Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltese lion dog or Barbone or Chrysanthemum Dog? Find the right dog for you
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Compare Maltese and Poodle. Which is better: Maltese or Poodle or Shih Tzu?
Name | Maltese | Poodle | Shih Tzu |
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Origins | ![]() | ![]() ![]() | ![]() |
Group | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 33 | 7 | 20 |
Reviews | 3 | 13 | 15 |
User Ratings |
Other Names
What other names do they have? |
Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog |
Barbone Caniche Chien Canne Grosse Pudel French Poodle |
Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog |
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Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu breed type comparison: | Purebred | Purebred | Purebred |
Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison
Size
Which is bigger, Maltese or Poodle or Shih Tzu? Which is the smallest dog, Maltese or Poodle or Shih Tzu? | Small | Medium | Small |
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Weight
Which is heavier, Maltese or Poodle or Poodle? Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu weight comparison: | 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
Which is cheaper, Maltese or Poodle or Shih Tzu? Which is more expensive? | $600-$800 | $1000-$1500 | $800-$1200 |
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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
Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu intelligence: | Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. | Outstanding: Poodle is one of the brightest dog breeds. | 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 Poodle vs Shih Tzu trainability comparison. | Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. | Poodle dogs are easy to train. | Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. |
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Maltese or Poodle or Shih Tzu? | Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. | Poodle dogs are good watchdogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. |
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Maltese or Poodle 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. | Poodle dogs strongly protect their territory. | Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. |
Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison
Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Maltese or Poodle or Shih Tzu? Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu behavior/temperament comparison: |
Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing |
Active Alert Intelligent Trainable Faithful Instinctual |
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. | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. | 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 Poodle vs Shih Tzu? | High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Poodle 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 Poodle vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison: | Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Poodle 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. | Poodle dogs have average wanderlust potential. | 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. | Poodle dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. | Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. |
Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Playfulness
Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu playfulness comparison: | Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. | The Poodle is a playful breed. | Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. |
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu? | A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. | Average to High: The Poodle is a vocal breed. | A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. |
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Maltese or Poodle or Shih Tzu? | Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Poodle breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed. |
Maltese vs Poodle 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. | 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. |
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Tolerates Being Left Alone
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 Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Maltese or Poodle or Shih Tzu? | 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. |
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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 Poodle 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 Poodle vs Shih Tzu mouthiness comparison: | Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Poodle 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 Poodle vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison
Health Issues
Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu health comparison. Which is the healthier: Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu? | 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. |
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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 |
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 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. |
Life Expectancy
Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu lifespan comparison. How long do Maltese, Poodle and Shih Tzu breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? |
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 |
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Maltese vs Poodle 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 Poodle vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Level
Who has more energy a Maltese or Poodle or Shih Tzu?
Maltese vs Poodle 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. | Poodle dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. | Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. |
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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. |
Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Maltese or Poodle or Shih Tzu? | 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. |
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Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu weight gain potential comparison: | Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Poodle's weight, he can easily gain weight. | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. |
Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu coat comparison: | Feathered | Curly | Dense |
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Colors
What are the original Maltese, Poodle and Shih Tzu color? | White |
Black Gray Red Blue Cream White Silver Brown Fawn Beige Apricot |
Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold |
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Maltese or Poodle or Shih Tzu? Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu grooming comparison: | Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maltese or Poodle or Shih Tzu? Maltese or Poodle or {name3 shedding: | Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. | Poodle dogs shed none to minimal. | Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. |
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Maltese or Poodle or Shih Tzu? | 6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. |
Hypoallergenic
Maltese vs Poodle vs Shih Tzu 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 Poodle vs Shih Tzu? | 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. |
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 Poodle 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 Poodle 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. | Poodle dogs are usually friendly towards other pets. | Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. |
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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. |
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Maltese or Poodle or Shih Tzu? | Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs. | Poodle dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs. |
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 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
Which one could be a service dog? | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Yes This breed makes good 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 Poodle or Shih Tzu? Which is better for autism? | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Yes This breed makes a perfect 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 Poodle vs Shih Tzu? | Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Yes Poodle breed usually likes 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 Poodle 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 Poodle and Shih Tzu have? | 3-5 puppies | 2-4 puppies | 2-5 puppies |
Maltese vs Poodle 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 1887 as a Non-Sporting & 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 Poodle 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 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 |
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