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Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie Comparison - Dog breed selector: Japanese Shiba Inu or Maltese lion dog or Morkshire Terrier? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie" Compare Shiba Inu and Maltese. Which is better: Shiba Inu or Maltese or Morkie?
 
 
 
Name Shiba Inu Maltese Morkie
OriginsJapan flagJapan Italy flagItaly United States flagUnited States
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank4533580
Reviews831
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Japanese Shiba Inu
Japanese Small-Size Dog
Shiba
Shiba Ken
Brushwood Dog
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Morkshire Terrier
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Cross Breed

Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Shiba Inu or Maltese or Morkie? Which is the smallest dog, Shiba Inu or Maltese or Morkie?
Medium Small Small
Weight
Which is heavier, Shiba Inu or Maltese or Maltese? Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie weight comparison:
Male: 18-25 pounds (8-11 kg), Female: 15-20 pounds (6.8-9 kg) 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) 7-13 pounds (3-6 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) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) 10 pounds (4.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shiba Inu or Maltese or Morkie? Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie height comparison:
Male: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm), Female: 13-15 inches (33-38 cm) Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) 5-9 inches (13-23 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 15 inches (38.5 cm), Female: 14 inches (35.5 cm) Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) 7 inches (18 cm)

Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Shiba Inu or Maltese or Morkie? Which is more expensive?
$800-$1000 $600-$800 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shiba Inu or Maltese or Morkie?
Very frequent: The Shiba Inu is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.
Average: The Morkie is a commonly available dog breed.

Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie intelligence:
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Smart: The Morkie dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Trainability
Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie trainability comparison.
A slightly harder to train than average.
See more.
Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Morkie dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Shiba Inu or Maltese or Morkie?
Shiba Inu dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Morkie dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Shiba Inu or Maltese or Morkie? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Shiba Inu dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.
Morkie dogs are average defenders.
See more.

Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Shiba Inu or Maltese or Morkie? Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie behavior/temperament comparison:
Alert
Confident
Going
Fearless
Keen
Faithful
Charming
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Playful
Funny
Energetic
Lovable
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Shiba Inu 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.
Morkie 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: Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie?
Average to High: Shiba Inu dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Average to High: Morkie dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
Social Needs
Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie social needs comparison:
Shiba Inu dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Morkie dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Shiba Inu is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Morkie 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?
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 dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Morkie 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.

Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie playfulness comparison:
Average: Shiba Inus, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
The Morkie is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie?
Low to Average: The Shiba Inu rarely barks.
See more.
A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
A lot: Morkie is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Shiba Inu or Maltese or Morkie?
Very house-friendly dog the Shiba Inu breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese 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 Morkie indoors.

Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Shiba Inu dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Morkie dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Shiba Inu or Maltese or Morkie?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Morkie 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.

Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Shiba Inu or Maltese or Morkie?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shiba Inu bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Morkie bite force: Weak.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Low 🔽

The Shiba Inu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Morkie has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie mouthiness comparison:
Shiba Inu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Morkie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.

Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie health comparison. Which is the healthier: Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie?
The Shiba Inu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Morkies are commonly healthy dogs.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Spinning
Chylothorax
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Collapsed Trachea
Dental Problems
Hernia
Reverse Sneezing
Glaucoma
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Shiba Inu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Morkie should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Life Expectancy
Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie lifespan comparison. How long do Shiba Inu, Maltese and Morkie breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Shiba Inu: 13 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Morkie: 12 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie?
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.
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Morkie can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Shiba Inu or Maltese or Morkie? Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie energy level comparison:
Shiba Inu dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Morkie dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shiba Inu or Maltese or Morkie? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Shiba Inu dogs have an average exercise need.
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Morkie dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shiba Inu or Maltese or Morkie?
Shiba Inu dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Morkie dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Shiba Inu or Maltese or Morkie?
Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie weight gain potential comparison:
Low to Average: The Shiba Inu has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Morkie's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.

Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie coat comparison:
Dense Feathered Fluffy
Soft
Luxurious
Long
Colors
What are the original Shiba Inu, Maltese and Morkie color?
Black
Tan
Red
Cream
Sesame
White Black
White
Brown
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Shiba Inu or Maltese or Morkie? Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie grooming comparison:
Easy to groom: The Shiba Inu doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Morkie requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shiba Inu or Maltese or Morkie? Shiba Inu or Maltese or {name3 shedding:
Shiba Inu dogs shed above average.
See more.
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Morkie dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Shiba Inu or Maltese or Morkie?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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.
Hypoallergenic
Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie?

Medium

The Shiba Inu has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Morkie has a low chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Shiba Inu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Morkie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Shiba Inu dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Morkie dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shiba Inu or Maltese or Morkie? Which dog is more friendly?
Shiba Inu dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Morkie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Shiba Inu or Maltese or Morkie?
Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Morkie dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shiba Inu or Maltese or Morkie?
Shiba Inu dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Morkie dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shiba Inu or Maltese or Morkie?
Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Morkie dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie?
No
Shiba Inu dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Yes
Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Morkie 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.
No
Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Yes
Morkie 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.
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.
Morkies are commonly okay with elderly people.

Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie 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.
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.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Shiba Inu or Maltese or Morkie? Which is better for autism?

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.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
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: Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

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

Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

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.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Shiba Inu and Maltese and Morkie have?
2-4 puppies 3-5 puppies 3-5 puppies

Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Morkie Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992 as a Non-Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section. 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
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
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.

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