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

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle" Compare Maltese and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is better: Maltese or Maltese Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle?
 
 
 
Name Maltese Maltese Shih Tzu Toy Poodle
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Group Companion Dogs Designer Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank33622449
Reviews335
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Mal-Shi
Malti Zu
Malt-Tzu
Barbone
Pudle
Teacup Poodle
Teddy Poodle
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle breed type comparison:
Purebred Cross Breed Purebred

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

Size
Which is bigger, Maltese or Maltese Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle? Which is the smallest dog, Maltese or Maltese Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle?
Small Small Small
Weight
Which is heavier, Maltese or Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle weight comparison:
6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) 6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg) Male: 6-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) 9 pounds (4 kg) Male: 7.5 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Maltese or Maltese Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle? Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle height comparison:
Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) Up to 10 inches (25.4 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) 11 inches (27.5 cm) Up to 10 inches (25.4 cm)

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

Price
Which is cheaper, Maltese or Maltese Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle? Which is more expensive?
$600-$800 $500-$800 $1000-$1500
Availability
Which is easier to get, Maltese or Maltese Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle?
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.
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.

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

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle intelligence:
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Outstanding: Toy Poodle is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Trainability
Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle trainability comparison.
Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train.
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Toy Poodle dogs are very easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Maltese or Maltese Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle?
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
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Toy Poodle dogs are good watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Maltese or Maltese Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders.
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Toy Poodle dogs are average defenders.
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Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Maltese or Maltese Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle? Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle behavior/temperament comparison:
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Active
Curious
Playful
Intelligent
Outgoing
Adaptable
Active
Alert
Intelligent
Trainable
Faithful
Instinctual
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle?
High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: Toy Poodle dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle social needs comparison:
Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Toy Poodle dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Toy Poodle dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Toy Poodle dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle playfulness comparison:
Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Toy Poodle is a playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle?
A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed.
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Average to High: The Toy Poodle is a vocal breed.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Maltese or Maltese Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle?
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Toy Poodle breed.

Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle 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.
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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Maltese Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle?
Maltese 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.
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.

Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Maltese or Maltese Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Toy Poodle bite force: Weak.
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 Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Toy Poodle has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle mouthiness comparison:
Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Toy Poodle dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle health comparison. Which is the healthier: Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle?
The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
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.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle health problems comparison:
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
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
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.
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.
Life Expectancy
Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle lifespan comparison. How long do Maltese, Maltese Shih Tzu and Toy Poodle breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years
14-16 years
The average lifespan of Toy Poodle: 15 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle?
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Maltese or Maltese Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle? Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle 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.
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.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Maltese Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need.
Toy Poodle dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Maltese Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle?
Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
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.

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

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Maltese or Maltese Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle?
Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 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.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu has an average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Toy Poodle's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle coat comparison:
Feathered Curly
Silky
Soft
Wavy
Long
Dense
Curly
Thick
Colors
What are the original Maltese, Maltese Shih Tzu and Toy Poodle color?
White Black
White
Brown
White & Tan
Black & White
Brown & Black
Black
Gray
Red
Blue
Cream
White
Silver
Brown
Fawn
Beige
Apricot
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Maltese or Maltese Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle? Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle grooming comparison:
Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
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Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maltese or Maltese Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle? Maltese or Maltese Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding:
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
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Toy Poodle dogs shed none to minimal.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Maltese or Maltese Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
Yes See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle?

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

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

Low 🔽

The Toy Poodle 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.
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The Maltese Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Toy Poodle is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Toy Poodle dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Maltese Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle? Which dog is more friendly?
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Toy Poodle dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Maltese or Maltese Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle?
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Toy Poodle dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Maltese Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle?
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Toy Poodle dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Maltese Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle?
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Toy Poodle dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle?
Yes
Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
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.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
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.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.
Maltese Shih Tzus are commonly okay with elderly people.
Toy Poodles are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle 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.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Maltese or Maltese Shih Tzu or Toy Poodle? Which is better for autism?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

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

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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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 Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle?

Not really

Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Maltese Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Toy Poodle breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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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.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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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 Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Maltese and Maltese Shih Tzu and Toy Poodle have?
3-5 puppies 3-5 puppies 2-4 puppies

Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Toy Poodle Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
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. Not recognized by FCI. Not recognized by FCI.
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
Not recognized by any clubs. Dog Registry of America Inc.

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