Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo Comparison - Dog breed selector: Shorkie Tzu or Mal-Shi or Pooshi? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo" Compare Shorkie Tzu and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is better: Shorkie Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo?

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	Shorkie Tzu	Maltese Shih Tzu	Shih-Poo
Origins	England China	United States	China Tibet
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Designer Dogs	Designer Dogs	Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank	1985	622	562
Reviews	0	3	2
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	No data available	Mal-Shi Malti Zu Malt-Tzu	Pooshi Shoodle
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo breed type comparison:	Cross Breed	Cross Breed	Cross Breed

Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Shorkie Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo? Which is the smallest dog, Shorkie Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Which is heavier, Shorkie Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo weight comparison:	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)	6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg)	8-15 pounds (4-7 kg) 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)	9 pounds (4 kg)	11.5 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Shorkie Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo? Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo height comparison:	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	10-12 inches (25-30 cm)	8-15 inches (20-38 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	9.5 inches (24 cm)	11 inches (27.5 cm)	11.5 inches (29 cm)

Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Shorkie Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo? Which is more expensive?	$600-$1000	$500-$800	$800-$1200
Availability Which is easier to get, Shorkie Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo?	Very frequent: The Shorkie Tzu is quite easy to get.	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed.	Frequent: The Shih-Poo is easier than average to get.

Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo intelligence:	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Smart: The Shih-Poo dogs have great intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo trainability comparison.	Shorkie Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Shorkie Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo?	Shorkie Tzu dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Shorkie Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Shorkie Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Shorkie Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo? Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo behavior/temperament comparison:	Active Playful Independent Happy Energetic Alert Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Loyal Lively Gentle	Active Curious Playful Intelligent Outgoing Adaptable	Intelligent Loyal Sweet Companionable
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Maltese 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.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo?	High: Shorkie Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Average to High: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.	High: Shih-Poo dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo social needs comparison:	Shorkie Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Shorkie Tzu dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Shih-Poo 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?	Shorkie Tzu 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. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.	Shih-Poo 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

Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo playfulness comparison:	Average: Shorkie Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Shih-Poo is a playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo?	A lot: Shorkie Tzu is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed. See more.	Low to Average: The Shih-Poo rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Shorkie Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo?	Very house-friendly dog the Shorkie Tzu breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Shih-Poo breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Shorkie Tzu 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.	Shih-Poo dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Shorkie Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo?	Shorkie 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.	Shih-Poo dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Shorkie Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shorkie Tzu bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih-Poo bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	Low 🔽 The Shorkie Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Shih-Poo has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo mouthiness comparison:	Shorkie Tzu dogs have an 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.	Shih-Poo dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo health comparison. Which is the healthier: Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo?	Shorkie Tzus are commonly healthy dogs.	Maltese Shih Tzus tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.	The Shih-Poo is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo health problems comparison:	Collapsed Trachea 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 Hypoglycemia Proptosis Juvenile Renal Dysplasia Keratitis Retained Baby Teeth Snuffles	Patellar Luxation White Dog Shaker Syndrome	Dental Problems Heatstroke
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Rare The Shorkie Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Frequent The Maltese Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.	Average The Shih-Poo should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo lifespan comparison. How long do Shorkie Tzu, Maltese Shih Tzu and Shih-Poo breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	12-16 years The average lifespan of Shorkie Tzu: 14 years	12-14 years The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years	14-16 years The average lifespan of Shih-Poo: 15 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo?	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. 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.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Shih-Poo can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.

Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Shorkie Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo? Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo energy level comparison:	Shorkie Tzu dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	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.	Shih-Poo dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shorkie Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Shorkie Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need.	Shih-Poo dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Shorkie Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo?	Shorkie Tzu dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Shih-Poo dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Shorkie Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo?	Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day.	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.	1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo weight gain potential comparison:	Average: The Shorkie Tzu has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih-Poo's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo coat comparison:	Fine Dense	Curly Silky Soft Wavy Long	Curly Straight Curly & Straight
Colors What are the original Shorkie Tzu, Maltese Shih Tzu and Shih-Poo color?	Black Tan Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold	Black White Brown White & Tan Black & White Brown & Black	Black White Brown Brindle Various combinations
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Shorkie Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo? Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo grooming comparison:	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Easy to groom: The Shih-Poo doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Shorkie Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo? Shorkie Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding:	Shorkie Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Shorkie Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo?	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. 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.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.
Hypoallergenic Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo?	Low 🔽 The Shorkie Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Shih-Poo has a low chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	The Shorkie Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Maltese Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Shih-Poo is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Shorkie Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.	Shih-Poo dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Shorkie Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo? Which dog is more friendly?	Shorkie Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Shih-Poo dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Shorkie Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo?	Shorkie Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.	Shih-Poo dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Shorkie Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo?	Shorkie Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.	Shih-Poo dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Shorkie Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo?	Shorkie Tzu dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Shih-Poo dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo?	Yes Shorkie Tzu 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.	Yes Shih-Poo dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Shorkie Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.	Yes Maltese Shih Tzu is one of the best dog breeds for office environment	No Shih-Poo is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Shorkie Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.	Maltese Shih Tzus are commonly okay with elderly people.	Shih-Poos are commonly okay with elderly people.

Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo 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. 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 Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Shorkie Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo? Which is better for autism?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	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.
Therapy Dog Breeds
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: Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo?	Not really Shorkie Tzu 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.	Not really Shih-Poo breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
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. 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.
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.

Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo 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. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.
Litter Size How many puppies can Shorkie Tzu and Maltese Shih Tzu and Shih-Poo have?	4-6 puppies	3-5 puppies	3-4 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Shorkie Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Not recognized by FCI.	Not recognized by FCI.	Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	No data available	Not recognized by any clubs.	Not recognized by any clubs.

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