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Maltese vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Shih Tzu Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltese lion dog or Mini Foxi or Chrysanthemum Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Shih Tzu" Compare Maltese and Miniature Fox Terrier. Which is better: Maltese or Miniature Fox Terrier or Shih Tzu?
 
 
 
Name Maltese Miniature Fox Terrier Shih Tzu
OriginsItaly flagItaly Australia flagAustralia China flagChina
Group Companion Dogs Hunting Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank3323220
Reviews3719
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu breeds.
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Mini Foxi
Mini Foxie
Mini Fox Terrier
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Maltese vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu? Compare adult weight ranges.
6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) Male: 8-10 pounds (4-5 kg), Female: 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg) 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) Male: 9 pounds (4.5 kg), Female: 8 pounds (3.5 kg) 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Maltese or Miniature Fox Terrier or Shih Tzu? Maltese vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Shih Tzu height comparison:
Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) Male: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm), Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 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) Male: 11 inches (27.5 cm), Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm) 9.5 inches (24 cm)

Maltese vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Find price differences between these breeds.
$600-$800 $400-$600 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Maltese or Miniature Fox Terrier or Shih Tzu?
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.
Average: The Miniature Fox Terrier is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.

Maltese vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which breed ranks highest?
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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Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which is easiest to train?
Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
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Miniature Fox Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most alert?
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
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Miniature Fox Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most protective?
Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Miniature Fox Terrier dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Maltese vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu? Compare temperaments.
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Playful
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Fearless
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
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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Miniature Fox Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Shih Tzu?
High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Miniature Fox Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Maltese vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison:
Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Miniature Fox Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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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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The wanderlust potential of the Miniature Fox Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
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Shih Tzu 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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Miniature Fox Terrier dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Maltese vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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Average to High: The Miniature Fox Terrier is a vocal breed.
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A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Miniature Fox Terrier is a highly playful breed.
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Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese 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 Miniature Fox Terrier indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.

Maltese vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most flexible?
Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Miniature Fox Terrier 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.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Miniature Fox Terrier 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.
Miniature Fox Terrier 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 Miniature Fox Terrier vs Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Miniature Fox Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which uses mouth most during play?
Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Miniature Fox Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Miniature Fox Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Maltese vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which breed lives longest?
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Miniature Fox Terrier: 12 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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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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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which has fewer health issues?
The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Miniature Fox Terrier 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.
Vet Care Frequency
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 Miniature Fox Terrier 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.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Shih Tzu health problems comparison:
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
No data available 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

Maltese vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most active?
Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Miniature Fox Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Maltese vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Miniature Fox Terrier or Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Miniature Fox Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Miniature Fox Terrier or Shih Tzu?
Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Miniature Fox Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.

Maltese vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Miniature Fox Terrier's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which needs most food?
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.

Maltese vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. No See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. What colors are available?
White Tricolor
Black & Tan
Black & White
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The Miniature Fox Terrier requires minimal grooming.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which drools least?
The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Miniature Fox Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Miniature Fox Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Feathered Dense Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which requires most frequent baths?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maltese or Miniature Fox Terrier or Shih Tzu? Maltese or Miniature Fox Terrier or {name3 shedding:
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Miniature Fox Terrier dogs shed moderately.
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Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
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Maltese vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which is best with kids?
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Miniature Fox Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Miniature Fox Terrier dogs are generally with other pets.
Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Miniature Fox Terrier or Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Miniature Fox Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Miniature Fox Terrier or Shih Tzu?
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Miniature Fox Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Miniature Fox Terrier or Shih Tzu?
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Miniature Fox Terrier 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 Miniature Fox Terrier vs Shih Tzu?
Yes
Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Miniature Fox Terrier 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
Miniature Fox Terrier 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.
Miniature Fox Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.

Maltese vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which is best suited for service work?

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 Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which excels in therapy work?

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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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. 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, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. 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, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

Miniature Fox Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which is best for draft work?

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.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. 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 vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which has most puppies?
3-5 puppies 2-3 puppies 2-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. 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, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. 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.
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Maltese vs Miniature Fox Terrier vs Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section. Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Maltese, Miniature Fox Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which has most recognition?
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
No data available 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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