Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Toy Poodle Comparison - Dog breed selector: Chrysanthemum Dog or Maltese lion dog or Barbone? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Toy Poodle" Compare Shih Tzu and Maltese. Which is better: Shih Tzu or Maltese or Toy Poodle?

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 Tzu	Maltese	Toy Poodle
Origins	China	Italy	Germany France
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	20	33	449
Reviews	19	3	5
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle breeds.	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog	Barbone Pudle Teacup Poodle Teddy Poodle
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Toy Poodle Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle? Compare adult weight ranges.	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	Male: 6-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)	Male: 7.5 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Shih Tzu or Maltese or Toy Poodle? Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Toy Poodle height comparison:	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)	Up to 10 inches (25.4 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)	Up to 10 inches (25.4 cm)

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Toy Poodle Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle. Find price differences between these breeds.	$800-$1200	$600-$800	$1000-$1500
Availability Which is easier to get, Shih Tzu or Maltese or Toy Poodle?	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.	Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Toy Poodle Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle. Which breed ranks highest?	Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Outstanding: Toy Poodle is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle. Which is easiest to train?	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Toy Poodle dogs are very easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle. Which breed is most alert?	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Toy Poodle dogs are good watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle. Which breed is most protective?	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Toy Poodle dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Toy Poodle Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle? Compare temperaments.	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Active Alert Intelligent Trainable Faithful Instinctual
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. 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 Tzu vs Maltese vs Toy Poodle?	High: Shih Tzu 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.	High: Toy Poodle dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Toy Poodle social needs comparison:	Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Toy Poodle dogs are a social breed. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Toy Poodle 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?	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Toy Poodle dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Toy Poodle Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Toy Poodle Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle. 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.	Toy Poodle 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 Toy Poodle?	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.	Toy Poodle 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 Toy Poodle Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle. 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 Toy Poodle has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle. Which uses mouth most during play?	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than 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.	Toy Poodle dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle. 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 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Toy Poodle bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Toy Poodle Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle. 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	14-16 years The average lifespan of Toy Poodle: 15 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle. 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. 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 warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle. 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 Toy Poodle 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 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 Toy Poodle 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 Tzu vs Maltese vs Toy Poodle? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Toy Poodle 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	Heart Murmurs Slipped Stifle Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Ear Infections Skin Allergies Canine Diabetes Mellitus Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Toy Poodle Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle. 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.	Toy Poodle dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Toy Poodle exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shih Tzu or Maltese or Toy Poodle? 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.	Toy Poodle dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Shih Tzu or Maltese or Toy Poodle?	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.	Toy Poodle dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Toy Poodle Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle. 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. See more.	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Toy Poodle's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle. 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.	1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Toy Poodle Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle. 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 Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle. What colors are available?	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold	White	Black Gray Red Blue Cream White Silver Brown Fawn Beige Apricot
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle. Which requires most maintenance?	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle. Which drools least?	The Shih Tzu 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 Toy Poodle is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle. 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.	Low 🔽 The Toy Poodle has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Dense	Feathered	Dense Curly Thick
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle. Which requires most frequent baths?	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.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Shih Tzu or Maltese or Toy Poodle? Shih Tzu or Maltese or {name3 shedding:	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Toy Poodle dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Toy Poodle Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle. Which is best with kids?	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Toy Poodle dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
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.	Toy Poodle dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Shih Tzu or Maltese or Toy Poodle? Which dog is more friendly?	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Toy Poodle dogs are 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 Tzu or Maltese or Toy Poodle?	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Toy Poodle dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Shih Tzu or Maltese or Toy Poodle?	Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Toy Poodle dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Toy Poodle?	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 Toy Poodle 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 Toy Poodle 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.	Toy Poodles are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Toy Poodle As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle. 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 Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle. Which excels in therapy work?	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.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle. 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 Toy Poodle. 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 Toy Poodle. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Shih Tzu 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 Toy Poodle breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle. 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 Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle. 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 Toy Poodle Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle. Which has most puppies?	2-5 puppies	3-5 puppies	2-4 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle. 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 Toy Poodle. 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 Toy Poodle Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Toy Poodle. 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 Toy Poodle. 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 Toy Poodle. 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	Dog Registry of America Inc.

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