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
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Compare Shih Tzu and Zuchon. Which is better: Shih Tzu or Zuchon or Maltese Shih Tzu?
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| Name | Shih Tzu | Zuchon | Maltese Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origins |  China |  Spain  Belgium China |  United States |
| Group | Companion Dogs | Designer Dogs | Designer Dogs |
| Popularity Rank | 20 | 663 | 622 |
| Reviews | 15 | 0 | 3 |
| User Ratings |
| Other Names
What other names do they have? |
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 Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu breed type comparison: | Purebred | Cross Breed | Cross Breed |
Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison
| Price
Which is cheaper, Shih Tzu or Zuchon or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which is more expensive? | $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 Size Comparison
| Size
Which is bigger, Shih Tzu or Zuchon or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which is the smallest dog, Shih Tzu or Zuchon or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Small | Small | Small |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight
Which is heavier, Shih Tzu or Zuchon or Zuchon? Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu weight comparison: | 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 Grooming, Hair and Care Comparison
| Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu coat comparison: | Dense |
Dense Curly |
Curly Silky Soft Wavy Long |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colors
What are the original Shih Tzu, Zuchon and Maltese Shih Tzu color? |
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
Which dog is easy to maintain, Shih Tzu or Zuchon or Maltese Shih Tzu? Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu grooming comparison: | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. | Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming. |
| 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. | Zuchon dogs are low shedders. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. |
| Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Shih Tzu or Zuchon or Maltese Shih Tzu? | 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. | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. |
Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu Personality / Temperament Comparison
| Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Shih Tzu or Zuchon or Maltese Shih Tzu? Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu behavior/temperament comparison: |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu intelligence: | Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. | Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. | Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. |
| Trainability
Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu trainability comparison. | Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. | Zuchon dogs are quite easy to train. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train. |
| Playfulness
Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu playfulness comparison: | Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. | Average: Zuchons, like any other dog breed, like playing. | Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing. |
| 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. | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. |
| 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. | High: Zuchon dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | Average to High: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are highly affectionate dogs. |
| Social Needs
Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu social needs comparison: | Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Zuchon dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average. |
| Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu? | A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. | Average to High: The Zuchon is a vocal breed. | Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed. |
| Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Shih Tzu or Zuchon or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. | Zuchon dogs are average watchdogs. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. |
| Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Shih Tzu or Zuchon or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Which dog is most likely to protect its owner?
Which is the best dog to use for protection? | Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. | Zuchon dogs are average defenders. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders. |
| Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison: | 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. |
| Bite Force
Which bite is stronger: Shih Tzu or Zuchon or Maltese Shih Tzu? | 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. |
| Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu mouthiness comparison: | Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Zuchon dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. |
| Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? | Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. | Zuchon dogs have average wanderlust potential. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not the biggest explorers. |
| 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. | 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. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. |
| Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Shih Tzu or Zuchon or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Zuchon breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed. |
| Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog? | 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. |
| Tolerates Being Left Alone
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 Good With Comparison
| 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pet Friendly
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. |
| Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Shih Tzu or Zuchon or Maltese Shih Tzu? | 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. |
| 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 Health Comparison
| Health Issues
Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu health comparison. Which is the healthier: Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu? | 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Veterinarian Visits
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. |
| Life Expectancy
Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu lifespan comparison. How long do Shih Tzu, Zuchon and Maltese Shih Tzu breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? |
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 |
| Hypoallergenic
Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not? | Yes See more. | Yes See more. | Yes See more. |
| Energy Level
Who has more energy a Shih Tzu or Zuchon or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu energy level comparison: | 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. |
| Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Shih Tzu or Zuchon or Maltese Shih Tzu? | 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. |
| Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu weight gain potential comparison: | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Zuchon's weight, he can easily gain weight. | Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu has an average risk for obesity. |
| Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu? | 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 warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. |
| Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu? | 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. |
| Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? | The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Zuchon is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Maltese Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison
| Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog? | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Shih Tzu or Zuchon or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which is better for autism? | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. |
| Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog? | 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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be 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. | Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. |
| Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu? | Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Zuchon breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Maltese Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
| Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog? | 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. |
| Fighting Dog / Military 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. | Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog. |
Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison
| Gestation Length | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Litter Frequency | 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. |
| Litter Size
How many puppies can Shih Tzu and Zuchon and Maltese Shih Tzu have? | 2-5 puppies | 2-5 puppies | 3-5 puppies |
Shih Tzu vs Zuchon vs Maltese Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison
| AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC? | 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 Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI? | Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section. | Not recognized by FCI. | Not recognized by FCI. |
| Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds? |
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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