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Shih-Poo vs Maltese Comparison – Which dog is better Pooshi or Maltese lion dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Shih-Poo vs Maltese" Compare Shih-Poo and Maltese. Which is better: Shih-Poo or Maltese?
 
 
 
Name Shih-Poo Maltese
OriginsChina flagChina Tibet flagTibet Italy flagItaly
Group Designer Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank56233
Reviews23
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Shih-Poo and Maltese. What other names are these breeds known by?
Pooshi
Shoodle
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Shih-Poo and a Maltese. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Cross Breed Purebred

Shih-Poo vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Shih-Poo or a Maltese? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Small Small
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Shih-Poo and a Maltese. Which breed is heavier?
8-15 pounds (4-7 kg)
7-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
11.5 pounds (5.5 kg) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shih-Poo or Maltese? Is a Shih-Poo taller than a Maltese?
8-15 inches (20-38 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: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

Shih-Poo vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Shih-Poo and a Maltese. Which breed costs more?
$800-$1200 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shih-Poo or Maltese?
Frequent: The Shih-Poo is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.

Shih-Poo vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Shih-Poo or a Maltese? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Smart: The Shih-Poo dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Shih-Poo or a Maltese? Compare training requirements.
Shih-Poo dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Shih-Poo or a Maltese? Compare alertness levels.
Shih-Poo dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Shih-Poo or a Maltese? Compare territorial behaviors.
Shih-Poo dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Shih-Poo vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Shih-Poo and a Maltese. How do their temperaments differ?
Intelligent
Loyal
Sweet
Companionable
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Shih-Poo vs Maltese?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shih-Poo vs Maltese?
High: Shih-Poo 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.
Social Needs
Shih-Poo vs Maltese social needs comparison:
Shih-Poo dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Shih-Poo vs Maltese?
Shih-Poo dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Shih-Poo vs Maltese? 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.
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Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Shih-Poo vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Shih-Poo or a Maltese? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The Shih-Poo rarely barks.
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A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Shih-Poo or a Maltese? Compare play drive and energy.
The Shih-Poo is a playful breed.
See more.
Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Shih-Poo or a Maltese? Compare living space needs.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih-Poo breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.

Shih-Poo vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Shih-Poo or a Maltese? Compare adaptability levels.
Shih-Poo 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 Maltese?
Shih-Poo 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 Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Shih-Poo or a Maltese? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Shih-Poo has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Shih-Poo or a Maltese? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Shih-Poo 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
Which has a stronger bite: a Shih-Poo or a Maltese? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih-Poo bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Shih-Poo vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Shih-Poo or a Maltese? Compare average lifespans.
14-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih-Poo: 15 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Shih-Poo or a Maltese? Compare climate tolerances.
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 warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Shih-Poo and a Maltese. Which breed is healthier?
The Shih-Poo 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.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Shih-Poo vs Maltese?
Average
The Shih-Poo 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.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shih-Poo vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih-Poo vs Maltese health problems comparison:
Heatstroke
Dental Problems
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Shih-Poo vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Shih-Poo or a Maltese? Compare activity levels.
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.
Maltese 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
Shih-Poo vs Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shih-Poo or Maltese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Shih-Poo dogs have an average exercise need.
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shih-Poo or Maltese?
Shih-Poo dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Shih-Poo vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Shih-Poo or a Maltese? Compare obesity risks.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih-Poo's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Shih-Poo or a Maltese? Compare daily food needs.
1 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.

Shih-Poo vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Shih-Poo or a Maltese? Compare allergy friendliness.
Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Shih-Poo and Maltese? Compare breed colors.
Black
White
Brown
Brindle
Various combinations
White
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Shih-Poo or a Maltese? Compare maintenance needs.
Easy to groom: The Shih-Poo doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Shih-Poo or a Maltese? Compare drooling amounts.
The Shih-Poo 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
Which has less odor: a Shih-Poo or a Maltese? Compare natural smell levels.

Low 🔽

The Shih-Poo has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Shih-Poo and a Maltese? Compare fur types.
Curly
Straight
Curly & Straight
Feathered
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Shih-Poo or a Maltese? Compare bathing frequencies.
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 Maltese? Do Shih-Poo dogs shed more than Maltese dogs?
Shih-Poo dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.

Shih-Poo vs Maltese Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Shih-Poo or a Maltese? Compare kid-friendliness.
Shih-Poo dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Shih-Poo dogs are generally with other pets.
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shih-Poo or Maltese? Which dog is more friendly?
Shih-Poo dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shih-Poo or Maltese?
Shih-Poo dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shih-Poo or Maltese? Can a Shih-Poo and a Maltese be friends? Do Shih-Poo dogs get along with Maltese dogs?
Shih-Poo dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Shih-Poo vs Maltese?
Yes
Shih-Poo 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
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.
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.

Shih-Poo vs Maltese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Shih-Poo or a Maltese? 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.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Shih-Poo or a Maltese? 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.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Shih-Poo or a Maltese? 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 Shih-Poo or a Maltese? 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 Shih-Poo or a Maltese? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Shih-Poo 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
Which is better at pulling: a Shih-Poo or a Maltese? Compare draft work capabilities.

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.
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Military Service Background
Compare military history between Shih-Poo and Maltese. 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.

Shih-Poo vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Shih-Poo and Maltese. Which has larger litters?
3-4 puppies 3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Shih-Poo and Maltese breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Shih-Poo and Maltese. 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.

Shih-Poo vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Shih-Poo and Maltese. Which groups do they belong to?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Shih-Poo and Maltese. Which groups are they in?
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 kennel club recognition between Shih-Poo and Maltese. Which is more widely recognized?
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

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