Maltese vs Shiba Inu Comparison – Which dog is better Maltese lion dog or Japanese Shiba Inu?
"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Shiba Inu"
Compare Maltese and Shiba Inu. Which is better: Maltese or Shiba Inu?
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| Name | Maltese | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Origins |  Italy |  Japan |
| Group | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs |
| Popularity Rank | 33 | 45 |
| Reviews | 3 | 8 |
| User Ratings |
| Other Names
What other names do they have? |
Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog |
Japanese Shiba Inu Japanese Small-Size Dog Shiba Shiba Ken Brushwood Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Maltese vs Shiba Inu breed type comparison: | Purebred | Purebred |
Maltese vs Shiba Inu Size and Weight Comparison
| Size
Which dog is bigger, Maltese or Shiba Inu?
Is the Maltese bigger than the Shiba Inu breed?
Is a Maltese smaller than a Shiba Inu? | Small | Medium |
|---|---|---|
| Weight
Which is heavier, Maltese or Shiba Inu? Maltese vs Shiba Inu weight comparison: | 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) | Male: 18-25 pounds (8-11 kg), Female: 15-20 pounds (6.8-9 kg) |
| Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) | Male: 21.5 pounds (9.5 kg), Female: 17.5 pounds (6.8.5 kg) |
| Height
Which is taller, Maltese or Shiba Inu? Is a Maltese taller than a Shiba Inu? | Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) | Male: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm), Female: 13-15 inches (33-38 cm) |
| Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) | Male: 15 inches (38.5 cm), Female: 14 inches (35.5 cm) |
Maltese vs Shiba Inu Price and Availability Comparison
| Price
Which is cheaper, Maltese or Shiba Inu? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Maltese and Shiba Inu? | $600-$800 | $800-$1000 |
|---|---|---|
| Availability
Which is easier to get, Maltese or Shiba Inu? | Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Shiba Inu is quite easy to get. |
Maltese vs Shiba Inu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
| Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Maltese or Shiba Inu smarter? Which is best? Maltese vs Shiba Inu intelligence: | Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. | Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. |
|---|---|---|
| Trainability
Maltese vs Shiba Inu trainability comparison. What's the difference between Maltese vs Shiba Inu? | Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. | A slightly harder to train than average. |
| Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Maltese or Shiba Inu? | Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. | Shiba Inu dogs are good watchdogs. |
| Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Maltese or Shiba Inu?
Which dog is most likely to protect its owner?
Which is the best dog to use for protection? | Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. | Shiba Inu dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. |
Maltese vs Shiba Inu Personality and Temperament Comparison
| Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Maltese or Shiba Inu? Maltese vs Shiba Inu behavior/temperament comparison: |
Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing |
Alert Confident Going Fearless Keen Faithful Charming |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Maltese vs Shiba Inu? | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. | Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu? | High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | Average to High: Shiba Inu dogs are highly affectionate dogs. |
| Social Needs
Maltese vs Shiba Inu social needs comparison: | Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Shiba Inu dogs need for social interaction is average. |
| Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Maltese vs Shiba Inu? | Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. | The wanderlust potential of the Shiba Inu is strong enough to escape from home. |
| Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Maltese vs Shiba Inu? Which can be better for hunting? | Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Shiba Inu dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. |
Maltese vs Shiba Inu Activity and Playfulness Comparison
| Playfulness
Maltese vs Shiba Inu playfulness comparison: | Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. | Average: Shiba Inus, like any other dog breed, like playing. |
|---|---|---|
| Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Maltese vs Shiba Inu? | A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. | Low to Average: The Shiba Inu rarely barks. |
| Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Maltese or Shiba Inu? | Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Shiba Inu breed. |
Maltese vs Shiba Inu 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. | Shiba Inu dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Shiba Inu? | 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. |
Maltese vs Shiba Inu Bite Characteristics Comparison
| Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Maltese or Shiba Inu? | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Shiba Inu bite force: Ordinary. |
|---|---|---|
| Biting Potential
Is a Maltese more dangerous than a Shiba Inu? | Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Shiba Inu has a low chance of biting somebody. |
| Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Maltese vs Shiba Inu mouthiness comparison: | Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Shiba Inu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. |
Maltese vs Shiba Inu Health and Lifespan Comparison
| Health Issues
Maltese vs Shiba Inu health comparison. Which is the healthier: Maltese vs Shiba Inu? | The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. | The Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Shiba Inu health problems comparison: |
Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome | Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Allergies Cancer Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Glaucoma Spinning Chylothorax |
| Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Maltese vs Shiba Inu? |
Average The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Average The Shiba Inu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
| Life Expectancy
Maltese vs Shiba Inu lifespan comparison. How long do Maltese and Shiba Inu breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Maltese and Shiba Inu? |
14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years |
11-15 years The average lifespan of Shiba Inu: 13 years |
| Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Maltese vs Shiba Inu? | Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. | Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Shiba Inu can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. |
Maltese vs Shiba Inu Energy and Activity Comparison
| Energy Level
Who has more energy a Maltese or Shiba Inu?
Maltese vs Shiba Inu 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. | Shiba Inu dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. |
|---|---|---|
| Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Maltese vs Shiba Inu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Shiba Inu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal. | Shiba Inu dogs have an average exercise need. |
| Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Shiba Inu? | Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed. | Shiba Inu dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. |
Maltese vs Shiba Inu Diet and Weight Management Comparison
| Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Maltese or Shiba Inu? Does the Maltese breed eat more than the Shiba Inu breed? | Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. | Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1.5 cups 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 Shiba Inu weight gain potential comparison: | Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. | Low to Average: The Shiba Inu has a low to the average risk for obesity. |
Maltese vs Shiba Inu Allergies and Grooming Comparison
| Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Maltese vs Shiba Inu coat comparison: | Feathered | Dense |
|---|---|---|
| Colors
What are the original Maltese and Shiba Inu color? Maltese vs Shiba Inu color comparison: | White |
Black Tan Red Cream Sesame |
| Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Maltese or Shiba Inu? Maltese vs Shiba Inu grooming comparison: | Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. | Easy to groom: The Shiba Inu doesn't require a lot of grooming. |
| Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maltese or Shiba Inu? Do Maltese dogs shed more than Shiba Inu dogs? | Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. | Shiba Inu dogs shed above average. |
| Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Maltese or Shiba Inu? | 6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. |
| Hypoallergenic
Maltese vs Shiba Inu hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not? | Yes See more. | No See more. |
| Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Maltese or Shiba Inu? | Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The Shiba Inu has an average chance of bad smell. |
| Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Maltese vs Shiba Inu? | The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Shiba Inu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
Maltese vs Shiba Inu Good With Comparison
| Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets? | Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. | Shiba Inu dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets. |
|---|---|---|
| Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Shiba Inu? Which dog is more friendly? | Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs. | Shiba Inu dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs. |
| Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Maltese or Shiba Inu? | Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs. | Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children. |
| Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Shiba Inu? | Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Shiba Inu dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs. |
| Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Shiba Inu? Can a Maltese and a Shiba Inu be friends? Do Maltese dogs get along with Shiba Inu dogs? | Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. |
| Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Maltese vs Shiba Inu? |
Yes Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
No Shiba Inu dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality. |
| Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office? |
No Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No Shiba Inu 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. | Shiba Inus are commonly okay with elderly people. |
Maltese vs Shiba Inu As a Working Dog Comparison
| Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog? | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
|---|---|---|
| Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Maltese or Shiba Inu? Which is better for autism? | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Maltese vs Shiba Inu? | Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Shiba Inu 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. |
| 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. |
Maltese vs Shiba Inu Reproducibility Comparison
| Gestation Length | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
|---|---|---|
| Litter Frequency | 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 Shiba Inu have? Maltese vs Shiba Inu litter size comparison: | 3-5 puppies | 2-4 puppies |
Maltese vs Shiba Inu 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 1992 as a Non-Sporting breed. |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related 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 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 |
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Jun 30, 2021, 3:12:35 AM:
shiba for life