Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Maltipoo Comparison - Dog breed selector: Chrysanthemum Dog or Japanese Shiba Inu or Maltapoo? Find the right dog for you
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Compare Shih Tzu and Shiba Inu. Which is better: Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu or Maltipoo?
Name | Shih Tzu | Shiba Inu | Maltipoo |
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Origins | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Group | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs | Designer Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 20 | 45 | 558 |
Reviews | 19 | 9 | 4 |
User Ratings |
Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo breeds. |
Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog |
Japanese Shiba Inu Japanese Small-Size Dog Shiba Shiba Ken Brushwood Dog |
Maltapoo Malt-A-Poo Malte-Poo Maltese-Poodle MaltiPoodle Malt-oodles Moodle mPoo Multapoo Multipoo Multi-Poo Maltepoo |
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Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo? Compare their breeding categories. | Purebred | Purebred | Cross Breed |
Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Maltipoo Size and Weight Comparison
Size Classification
Compare size differences between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. Which breed is the largest? | Small | Medium | Small Medium |
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Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo? Compare adult weight ranges. | 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) | Male: 18-25 pounds (8-11 kg), Female: 15-20 pounds (6.8-9 kg) | 5-20 pounds (2,5-9 kg) |
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) | Male: 21.5 pounds (9.5 kg), Female: 17.5 pounds (6.8.5 kg) | 12.5 pounds (5,5 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu or Maltipoo? Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Maltipoo height comparison: | 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) | Male: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm), Female: 13-15 inches (33-38 cm) | 10-13 inches (25-33 cm) |
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | 9.5 inches (24 cm) | Male: 15 inches (38.5 cm), Female: 14 inches (35.5 cm) | 11.5 inches (27 cm) |
Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Maltipoo Price and Availability Comparison
Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. Find price differences between these breeds. | $800-$1200 | $800-$1000 | $400-$2000 |
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Availability
Which is easier to get, Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu or Maltipoo? | Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Shiba Inu is quite easy to get. | Frequent: The Maltipoo is easier than average to get. |
Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Maltipoo Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. Which breed ranks highest? | Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. | Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. | Smart: The Maltipoo dogs have great intelligence. |
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. Which is easiest to train? | Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. | A slightly harder to train than average. | Maltipoo dogs are easy to train. |
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. Which breed is most alert? | Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. | Shiba Inu dogs are good watchdogs. | Maltipoo dogs are one of the best watchdogs. |
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. Which breed is most protective? | Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. | Shiba Inu dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. | Maltipoo dogs are average defenders. |
Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Maltipoo Personality and Temperament Comparison
Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo? Compare temperaments. |
Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle |
Alert Confident Going Fearless Keen Faithful Charming |
Active Funny Intelligent Affectionate Obedient Companionable |
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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. | Shiba Inu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. |
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Maltipoo? | High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | Average to High: Shiba Inu dogs are highly affectionate dogs. | High: Maltipoo dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
Social Needs
Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Maltipoo social needs comparison: | Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Shiba Inu dogs need for social interaction is average. | Maltipoo dogs are a social breed. |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? | Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. | The wanderlust potential of the Shiba Inu is strong enough to escape from home. | The wanderlust potential of the Maltipoo is strong enough to escape from home. |
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. | Shiba Inu dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. | Maltipoo dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. |
Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Maltipoo Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. Which breed is most vocal? | A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. | Low to Average: The Shiba Inu rarely barks. | A lot: Maltipoo is a particularly loud breed. |
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. Which breed is most playful? | Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. | Average: Shiba Inus, like any other dog breed, like playing. | The Maltipoo is a playful breed. |
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. Which adapts best to small spaces? | Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Shiba Inu breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Maltipoo breed. |
Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Maltipoo Adaptability and Independence Comparison
Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. Which breed is most flexible? | Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Shiba Inu dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. | Maltipoo dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. |
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Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu or Maltipoo? | 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. | Maltipoo 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 Shiba Inu vs Maltipoo Bite Characteristics Comparison
Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. Which has lowest bite risk? | Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Shiba Inu has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Maltipoo has a low chance of biting somebody. |
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Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. Which uses mouth most during play? | Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Shiba Inu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Maltipoo dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. |
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. Which has the strongest bite? | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Shiba Inu bite force: Ordinary. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltipoo bite force: Weak. |
Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Maltipoo Health and Lifespan Comparison
Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. Which breed lives longest? |
10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years |
11-15 years The average lifespan of Shiba Inu: 13 years |
9-13 years The average lifespan of Maltipoo: 11 years |
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Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. 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. | Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Shiba Inu can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. | Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. |
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. 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 Shiba Inu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. | Maltipoos 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 Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Average The Shiba Inu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Frequent The Maltipoo 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 Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Maltipoo? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Maltipoo 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 | Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Allergies Cancer Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Glaucoma Spinning Chylothorax |
Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Portosystemic Liver Shunt White Dog Shaker Syndrome |
Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Maltipoo Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. Which breed is most active? | Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. | Shiba Inu dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. | Maltipoo dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you. |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Maltipoo exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu or Maltipoo? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal. | Shiba Inu dogs have an average exercise need. | Maltipoo dogs have an average exercise need. |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu or Maltipoo? | Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. | Shiba Inu dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. | Maltipoo dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed. |
Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Maltipoo Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. 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. | Low to Average: The Shiba Inu has a low to the average risk for obesity. | Low to Average: The Maltipoo has a low to the average risk for obesity. |
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. Which needs most food? | Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. | Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. | 0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. |
Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Maltipoo Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. Which is best for allergy sufferers? | Yes See more. | No See more. | Yes See more. |
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Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. What colors are available? |
Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold |
Black Tan Red Cream Sesame |
Black Cream White Grey Gold Apricot Almost all colors |
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. Which requires most maintenance? | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. | Easy to groom: The Shiba Inu doesn't require a lot of grooming. | Average: The Maltipoo requires average grooming effort. |
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. Which drools least? | The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Shiba Inu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Maltipoo is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. Which has least natural smell? | Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The Shiba Inu has an average chance of bad smell. | Low 🔽 The Maltipoo has a low chance of bad smell. |
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. How do their fur characteristics differ? | Dense | Dense |
Fluffy Soft Wavy Woolly |
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. Which requires most frequent baths? | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu or Maltipoo? Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu or {name3 shedding: | Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. | Shiba Inu dogs shed above average. | Maltipoo dogs shed none to minimal. |
Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Maltipoo Good With Comparison
Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. Which is best with kids? | Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs. | Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children. | Maltipoo dogs are kid-friendly dogs. |
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Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets? | Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. | Shiba Inu dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets. | Maltipoo dogs are usually friendly towards other pets. |
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu or Maltipoo? Which dog is more friendly? | Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers. | Shiba Inu dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs. | Maltipoo dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu or Maltipoo? | Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Shiba Inu dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs. | Maltipoo dogs are cat-friendly dogs. |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu or Maltipoo? | Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. | Maltipoo dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. |
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Maltipoo? |
Yes Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
No Shiba Inu dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality. |
Yes Maltipoo 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 Shiba Inu is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No Maltipoo 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. | Shiba Inus are commonly okay with elderly people. | Maltipoos are usually recommended for elderly people. |
Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Maltipoo As a Working Dog Comparison
Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. Which is best suited for service work? | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. |
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. Which excels in therapy work? | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. |
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. 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, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. 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, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. Which is best suited for water work? | Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Shiba Inu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Maltipoo breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. Which is best for draft work? | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. 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 Shiba Inu vs Maltipoo Reproducibility Comparison
Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. Which has most puppies? | 2-5 puppies | 2-4 puppies | 4-6 puppies |
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Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. 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, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. What's recommended? | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Maltipoo Recognition Comparison
AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. How are they classified? | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992 as a Non-Sporting breed. | Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. |
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FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. 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 Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section. | Not recognized by FCI. |
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Maltipoo. 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 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 |
Continental Kennel Club American Canine Hybrid Club Designer Breed Registry Designer Dogs Kennel Club National Maltipoo Club Maltipoo Club of America |
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