | Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section. |
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds? |
American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club |
American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club |
American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Canadian Canine Registry |
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