• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltapoo or Chrysanthemum Dog or Golden Flat Coat? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever" Compare Maltipoo and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Maltipoo or Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever?
 
 
 
Name Maltipoo Shih Tzu Golden Retriever
OriginsGermany flagGermany France flagFrance Italy flagItaly China flagChina Scotland flagScotland
Group Designer Dogs Companion Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank558203
Reviews41916
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever breeds.
Maltapoo
Malt-A-Poo
Malte-Poo
Maltese-Poodle
MaltiPoodle
Malt-oodles
Moodle
mPoo
Multapoo
Multipoo
Multi-Poo
Maltepoo
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever? Compare their breeding categories.
Cross Breed Purebred Purebred

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is the largest?
Small
Medium
Small Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever? Compare adult weight ranges.
5-20 pounds (2,5-9 kg) 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
12.5 pounds (5,5 kg) 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Maltipoo or Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever? Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever height comparison:
10-13 inches (25-33 cm) 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
11.5 inches (27 cm) 9.5 inches (24 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm)

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. Find price differences between these breeds.
$400-$2000 $800-$1200 $1000-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Maltipoo or Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever?
Frequent: The Maltipoo is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. Which breed ranks highest?
Smart: The Maltipoo dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
See more.
Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. Which is easiest to train?
Maltipoo dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most alert?
Maltipoo dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most protective?
Maltipoo dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
See more.

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever? Compare temperaments.
Active
Funny
Intelligent
Affectionate
Obedient
Companionable
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
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.
Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever?
High: Maltipoo 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.
High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever social needs comparison:
Maltipoo dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Maltipoo is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Golden Retriever 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?
Maltipoo 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.
Golden Retriever 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.
See more.

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Maltipoo is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
See more.
Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most playful?
The Maltipoo is a playful breed.
See more.
Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
See more.
The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Maltipoo breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most flexible?
Maltipoo dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Golden Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Maltipoo or Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever?
Maltipoo dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Maltipoo has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. Which uses mouth most during play?
Maltipoo dogs have an 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.
Golden Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltipoo bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. Which breed lives longest?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of Maltipoo: 11 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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 Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. Which has fewer health issues?
Maltipoos tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Frequent
The Maltipoo should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Average
The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever health problems comparison:
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
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
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low to Average: The Maltipoo has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. Which needs most food?
0.5 to 1.5 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. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. Yes See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. What colors are available?
Black
Cream
White
Grey
Gold
Apricot
Almost all colors
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Golden
Light
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Maltipoo requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. Which drools least?
The Maltipoo 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.
The Golden Retriever drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. Which has least natural smell?

Low 🔽

The Maltipoo has a low chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fluffy
Soft
Wavy
Woolly
Dense Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. Which requires most frequent baths?
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.
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maltipoo or Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever? Maltipoo or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding:
Maltipoo dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. Which is best with kids?
Maltipoo dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Maltipoo dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltipoo or Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever? Which dog is more friendly?
Maltipoo dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Maltipoo or Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever?
Maltipoo dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Maltipoo or Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever?
Maltipoo dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever?
Yes
Maltipoo 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.
Yes
Golden Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Maltipoo is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Yes
Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Maltipoos are usually recommended for elderly people.
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.
Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. Which is best suited for service work?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. 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.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. 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.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Maltipoo breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. 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 Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. 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.

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. Which has most puppies?
4-6 puppies 2-5 puppies 5-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. 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.

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. How are they classified?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Golden Retriever. Which has most recognition?
Continental Kennel Club
American Canine Hybrid Club
Designer Breed Registry
Designer Dogs Kennel Club
National Maltipoo Club
Maltipoo Club of America
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

Rate This Comparsion - Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Golden Retriever

Reviews