Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Mal-Shi Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltapoo or Chrysanthemum Dog or Malti Zu? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Mal-Shi" Compare Maltipoo and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Maltipoo or Shih Tzu or Mal-Shi?

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	Maltipoo	Shih Tzu	Mal-Shi
Origins	Germany France Italy	China	United States Canada
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Designer Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	558	20	222
Reviews	4	19	2
User Ratings

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

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Mal-Shi Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. Which breed is the largest?	Small Medium	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi? Compare adult weight ranges.	5-20 pounds (2,5-9 kg)	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)	5-15 pounds (2.3-6.8 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	12.5 pounds (5,5 kg)	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)	10 pounds (2.3-6.8 kg)
Height Which is taller, Maltipoo or Shih Tzu or Mal-Shi? Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Mal-Shi height comparison:	10-13 inches (25-33 cm)	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	10-20 inces (25-51 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	11.5 inches (27 cm)	9.5 inches (24 cm)	10-20 inces (38 cm)

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Mal-Shi Price and Availability Comparison

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

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Mal-Shi Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. 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.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. Which is easiest to train?	Maltipoo dogs are easy to train. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Mal-Shi dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. Which breed is most alert?	Maltipoo dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Mal-Shi dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. Which breed is most protective?	Maltipoo dogs are average defenders. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Mal-Shi dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Mal-Shi Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi? Compare temperaments.	Active Funny Intelligent Affectionate Obedient Companionable	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle	Playful Loving Independent Alert Intelligent Affectionate Going Social Quiet
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.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Mal-Shi?	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: Mal-Shi dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Mal-Shi social needs comparison:	Maltipoo dogs are a social breed. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Mal-Shi dogs are a social breed. 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.	Mal-Shi 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.	Mal-Shi 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.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Mal-Shi Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. 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.	Average: The Mal-Shi barks occasionally. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. Which breed is most playful?	The Maltipoo is a playful breed. See more.	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	Average: Mal-Shis, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Maltipoo breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.	It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Mal-Shi indoors.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Mal-Shi Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. 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.	Average: Mal-Shi dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Maltipoo or Shih Tzu or Mal-Shi?	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.	Mal-Shi 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.

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Mal-Shi Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. 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.	Low 🔽 The Mal-Shi has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. 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.	Mal-Shi dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. 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 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Mal-Shi bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Mal-Shi Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. 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	11-15 years The average lifespan of Mal-Shi: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. 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 Mal-Shi. 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.	The Mal-Shi 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?	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.	Average The Mal-Shi 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: Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Mal-Shi? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Mal-Shi 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	No data available

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Mal-Shi Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. 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.	Mal-Shi dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Mal-Shi exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltipoo or Shih Tzu or Mal-Shi? 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.	Mal-Shi dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltipoo or Shih Tzu or Mal-Shi?	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.	Mal-Shi dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Mal-Shi Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. 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.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Mal-Shi's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. 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.	1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Mal-Shi Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. What colors are available?	Black Cream White Grey Gold Apricot Almost all colors	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold	Black Gray White Brown Yellow
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. 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 Mal-Shi requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. 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 Mal-Shi is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. 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.	Low 🔽 The Mal-Shi has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Fluffy Soft Wavy Woolly	Dense	Silky Soft Wavy Double
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. 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.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Maltipoo or Shih Tzu or Mal-Shi? Maltipoo or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding:	Maltipoo dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Mal-Shi dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Mal-Shi Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. Which is best with kids?	Maltipoo dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Mal-Shi dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
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.	Mal-Shi dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltipoo or Shih Tzu or Mal-Shi? Which dog is more friendly?	Maltipoo dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Mal-Shi 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 Maltipoo or Shih Tzu or Mal-Shi?	Maltipoo dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Mal-Shi dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Maltipoo or Shih Tzu or Mal-Shi?	Maltipoo dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Mal-Shi dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Mal-Shi?	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 Mal-Shi 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.	No Mal-Shi is not the best dog breed 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.	Mal-Shis are usually recommended for elderly people.

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu vs Mal-Shi As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. 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.	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 Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. 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.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. 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 Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. 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 Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. 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.	Not really Mal-Shi breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. 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 Mal-Shi. 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 Mal-Shi Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. Which has most puppies?	4-6 puppies	2-5 puppies	4-8 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. 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 Mal-Shi. 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 Mal-Shi Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. How are they classified?	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. How are they classified internationally?	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.	Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Mal-Shi. 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	No data available

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