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

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

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	Poodle	Shih Tzu
Origins	Italy	Germany France	China
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	33	7	20
Reviews	3	14	19
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Maltese, Poodle, and Shih Tzu breeds.	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog	Barbone Caniche Chien Canne Grosse Pudel French Poodle	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Maltese, Poodle, and Shih Tzu? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Maltese, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Medium	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Maltese, Poodle, and Shih Tzu? Compare adult weight ranges.	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	Male: 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg), Female: 45-60 pounds (20-27 kg)	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)	Male: 57.5 pounds (26 kg), Female: 52.5 pounds (23.5 kg)	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Maltese or Poodle or Shih Tzu? Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu height comparison:	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)	15 inches (38 cm) or more	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)	15 inches (38 cm) or more	9.5 inches (24 cm)

Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Maltese, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Find price differences between these breeds.	$600-$800	$1000-$1500	$800-$1200
Availability Which is easier to get, Maltese or Poodle or Shih Tzu?	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Poodle is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.

Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Maltese, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which breed ranks highest?	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Outstanding: Poodle is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Maltese, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which is easiest to train?	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Poodle dogs are easy to train. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Maltese, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most alert?	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Poodle dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Maltese, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most protective?	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Poodle dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Maltese, Poodle, and Shih Tzu? Compare temperaments.	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Active Alert Intelligent Trainable Faithful Instinctual	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. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu?	High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Poodle dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison:	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Poodle dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Poodle dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.
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. See more.	Poodle dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Maltese, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most flexible?	Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Poodle 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 Poodle 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.	Poodle 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 Poodle vs Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Maltese, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Poodle 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, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which uses mouth most during play?	Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Poodle dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Maltese, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Poodle bite force: Ordinary.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Maltese, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which breed lives longest?	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Poodle: 13 years	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Maltese, Poodle, 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. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Maltese, Poodle, 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 Poodle 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.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
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 Poodle 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.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Poodle 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 Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Allergies Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Sebaceous Adenitis Ear Infections Addison's Disease Cushing's Syndrome Runny Eyes Canine Atrial Septal Defect (asd) Neonatal Encephalopathy (news) Optic Nerve Hypoplasia Premature Graying	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 Poodle vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Maltese, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Poodle's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Maltese, Poodle, 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.	2 to 3 cups 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.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maltese, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. 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, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. What colors are available?	White	Black Gray Red Blue Cream White Silver Brown Fawn Beige Apricot	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Maltese, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which requires most maintenance?	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Maltese, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which drools least?	The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Poodle is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Maltese, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Poodle 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, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Feathered	Curly	Dense
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Maltese, Poodle, 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. 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.	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 Poodle or Shih Tzu? Maltese or Poodle or {name3 shedding:	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Poodle dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Maltese, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which is best with kids?	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Poodle dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Poodle dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.	Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Poodle or Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Poodle dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Poodle or Shih Tzu?	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Poodle dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Poodle or Shih Tzu?	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Poodle dogs are dog-friendly 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 Poodle vs Shih Tzu?	Yes Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Poodle 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 Poodle 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.	Poodles are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.

Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Maltese, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which is best suited for service work?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Maltese, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. 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.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Maltese, Poodle, 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, Poodle, 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, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Yes Poodle breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.	Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Maltese, Poodle, 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. 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, Poodle, 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 Poodle vs Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

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

Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Maltese, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887 as a Non-Sporting & Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Maltese, Poodle, 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.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Poodle section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Maltese, Poodle, 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	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	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

Popular Dog Compares

Despite the best intentions, there may be errors. If you find one, please let us know and we will fix it as soon as possible. Contact us here.

Rate This Comparsion - Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu

Reviews