Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Comparison - Dog breed selector: Dokhi Apso or Maltese lion dog or Chrysanthemum Dog? Find the right dog for you

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

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	Tibetan Terrier	Maltese	Shih Tzu
Origins	Tibet	Italy	China
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	101	33	20
Reviews	4	3	16
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Dokhi Apso Tsang Apso	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Tibetan Terrier or Maltese or Shih Tzu? Which is the smallest dog, Tibetan Terrier or Maltese or Shih Tzu?	Medium	Small	Small
Weight Which is heavier, Tibetan Terrier or Maltese or Maltese? Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu weight comparison:	18-30 pounds (8.2-13.6 kg)	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	24 pounds (8.2-13.6 kg)	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Tibetan Terrier or Maltese or Shih Tzu? Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu height comparison:	14-17 inches (36-43 cm)	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	15.5 inches (39.5 cm)	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)	9.5 inches (24 cm)

Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Tibetan Terrier or Maltese or Shih Tzu? Which is more expensive?	$1200-$2000	$600-$800	$800-$1200
Availability Which is easier to get, Tibetan Terrier or Maltese or Shih Tzu?	Frequent: The Tibetan Terrier is easier than average to get.	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.

Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu intelligence:	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu trainability comparison.	Tibetan Terrier dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Shih Tzu 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: Tibetan Terrier or Maltese or Shih Tzu?	Tibetan Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Tibetan Terrier or Maltese or Shih Tzu? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Tibetan Terrier dogs are average defenders. See more.	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Tibetan Terrier or Maltese or Shih Tzu? Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu behavior/temperament comparison:	Energetic Sensitive Intelligent Affectionate Gentle Reserved Amiable	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	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.	Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu?	High: Tibetan Terrier 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: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison:	Tibetan Terrier dogs are a social breed. See more.	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Tibetan Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Shih Tzu 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?	Tibetan Terrier dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.	Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Tibetan Terrier or Maltese or Shih Tzu?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Tibetan Terrier bite force: Ordinary.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu 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 Tibetan Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu mouthiness comparison:	Tibetan Terrier dogs have a lower 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.	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu health comparison. Which is the healthier: Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu?	The Tibetan Terrier 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 Shih Tzu 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: Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu health problems comparison:	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Hyperthyroidism Distichiasis Lens Luxation	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome	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
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Tibetan Terrier 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 Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu lifespan comparison. How long do Tibetan Terrier, Maltese and Shih Tzu breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	11-15 years The average lifespan of Tibetan Terrier: 13 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu?	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Tibetan Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. 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.

Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Tibetan Terrier or Maltese or Shih Tzu? Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu energy level comparison:	Tibetan Terrier dogs are high-energy 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.	Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Tibetan Terrier or Maltese or Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Tibetan Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.	Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Tibetan Terrier or Maltese or Shih Tzu?	Tibetan Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.	Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Tibetan Terrier or Maltese or Shih Tzu?	Recommended daily amount: 1 1/8 to 1 3/8 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.	Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup 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.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu weight gain potential comparison:	Average: The Tibetan Terrier has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu coat comparison:	Thick Smooth	Feathered	Dense
Colors What are the original Tibetan Terrier, Maltese and Shih Tzu color?	Black Gray White Silver	White	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Tibetan Terrier or Maltese or Shih Tzu? Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu grooming comparison:	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
Shedding Level Who sheds more Tibetan Terrier or Maltese or Shih Tzu? Tibetan Terrier or Maltese or {name3 shedding:	Tibetan Terrier dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Shih Tzu 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: Tibetan Terrier or Maltese or Shih Tzu?	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.
Hypoallergenic Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu 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, Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu?	Medium ⏺ The Tibetan Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	The Tibetan Terrier 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 Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

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

Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs 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. 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: Tibetan Terrier or Maltese or Shih Tzu? Which is better for autism?	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.	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: Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu?	Not really Tibetan Terrier 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 Shih Tzu 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.

Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs 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. 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 Tibetan Terrier and Maltese and Shih Tzu have?	4-6 puppies	3-5 puppies	2-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Tibetan Terrier vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1973 as a Non-Sporting breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	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.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.
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	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	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

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