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

"Find similarities and differences between Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu" Compare Shih Tzu and Zuchon. Which is better: Shih Tzu or Zuchon or Maltese Shih Tzu?
 
 
 
Name Shih Tzu Zuchon Maltese Shih Tzu
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Group Companion Dogs Designer Dogs Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank20663622
Reviews1903
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Shih Tzu, Zuchon, and Maltese Shih Tzu breeds.
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
BichonTzu
Rag Doll
Shichon
Shichon-Teddy Bear
Shihchon
Shih-Chon
Teddy Bear
Tzu Frise
Mal-Shi
Malti Zu
Malt-Tzu
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Shih Tzu, Zuchon, and Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Cross Breed Cross Breed

Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Shih Tzu, Zuchon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Shih Tzu, Zuchon, and Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare adult weight ranges.
9–16 pounds (4-7 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?
9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) 9 pounds (4 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shih Tzu or Zuchon or Maltese Shih Tzu? Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu height comparison:
8-11 inches (20-28 cm) Male: 9-12 inches (23–30 cm) Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) 10-12 inches (25-30 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
9.5 inches (24 cm) Male: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm) 11 inches (27.5 cm)

Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Shih Tzu, Zuchon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1200 $700-$1000 $500-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shih Tzu or Zuchon or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.
Average: The Zuchon is a commonly available dog breed.
Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed.

Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Shih Tzu, Zuchon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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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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 Tzu, Zuchon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is easiest to train?
Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
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Zuchon 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 Tzu, Zuchon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is most alert?
Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
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Zuchon dogs are average watchdogs.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Shih Tzu, Zuchon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is most protective?
Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Zuchon dogs are average defenders.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders.
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Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Shih Tzu, Zuchon, and Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare temperaments.
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Active
Playful
Happy
Sensitive
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Cheerful
Active
Curious
Playful
Intelligent
Outgoing
Adaptable
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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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu?
High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Zuchon 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.
See more.
Social Needs
Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu social needs comparison:
Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Zuchon 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 Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Zuchon dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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.
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Zuchon 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.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Shih Tzu, Zuchon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
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Average to High: The Zuchon is a vocal breed.
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Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed.
See more.
Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Shih Tzu, Zuchon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is most playful?
Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
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Average: Zuchons, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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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 Tzu, Zuchon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Zuchon breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed.

Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

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

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Zuchon 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 Tzu, Zuchon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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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Zuchon dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
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 Tzu, Zuchon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Zuchon bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Shih Tzu, Zuchon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed lives longest?
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Zuchon: 13 years

10-16 years
The average lifespan of Zuchon: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Shih Tzu, Zuchon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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 average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Shih Tzu, Zuchon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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 Zuchon 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 Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Zuchon 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 Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu 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
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Umbilical Hernias
Vaccination Sensitivity
Ear Infections
Distichiasis
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Bladder Stones
Juvenile Cataracts
Ectopic Cilia
Reverse Sneezing
Dry Eye
Proptosis
Juvenile Renal Dysplasia
Keratitis
Retained Baby Teeth
Snuffles
Patellar Luxation
White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Shih Tzu, Zuchon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is most active?
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Zuchon 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 Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shih Tzu or Zuchon or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Zuchon dogs exercise need is minimal.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shih Tzu or Zuchon or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Zuchon 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 Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Shih Tzu, Zuchon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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 to High: If you don't pay attention to the Zuchon'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 Tzu, Zuchon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. 1/2 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 Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Shih Tzu, Zuchon, 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 Tzu, Zuchon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. What colors are available?
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Black
Red
Blue
Cream
White
Silver
Brindle
Buff
Liver
Gold
Apricot
Black
White
Brown
White & Tan
Black & White
Brown & Black
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Shih Tzu, Zuchon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which requires most maintenance?
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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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 Tzu, Zuchon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which drools least?
The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Zuchon 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.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Shih Tzu, Zuchon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which has least natural smell?

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Zuchon 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 Tzu, Zuchon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Dense
Curly
Curly
Silky
Soft
Wavy
Long
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Shih Tzu, Zuchon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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 Zuchon or Maltese Shih Tzu? Shih Tzu or Zuchon or {name3 shedding:
Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
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Zuchon dogs are low shedders.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
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Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Shih Tzu, Zuchon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is best with kids?
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Zuchon dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Zuchon 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 Tzu or Zuchon or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Zuchon dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shih Tzu or Zuchon or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Zuchon dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shih Tzu or Zuchon or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Zuchon 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 Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu?
Yes
Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Zuchon 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 Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Zuchon 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 Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.
Zuchons are commonly okay with elderly people.
Maltese Shih Tzus are commonly okay with elderly people.

Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Shih Tzu, Zuchon, 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 Tzu, Zuchon, 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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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Shih Tzu, Zuchon, 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 Tzu, Zuchon, 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 Tzu, Zuchon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Zuchon 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 Tzu, Zuchon, 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 Tzu, Zuchon, 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 Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

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

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

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