Shih-Poo vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Comparison - Dog breed selector: Pooshi or Bichon A Poil Frise or Maltese lion dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shih-Poo vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese" Compare Shih-Poo and Bichon Frise. Which is better: Shih-Poo or Bichon Frise or Maltese?

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	Shih-Poo	Bichon Frise	Maltese
Origins	China Tibet	Spain Belgium	Italy
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Designer Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	562	46	33
Reviews	2	5	3
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese breeds.	Pooshi Shoodle	Bichon A Poil Frise Bichon Tenerife Purebred Bichon Tenerife Dog Bichon Frise	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese? Compare their breeding categories.	Cross Breed	Purebred	Purebred

Shih-Poo vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese? Compare adult weight ranges.	8-15 pounds (4-7 kg) 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	11.5 pounds (5.5 kg)	10 pounds (4.5 kg)	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Shih-Poo or Bichon Frise or Maltese? Shih-Poo vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese height comparison:	8-15 inches (20-38 cm)	Male: 9-12 inches (23–30 cm) Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm)	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	11.5 inches (29 cm)	Male: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm)	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

Shih-Poo vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. Find price differences between these breeds.	$800-$1200	$700-$1000	$600-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Shih-Poo or Bichon Frise or Maltese?	Frequent: The Shih-Poo is easier than average to get.	Very frequent: The Bichon Frise is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.

Shih-Poo vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. Which breed ranks highest?	Smart: The Shih-Poo dogs have great intelligence. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. 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 Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. Which is easiest to train?	Shih-Poo dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Bichon Frise dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. Which breed is most alert?	Shih-Poo dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Bichon Frise dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. Which breed is most protective?	Shih-Poo dogs are average defenders. See more.	Bichon Frise dogs are not the best to protect their territory. See more.	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Shih-Poo vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese? Compare temperaments.	Intelligent Loyal Sweet Companionable	Playful Sensitive Intelligent Affectionate Gentle Cheerful	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. 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: Shih-Poo vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese?	High: Shih-Poo dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Bichon Frise dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Shih-Poo vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese social needs comparison:	Shih-Poo dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Bichon Frise dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Shih-Poo dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Bichon Frise dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Shih-Poo dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.	Their prey drive is low. See more.	Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Shih-Poo vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. Which breed is most vocal?	Low to Average: The Shih-Poo rarely barks. See more.	Average: The Bichon Frise barks occasionally. See more.	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. Which breed is most playful?	The Shih-Poo is a playful breed. See more.	The Bichon Frise is a playful breed. See more.	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Shih-Poo breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Bichon Frise breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Shih-Poo vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Shih-Poo vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Shih-Poo has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Bichon Frise has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. Which uses mouth most during play?	Shih-Poo dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Bichon Frise dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih-Poo bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Bichon Frise bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Shih-Poo vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. Which breed lives longest?	14-16 years The average lifespan of Shih-Poo: 15 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Bichon Frise: 13 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. Which handles climate changes best?	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Shih-Poo can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. Which has fewer health issues?	The Shih-Poo 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.	The Maltese 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?	Average The Shih-Poo 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.	Average The Maltese 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: Shih-Poo vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih-Poo vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese health problems comparison:	Heatstroke Dental Problems	Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Allergies Vaccination Sensitivity Bladder Stones Juvenile Cataracts	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Shih-Poo vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. Which breed is most active?	Shih-Poo dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.	Bichon Frise dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.	Maltese 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 Shih-Poo vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shih-Poo or Bichon Frise or Maltese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Shih-Poo dogs have an average exercise need.	Bichon Frise dogs exercise need is minimal.	Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Shih-Poo or Bichon Frise or Maltese?	Shih-Poo dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Bichon Frise dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.	Maltese 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

Shih-Poo vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih-Poo's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	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 has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. Which needs most food?	1 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.	Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Shih-Poo vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. What colors are available?	Black White Brown Brindle Various combinations	Cream White Buff Apricot	White
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. Which requires most maintenance?	Easy to groom: The Shih-Poo doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. Which drools least?	The Shih-Poo is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Bichon Frise 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.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. Which has least natural smell?	Low 🔽 The Shih-Poo has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Bichon Frise has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Curly Straight Curly & Straight	Curly	Feathered
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. 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.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Shih-Poo or Bichon Frise or Maltese? Shih-Poo or Bichon Frise or {name3 shedding:	Shih-Poo dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Bichon Frise dogs are low shedders. See more.	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Shih-Poo vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. Which is best with kids?	Shih-Poo dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.	Bichon Frise dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Shih-Poo dogs are generally with other pets.	Bichon Frise dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Shih-Poo or Bichon Frise or Maltese? Which dog is more friendly?	Shih-Poo dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Bichon Frise dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Shih-Poo or Bichon Frise or Maltese?	Shih-Poo dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Bichon Frise dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Shih-Poo or Bichon Frise or Maltese?	Shih-Poo dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	Bichon Frise dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shih-Poo vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese?	Yes Shih-Poo 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 dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Shih-Poo is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Bichon Frise is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Shih-Poos are commonly okay with elderly people.	Bichon Frises are usually recommended for elderly people.	Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.

Shih-Poo vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. Which is best suited for service work?	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.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. Which excels in therapy work?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect 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 Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. 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 Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. 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 Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Shih-Poo breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Bichon Frise 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.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. 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 Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. 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.

Shih-Poo vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. Which has most puppies?	3-4 puppies	2-5 puppies	3-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. 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.

Shih-Poo vs Bichon Frise vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. How are they classified?	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Non-Sporting breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. How are they classified internationally?	Not recognized by FCI.	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Shih-Poo, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. Which has most recognition?	Not recognized by any clubs.	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	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

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