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Miniature Poodle vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu Comparison - Dog breed selector: Barboncino Miniatura or Bichon A Poil Frise or Mal-Shi? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Miniature Poodle vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu" Compare Miniature Poodle and Bichon Frise. Which is better: Miniature Poodle or Bichon Frise or Maltese Shih Tzu?
 
 
 
Name Miniature Poodle Bichon Frise Maltese Shih Tzu
OriginsGermany flagGermany France flagFrance Spain flagSpain Belgium flagBelgium United States flagUnited States
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank43546622
Reviews353
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu breeds.
Barboncino Miniatura
Barbone
Carniche Moyen
Pudle
Zwergpudel
Bichon A Poil Frise
Bichon Tenerife
Purebred Bichon
Tenerife Dog
Bichon Frise
Mal-Shi
Malti Zu
Malt-Tzu
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Cross Breed

Miniature Poodle vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare adult weight ranges.
15-17 pounds (7-8 kg) 7-13 pounds (3-6 kg) 6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
16 pounds (7.5 kg) 10 pounds (4.5 kg) 9 pounds (4 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Miniature Poodle or Bichon Frise or Maltese Shih Tzu? Miniature Poodle vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu height comparison:
11-15 inches (28-38 cm) Male: 9-12 inches (23–30 cm) Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) 10-12 inches (25-30 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
13 inches (33 cm) Male: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm) 11 inches (27.5 cm)

Miniature Poodle vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1000-$1500 $700-$1000 $500-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Miniature Poodle or Bichon Frise or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.
Very frequent: The Bichon Frise is quite easy to get.
Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed.

Miniature Poodle vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: Miniature Poodle is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is easiest to train?
Miniature Poodle dogs are very easy to train.
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Bichon Frise dogs are quite easy to train.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is most alert?
Miniature Poodle dogs are good watchdogs.
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Bichon Frise dogs are average watchdogs.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is most protective?
Miniature Poodle dogs are average defenders.
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Bichon Frise dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders.
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Miniature Poodle vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare temperaments.
Active
Alert
Intelligent
Trainable
Faithful
Instinctual
Playful
Sensitive
Intelligent
Affectionate
Gentle
Cheerful
Active
Curious
Playful
Intelligent
Outgoing
Adaptable
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Miniature Poodle vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu?
High: Miniature Poodle dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Bichon Frise dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Social Needs
Miniature Poodle vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu social needs comparison:
Miniature Poodle dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Bichon Frise dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Miniature Poodle dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Bichon Frise dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Miniature Poodle dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Their prey drive is low.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Miniature Poodle vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is most vocal?
Average to High: The Miniature Poodle is a vocal breed.
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Average: The Bichon Frise barks occasionally.
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Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is most playful?
The Miniature Poodle is a playful breed.
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The Bichon Frise is a playful breed.
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Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Miniature Poodle breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Bichon Frise breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed.

Miniature Poodle vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is most flexible?
Miniature Poodle dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Bichon Frise 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.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Miniature Poodle or Bichon Frise or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Miniature Poodle dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Bichon Frise 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.

Miniature Poodle vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Miniature Poodle has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which uses mouth most during play?
Miniature Poodle dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bichon Frise dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Miniature Poodle bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Bichon Frise bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Miniature Poodle vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed lives longest?
14-16 years
The average lifespan of Miniature Poodle: 15 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Bichon Frise: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which has fewer health issues?
The Miniature Poodle is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Bichon Frise 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.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Miniature Poodle should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Bichon Frise 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.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Miniature Poodle vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Miniature Poodle vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Bloat
Epilepsy
Addison's Disease
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Vaccination Sensitivity
Bladder Stones
Juvenile Cataracts
Patellar Luxation
White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Miniature Poodle vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is most active?
Miniature Poodle dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Bichon Frise dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
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.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Miniature Poodle vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Miniature Poodle or Bichon Frise or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Miniature Poodle dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Bichon Frise dogs exercise need is minimal.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Miniature Poodle or Bichon Frise or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Miniature Poodle dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Bichon Frise dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Miniature Poodle vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Miniature Poodle's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Bichon Frise's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which needs most food?
0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.

Miniature Poodle vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. What colors are available?
Black
Gray
Red
Blue
Cream
White
Silver
Brown
Fawn
Beige
Apricot
Cream
White
Buff
Apricot
Black
White
Brown
White & Tan
Black & White
Brown & Black
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which requires most maintenance?
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which drools least?
The Miniature Poodle is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Bichon Frise is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Maltese Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which has least natural smell?

Low 🔽

The Miniature Poodle has a low chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense
Curly
Thick
Curly Curly
Silky
Soft
Wavy
Long
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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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 Miniature Poodle or Bichon Frise or Maltese Shih Tzu? Miniature Poodle or Bichon Frise or {name3 shedding:
Miniature Poodle dogs shed none to minimal.
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Bichon Frise dogs are low shedders.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
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Miniature Poodle vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is best with kids?
Miniature Poodle dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Bichon Frise dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Miniature Poodle dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Bichon Frise dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Miniature Poodle or Bichon Frise or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?
Miniature Poodle dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Bichon Frise dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Miniature Poodle or Bichon Frise or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Miniature Poodle dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Bichon Frise dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Miniature Poodle or Bichon Frise or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Miniature Poodle dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Bichon Frise dogs are very 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: Miniature Poodle vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu?
Yes
Miniature Poodle dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Bichon Frise 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
Miniature Poodle is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Bichon Frise 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?
Miniature Poodles are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Bichon Frises are usually recommended for elderly people.
Maltese Shih Tzus are commonly okay with elderly people.

Miniature Poodle vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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 Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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 Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Miniature Poodle breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

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

Not really

Maltese Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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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.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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.

Miniature Poodle vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which has most puppies?
2-8 puppies, average 5 2-5 puppies 3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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.

Miniature Poodle vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. How are they classified?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Non-Sporting breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. Not recognized by FCI. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which has most recognition?
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
The Bichon Frise Club Of America
Not recognized by any clubs.

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