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Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Comparison - Dog breed selector: Pooshi or Chrysanthemum Dog or Mal-Shi? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu" Compare Shih-Poo and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Shih-Poo or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu?
 
 
 
Name Shih-Poo Shih Tzu Maltese Shih Tzu
OriginsChina flagChina Tibet flagTibet China flagChina United States flagUnited States
Group Designer Dogs Companion Dogs Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank56220622
Reviews2193
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, and Maltese Shih Tzu breeds.
Pooshi
Shoodle
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Mal-Shi
Malti Zu
Malt-Tzu
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, and Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare their breeding categories.
Cross Breed Purebred Cross Breed

Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, and Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare adult weight ranges.
8-15 pounds (4-7 kg)
7-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) 6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
11.5 pounds (5.5 kg) 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) 9 pounds (4 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shih-Poo or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu height comparison:
8-15 inches (20-38 cm) 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) 10-12 inches (25-30 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
11.5 inches (29 cm) 9.5 inches (24 cm) 11 inches (27.5 cm)

Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1200 $800-$1200 $500-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shih-Poo or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Frequent: The Shih-Poo is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.
Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed.

Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed ranks highest?
Smart: The Shih-Poo dogs have great intelligence.
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Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
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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 Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is easiest to train?
Shih-Poo dogs are quite easy to train.
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Shih Tzu 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 Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is most alert?
Shih-Poo dogs are average watchdogs.
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Shih Tzu 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 Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is most protective?
Shih-Poo dogs are average defenders.
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Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders.
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Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, and Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare temperaments.
Intelligent
Loyal
Sweet
Companionable
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
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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Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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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: Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu?
High: Shih-Poo dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Shih Tzu 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
Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu social needs comparison:
Shih-Poo dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Shih Tzu 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?
Shih-Poo dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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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?
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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Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Shih-Poo rarely barks.
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A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
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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 Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is most playful?
The Shih-Poo is a playful breed.
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Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog 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 Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Shih-Poo breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed.

Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

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

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu 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 Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which uses mouth most during play?
Shih-Poo dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than 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.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih-Poo bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed lives longest?
14-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih-Poo: 15 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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.
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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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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 Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih-Poo should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Shih Tzu 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: Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu health problems comparison:
Heatstroke
Dental Problems
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Umbilical Hernias
Ear Infections
Distichiasis
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Bladder Stones
Ectopic Cilia
Reverse Sneezing
Dry Eye
Proptosis
Juvenile Renal Dysplasia
Keratitis
Retained Baby Teeth
Snuffles
Patellar Luxation
White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu'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 Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which needs most food?
1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.

Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, 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 Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, and Maltese Shih Tzu. What colors are available?
Black
White
Brown
Brindle
Various combinations
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Black
White
Brown
White & Tan
Black & White
Brown & Black
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which requires most maintenance?
Easy to groom: The Shih-Poo doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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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 Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which drools least?
The Shih-Poo is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Shih Tzu 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 Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which has least natural smell?

Low 🔽

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

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu 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 Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, and Maltese Shih Tzu. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Curly
Straight
Curly & Straight
Dense Curly
Silky
Soft
Wavy
Long
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, 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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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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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 Shih-Poo or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Shih-Poo or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding:
Shih-Poo dogs shed none to minimal.
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Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.

Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is best with kids?
Shih-Poo dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most 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?
Shih-Poo dogs are generally with other pets.
Shih Tzu 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 Shih-Poo or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?
Shih-Poo dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shih-Poo or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Shih-Poo dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shih-Poo or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Shih-Poo dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu 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: Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu?
Yes
Shih-Poo dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Shih Tzu 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
Shih-Poo is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Shih Tzu 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?
Shih-Poos are commonly okay with elderly people.
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.
Maltese Shih Tzus are commonly okay with elderly people.

Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, 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.
See more.

Not really

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

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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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
Compare detection capabilities between Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, 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 Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, 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 Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Shih-Poo breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Shih Tzu 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 Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, 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 Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, 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.

Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which has most puppies?
3-4 puppies 2-5 puppies 3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, 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 Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, 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.

Shih-Poo vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, and Maltese Shih Tzu. How are they classified?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, and Maltese Shih Tzu. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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
Canadian Canine Registry
Not recognized by any clubs.

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