Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltese lion dog or Pooshi or Mal-Shi? Find the right dog for you
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Compare Maltese and Shih-Poo. Which is better: Maltese or Shih-Poo or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Name | Maltese | Shih-Poo | Maltese Shih Tzu |
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Origins | Italy | China Tibet | United States |
Group | Companion Dogs | Designer Dogs | Designer Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 33 | 562 | 622 |
Reviews | 3 | 2 | 3 |
User Ratings |
Other Names
What other names do they have? |
Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog |
Pooshi Shoodle |
Mal-Shi Malti Zu Malt-Tzu |
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Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu breed type comparison: | Purebred | Cross Breed | Cross Breed |
Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison
Size
Which is bigger, Maltese or Shih-Poo or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which is the smallest dog, Maltese or Shih-Poo or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Small | Small | Small |
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Weight
Which is heavier, Maltese or Shih-Poo or Shih-Poo? Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu weight comparison: | 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) |
8-15 pounds (4-7 kg) 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg) | 6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg) |
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) | 11.5 pounds (5.5 kg) | 9 pounds (4 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, Maltese or Shih-Poo or Maltese Shih Tzu? Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu height comparison: | Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) | 8-15 inches (20-38 cm) | 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) |
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) | 11.5 inches (29 cm) | 11 inches (27.5 cm) |
Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison
Price
Which is cheaper, Maltese or Shih-Poo or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which is more expensive? | $600-$800 | $800-$1200 | $500-$800 |
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Availability
Which is easier to get, Maltese or Shih-Poo or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get. | Frequent: The Shih-Poo is easier than average to get. | Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed. |
Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu intelligence: | Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. | Smart: The Shih-Poo dogs have great intelligence. | Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. |
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Trainability
Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu trainability comparison. | Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. | Shih-Poo dogs are quite easy to train. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train. |
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Maltese or Shih-Poo or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. | Shih-Poo dogs are average watchdogs. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. |
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Maltese or Shih-Poo or Maltese 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. | Shih-Poo dogs are average defenders. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders. |
Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison
Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Maltese or Shih-Poo or Maltese Shih Tzu? Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu behavior/temperament comparison: |
Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing |
Intelligent Loyal Sweet Companionable |
Active Curious Playful Intelligent Outgoing Adaptable |
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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. | Maltese 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 Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu? | High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Shih-Poo dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | Average to High: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are highly affectionate dogs. |
Social Needs
Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu social needs comparison: | Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Shih-Poo dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average. |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? | Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. | Shih-Poo dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not the biggest explorers. |
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. | Shih-Poo dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. |
Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Playfulness
Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu playfulness comparison: | Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. | The Shih-Poo is a playful breed. | Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing. |
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu? | A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. | Low to Average: The Shih-Poo rarely barks. | Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed. |
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Maltese or Shih-Poo or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Shih-Poo breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed. |
Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese 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. | Shih-Poo 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. |
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Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Shih-Poo or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them. | Shih-Poo 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 Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison
Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Maltese or Shih-Poo or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih-Poo bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese 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 Shih-Poo has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody. |
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu mouthiness comparison: | Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Shih-Poo dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. |
Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison
Health Issues
Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu health comparison. Which is the healthier: Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu? | The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. | The Shih-Poo 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. |
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Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu health problems comparison: |
Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome |
Heatstroke Dental Problems |
Patellar Luxation White Dog Shaker Syndrome |
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 Shih-Poo 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. |
Life Expectancy
Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu lifespan comparison. How long do Maltese, Shih-Poo and Maltese Shih Tzu breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? |
14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years |
14-16 years The average lifespan of Shih-Poo: 15 years |
12-14 years The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years |
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu? | 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 Shih-Poo can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. |
Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Level
Who has more energy a Maltese or Shih-Poo or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese 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. | Shih-Poo 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. |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Shih-Poo or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal. | Shih-Poo dogs have an average exercise need. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need. |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Shih-Poo or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed. | Shih-Poo 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. |
Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Maltese or Shih-Poo or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. | 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. | 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. |
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Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese 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 Shih-Poo's weight, he can easily gain weight. | Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu has an average risk for obesity. |
Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu coat comparison: | Feathered |
Curly Straight Curly & Straight |
Curly Silky Soft Wavy Long |
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Colors
What are the original Maltese, Shih-Poo and Maltese Shih Tzu color? | White |
Black White Brown Brindle Various combinations |
Black White Brown White & Tan Black & White Brown & Black |
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Maltese or Shih-Poo or Maltese Shih Tzu? Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu grooming comparison: | Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. | Easy to groom: The Shih-Poo doesn't require a lot of grooming. | Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming. |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maltese or Shih-Poo or Maltese Shih Tzu? Maltese or Shih-Poo or {name3 shedding: | Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. | Shih-Poo dogs shed none to minimal. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. |
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Maltese or Shih-Poo or Maltese 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. | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. |
Hypoallergenic
Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese 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 Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu? | Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell. | Low 🔽 The Shih-Poo has a low chance of bad smell. | Low 🔽 The Maltese 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 Shih-Poo is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Maltese Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese 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. | Shih-Poo dogs are generally with other pets. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family. |
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Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Shih-Poo or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly? | Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs. | Shih-Poo dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers. |
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Maltese or Shih-Poo or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs. | Shih-Poo dogs are average friendly dogs towards children. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children. |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Shih-Poo or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Shih-Poo dogs are average friendly towards cats. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs. |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Shih-Poo or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | Shih-Poo dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. |
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu? |
Yes Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Yes Shih-Poo 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. |
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office? |
No Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No Shih-Poo is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
Yes Maltese Shih Tzu is one of the best dog breeds for office environment |
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people? | Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people. | Shih-Poos are commonly okay with elderly people. | Maltese Shih Tzus are commonly okay with elderly people. |
Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese 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. | Not really This breed generally not used 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 Shih-Poo or Maltese Shih Tzu? 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. | 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 Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu? | Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Shih-Poo breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Maltese 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 Shih-Poo vs Maltese 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 Shih-Poo and Maltese Shih Tzu have? | 3-5 puppies | 3-4 puppies | 3-5 puppies |
Maltese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese 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. | Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. | Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. |
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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. | 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. | Not recognized by any clubs. |
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