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

"Find similarities and differences between Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu" Compare Tibetan Terrier and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Tibetan Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu?
 
 
 
Name Tibetan Terrier Shih Tzu Maltese Shih Tzu
OriginsTibet flagTibet China flagChina United States flagUnited States
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank10120622
Reviews4153
User Ratings

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

Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Tibetan Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which is the smallest dog, Tibetan Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Medium Small Small
Weight
Which is heavier, Tibetan Terrier or Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu? Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu weight comparison:
18-30 pounds (8.2-13.6 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?
24 pounds (8.2-13.6 kg) 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) 9 pounds (4 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Tibetan Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu height comparison:
14-17 inches (36-43 cm) 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) 10-12 inches (25-30 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
15.5 inches (39.5 cm) 9.5 inches (24 cm) 11 inches (27.5 cm)

Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Tibetan Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which is more expensive?
$1200-$2000 $800-$1200 $500-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Tibetan Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Frequent: The Tibetan Terrier is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.
Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed.

Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu intelligence:
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.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Trainability
Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu trainability comparison.
Tibetan Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Tibetan Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Tibetan Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Tibetan Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese 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.
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Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders.
See more.

Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Tibetan Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu behavior/temperament comparison:
Energetic
Sensitive
Intelligent
Affectionate
Gentle
Reserved
Amiable
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Active
Curious
Playful
Intelligent
Outgoing
Adaptable
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
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.
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: Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu?
High: Tibetan Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Shih 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.
Social Needs
Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu social needs comparison:
Tibetan Terrier dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Tibetan Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
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?
Tibetan Terrier dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.

Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu playfulness comparison:
The Tibetan Terrier is a playful breed.
See more.
Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
See more.
Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu?
Low to Average: The Tibetan Terrier rarely barks.
See more.
A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Tibetan Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Very house-friendly dog the Tibetan Terrier breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed.

Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese 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.
Shih 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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Tibetan Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese 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.
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.

Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Tibetan Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Tibetan Terrier bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.
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 Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu mouthiness comparison:
Tibetan Terrier dogs have a lower than 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.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu health comparison. Which is the healthier: Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu?
The Tibetan Terrier 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.
Maltese Shih Tzus tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Hyperthyroidism
Distichiasis
Lens Luxation
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
Patellar Luxation
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
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 Shih Tzu 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
Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu lifespan comparison. How long do Tibetan Terrier, Shih Tzu and Maltese Shih Tzu breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Tibetan Terrier: 13 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese 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.
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.

Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Tibetan Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu energy level comparison:
Tibetan Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Shih Tzu 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
Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Tibetan Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Tibetan Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Tibetan Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Tibetan Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.
Shih Tzu 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.

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

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Tibetan Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese 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: 1/2 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? Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Tibetan Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu has an average risk for obesity.
See more.

Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu coat comparison:
Thick
Smooth
Dense Curly
Silky
Soft
Wavy
Long
Colors
What are the original Tibetan Terrier, Shih Tzu and Maltese Shih Tzu color?
Black
Gray
White
Silver
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Black
White
Brown
White & Tan
Black & White
Brown & Black
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Tibetan Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu grooming comparison:
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
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.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Tibetan Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Tibetan Terrier or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding:
Tibetan Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Tibetan Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu?
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.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
Yes See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu?

Medium

The Tibetan Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu 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 Tibetan Terrier 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.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese 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.
Shih Tzu 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 Tibetan Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?
Tibetan Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Tibetan Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Tibetan Terrier dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Tibetan Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Tibetan Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Tibetan Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Tibetan Terrier dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Shih Tzu 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: Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu?
Yes
Tibetan Terrier 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.
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
Tibetan Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Shih Tzu 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?
Tibetan Terriers are commonly okay with elderly people.
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.
Maltese Shih Tzus are commonly okay with elderly people.

Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu 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.
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.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Tibetan Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese 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.
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 Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu?

Not really

Tibetan Terrier 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.

Not really

Maltese 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 Shih Tzu 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.
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 Shih Tzu and Maltese Shih Tzu have?
4-6 puppies 2-5 puppies 3-5 puppies

Tibetan Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese 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 1969 as a Toy breed. 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. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section. 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
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
Not recognized by any clubs.

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