Shiba Inu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Comparison – Which dog is better Japanese Shiba Inu or Mal-Shi?

"Find similarities and differences between Shiba Inu vs Maltese Shih Tzu" Compare Shiba Inu and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is better: Shiba Inu or Maltese Shih Tzu?

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	Shiba Inu	Maltese Shih Tzu
Origins	Japan	United States
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank	45	622
Reviews	9	3
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare different names used for Shiba Inu and Maltese Shih Tzu. What other names are these breeds known by?	Japanese Shiba Inu Japanese Small-Size Dog Shiba Shiba Ken Brushwood Dog	Mal-Shi Malti Zu Malt-Tzu
Breed Classification Compare breed classifications between a Shiba Inu and a Maltese Shih Tzu. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.	Purebred	Cross Breed

Shiba Inu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Which is bigger: a Shiba Inu or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare size differences between these breeds.	Medium	Small
Weight Statistics Compare weight ranges between a Shiba Inu and a Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is heavier?	Male: 18-25 pounds (8-11 kg), Female: 15-20 pounds (6.8-9 kg)	6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 21.5 pounds (9.5 kg), Female: 17.5 pounds (6.8.5 kg)	9 pounds (4 kg)
Height Which is taller, Shiba Inu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Is a Shiba Inu taller than a Maltese Shih Tzu?	Male: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm), Female: 13-15 inches (33-38 cm)	10-12 inches (25-30 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 15 inches (38.5 cm), Female: 14 inches (35.5 cm)	11 inches (27.5 cm)

Shiba Inu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy prices between a Shiba Inu and a Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed costs more?	$800-$1000	$500-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Shiba Inu or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Very frequent: The Shiba Inu is quite easy to get.	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed.

Shiba Inu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Which is smarter: a Shiba Inu or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Which is easier to train: a Shiba Inu or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare training requirements.	A slightly harder to train than average. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Which makes a better watchdog: a Shiba Inu or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare alertness levels.	Shiba Inu dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Which is more protective: a Shiba Inu or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare territorial behaviors.	Shiba Inu dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Shiba Inu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits Compare personalities of a Shiba Inu and a Maltese Shih Tzu. How do their temperaments differ?	Alert Confident Going Fearless Keen Faithful Charming	Active Curious Playful Intelligent Outgoing Adaptable
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Shiba Inu vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	Shiba Inu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shiba Inu vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	Average to High: Shiba Inu dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.	Average to High: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Shiba Inu vs Maltese Shih Tzu social needs comparison:	Shiba Inu dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Shiba Inu vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	The wanderlust potential of the Shiba Inu is strong enough to escape from home. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Shiba Inu vs Maltese Shih Tzu? Which can be better for hunting?	Shiba Inu dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Shiba Inu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Which breed barks more: a Shiba Inu or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare vocalization tendencies.	Low to Average: The Shiba Inu rarely barks. See more.	Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Which breed is more playful: a Shiba Inu or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare play drive and energy.	Average: Shiba Inus, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Which is better for apartments: a Shiba Inu or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare living space needs.	Very house-friendly dog the Shiba Inu breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Shiba Inu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Which adapts better to changes: a Shiba Inu or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare adaptability levels.	Shiba Inu dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different 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: Shiba Inu or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Shiba Inu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Which has lower bite risk: a Shiba Inu or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare biting tendencies.	Low 🔽 The Shiba Inu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Which is more mouthy: a Shiba Inu or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare mouthing behaviors.	Shiba Inu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Which has a stronger bite: a Shiba Inu or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare bite force PSI.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Shiba Inu bite force: Ordinary.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Shiba Inu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Which lives longer: a Shiba Inu or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare average lifespans.	11-15 years The average lifespan of Shiba Inu: 13 years	12-14 years The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Which handles weather better: a Shiba Inu or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare climate tolerances.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Shiba Inu can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. 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 common health issues between a Shiba Inu and a Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is healthier?	The Shiba Inu 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.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Shiba Inu vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	Average The Shiba Inu 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.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shiba Inu vs Maltese Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shiba Inu vs Maltese Shih Tzu health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Allergies Cancer Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Glaucoma Spinning Chylothorax	Patellar Luxation White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Shiba Inu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Which breed is more energetic: a Shiba Inu or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare activity levels.	Shiba Inu dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	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.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Shiba Inu vs Maltese Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shiba Inu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Shiba Inu dogs have an average exercise need.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Shiba Inu or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Shiba Inu dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	Maltese Shih Tzu 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

Shiba Inu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Which gains weight easier: a Shiba Inu or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare obesity risks.	Low to Average: The Shiba Inu has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Which eats more: a Shiba Inu or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare daily food needs.	Recommended daily amount: 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.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Shiba Inu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Which is more hypoallergenic: a Shiba Inu or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare allergy friendliness.	No See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors What color variations exist for Shiba Inu and Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare breed colors.	Black Tan Red Cream Sesame	Black White Brown White & Tan Black & White Brown & Black
Grooming Requirements Which needs more grooming: a Shiba Inu or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare maintenance needs.	Easy to groom: The Shiba Inu doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.	Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Which drools more: a Shiba Inu or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare drooling amounts.	The Shiba Inu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Maltese Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Which has less odor: a Shiba Inu or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare natural smell levels.	Medium ⏺ The Shiba Inu has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics How do coats differ between a Shiba Inu and a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare fur types.	Dense	Curly Silky Soft Wavy Long
Bathing Needs Which needs more baths: a Shiba Inu or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare bathing frequencies.	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 Shiba Inu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Do Shiba Inu dogs shed more than Maltese Shih Tzu dogs?	Shiba Inu dogs shed above average. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Shiba Inu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Which is better with children: a Shiba Inu or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare kid-friendliness.	Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Shiba Inu dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Shiba Inu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?	Shiba Inu dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	Maltese Shih Tzu 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 Shiba Inu or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Shiba Inu dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Shiba Inu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Can a Shiba Inu and a Maltese Shih Tzu be friends? Do Shiba Inu dogs get along with Maltese Shih Tzu dogs?	Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: Shiba Inu vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	No Shiba Inu dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn 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 Shiba Inu 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?	Shiba Inus are commonly okay with elderly people.	Maltese Shih Tzus are commonly okay with elderly people.

Shiba Inu vs Maltese Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Which makes a better service dog: a Shiba Inu or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare service capabilities.	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 Which is better for therapy work: a Shiba Inu or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare therapy capabilities.	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 Which is better at detection work: a Shiba Inu or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare scenting abilities.	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 Which is better for search and rescue: a Shiba Inu or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare SAR abilities.	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 Which is better on boats: a Shiba Inu or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare maritime abilities.	Not really Shiba Inu 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 Which is better at pulling: a Shiba Inu or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare draft work capabilities.	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 history between Shiba Inu and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which has stronger military background?	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.

Shiba Inu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare litter sizes between Shiba Inu and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which has larger litters?	2-4 puppies	3-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare pregnancy duration between Shiba Inu and Maltese Shih Tzu breeds.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding frequencies between Shiba Inu and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which needs longer recovery?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.

Shiba Inu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC classifications of Shiba Inu and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which groups do they belong to?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992 as a Non-Sporting breed.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification Compare FCI classifications of Shiba Inu and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which groups are they in?	Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section.	Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare kennel club recognition between Shiba Inu and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is more widely recognized?	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club	Not recognized by any clubs.

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