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Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Miniature Australian Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Chrysanthemum Dog or Maltese lion dog or Mini Aussie? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Miniature Australian Shepherd" Compare Shih Tzu and Maltese. Which is better: Shih Tzu or Maltese or Miniature Australian Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Shih Tzu Maltese Miniature Australian Shepherd
OriginsChina flagChina Italy flagItaly United States flagUnited States
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank2033381
Reviews1932
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd breeds.
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Mini Aussie
Mini Aussie Shepherd
Mini Australian Shepherd
Miniature Aussie Shepherd
North American Shepherd
North American Miniature Australian Shepherd
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Miniature Australian Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd? Compare adult weight ranges.
9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) 20–40 pounds (9-18 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) 30 pounds (13.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shih Tzu or Maltese or Miniature Australian Shepherd? Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Miniature Australian Shepherd height comparison:
8-11 inches (20-28 cm) Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) 13–18 inches (33-46 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
9.5 inches (24 cm) Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) 15.5 inches (39.5 cm)

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Miniature Australian Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1200 $600-$800 $1000-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shih Tzu or Maltese or Miniature Australian Shepherd?
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.
Average: The Miniature Australian Shepherd is a commonly available dog breed.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Miniature Australian Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. Which breed ranks highest?
Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Smart: The Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. Which is easiest to train?
Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
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Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
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Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. Which breed is most alert?
Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
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Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
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Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. Which breed is most protective?
Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Miniature Australian Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd? Compare temperaments.
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Sensitive: Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Miniature Australian Shepherd?
High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Social Needs
Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Miniature Australian Shepherd social needs comparison:
Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Miniature Australian Shepherd 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 Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Miniature Australian Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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Low to Average: The Miniature Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. Which breed is most playful?
Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
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Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Miniature Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu 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 Miniature Australian Shepherd indoors.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Miniature Australian Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. Which breed is most flexible?
Shih Tzu 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.
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Shih Tzu or Maltese or Miniature Australian Shepherd?
Shih Tzu 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.
Miniature Australian Shepherd 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.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Miniature Australian Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Miniature Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. Which uses mouth most during play?
Shih Tzu 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.
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Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Miniature Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Miniature Australian Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. Which breed lives longest?
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of Miniature Australian Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. Which handles climate changes best?
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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Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Miniature Australian Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. Which has fewer health issues?
The Shih Tzu 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.
The Miniature Australian Shepherd 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?
Average
The Shih Tzu 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.
Average
The Miniature Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Miniature Australian Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Miniature Australian Shepherd health problems comparison:
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
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Drug Sensitivity
Retinal Dysplasia
Glaucoma
Juvenile Cataracts
Iris Coloboma

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Miniature Australian Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. Which breed is most active?
Shih Tzu 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.
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Miniature Australian Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shih Tzu or Maltese or Miniature Australian Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shih Tzu or Maltese or Miniature Australian Shepherd?
Shih Tzu 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.
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Miniature Australian Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Miniature Australian Shepherd has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Miniature Australian Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. Yes See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. What colors are available?
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
White Red
Red Merle
White & Black & Tan
Blue Merle
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. Which requires most maintenance?
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Miniature Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. Which drools least?
The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Miniature Australian Shepherd is an average drooler.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. Which has least natural smell?

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Miniature Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Feathered Feathered
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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 Tzu or Maltese or Miniature Australian Shepherd? Shih Tzu or Maltese or {name3 shedding:
Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
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Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Miniature Australian Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. Which is best with kids?
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shih Tzu or Maltese or Miniature Australian Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shih Tzu or Maltese or Miniature Australian Shepherd?
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shih Tzu or Maltese or Miniature Australian Shepherd?
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Miniature Australian Shepherd?
Yes
Shih Tzu 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.
Yes
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Miniature Australian Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.
Miniature Australian Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Miniature Australian Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. 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 Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. 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 Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. 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 Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. 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 Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Miniature Australian Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. 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 Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. 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 Tzu vs Maltese vs Miniature Australian Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. Which has most puppies?
2-5 puppies 3-5 puppies 2-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. 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 Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. 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 Tzu vs Maltese vs Miniature Australian Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Miniature Australian Shepherd. Which has most recognition?
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
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
America's Pet Registry
American Canine Association, Inc.

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