Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu Comparison - Dog breed selector: Barbone or Zwergschnauzer or Mal-Shi? Find the right dog for you
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Compare Toy Poodle and Miniature Schnauzer. Which is better: Toy Poodle or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese Shih Tzu?
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Name | Toy Poodle | Miniature Schnauzer | Maltese Shih Tzu |
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Origins | ![]() ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Group | Companion Dogs | Hunting Dogs | Designer Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 449 | 18 | 622 |
Reviews | 4 | 5 | 3 |
User Ratings |
Other Names
What other names do they have? |
Barbone Pudle Teacup Poodle Teddy Poodle | Zwergschnauzer |
Mal-Shi Malti Zu Malt-Tzu |
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Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu breed type comparison: | Purebred | Purebred | Cross Breed |
Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison
Price
Which is cheaper, Toy Poodle or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which is more expensive? | $1000-$1500 | $600-$1000 | $500-$800 |
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Availability
Which is easier to get, Toy Poodle or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows. | Very frequent: The Miniature Schnauzer is quite easy to get. | Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed. |
Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu Size Comparison
Size
Which is bigger, Toy Poodle or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which is the smallest dog, Toy Poodle or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Small | Small | Small |
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Weight
Which is heavier, Toy Poodle or Miniature Schnauzer or Miniature Schnauzer? Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu weight comparison: | Male: 6-9 pounds (3-4 kg) | Male: 11-18 pounds (5.0-8.2 kg), Female: 10-15 pounds (4.5-6.8 kg) | 6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg) |
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | Male: 7.5 pounds (3.5 kg) | Male: 14.5 pounds (5.0-8.2 kg), Female: 12.5 pounds (4.5-6.8 kg) | 9 pounds (4 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, Toy Poodle or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese Shih Tzu? Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu height comparison: | Up to 10 inches (25.4 cm) | Male: 14 inches (35.6 cm), Female: 13 inches (33.0 cm) | 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) |
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | Up to 10 inches (25.4 cm) | Male: 14 inches (35.6 cm), Female: 13 inches (33.0 cm) | 11 inches (27.5 cm) |
Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu Grooming, Hair and Care Comparison
Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu coat comparison: |
Dense Curly Thick | Wiry |
Curly Silky Soft Wavy Long |
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Colors
What are the original Toy Poodle, Miniature Schnauzer and Maltese Shih Tzu color? |
Black Gray Red Blue Cream White Silver Brown Fawn Beige Apricot |
Black Silver Pepper Salt |
Black White Brown White & Tan Black & White Brown & Black |
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Toy Poodle or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese Shih Tzu? Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu grooming comparison: | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. | Advanced: The Miniature Schnauzer requires a lot of grooming. | Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming. |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Toy Poodle or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese Shih Tzu? Toy Poodle or Miniature Schnauzer or {name3 shedding: | Toy Poodle dogs shed none to minimal. | Miniature Schnauzer dogs shed none to minimal. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. |
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Toy Poodle or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese Shih Tzu? | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. | 8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. |
Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu Personality / Temperament Comparison
Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Toy Poodle or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese Shih Tzu? Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu behavior/temperament comparison: |
Active Alert Intelligent Trainable Faithful Instinctual |
Alert Intelligent Friendly Obedient Fearless Spirited |
Active Curious Playful Intelligent Outgoing Adaptable |
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Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu intelligence: | Outstanding: Toy Poodle is one of the brightest dog breeds. | Very smart: Miniature Schnauzer is an excellent dog breed. | Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. |
Trainability
Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu trainability comparison. | Toy Poodle dogs are very easy to train. | Miniature Schnauzer dogs are easy to train. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train. |
Playfulness
Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu playfulness comparison: | The Toy Poodle is a playful breed. | Average: Miniature Schnauzers, 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? | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. | 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: Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu? | High: Toy Poodle dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Miniature Schnauzer 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
Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu social needs comparison: | Toy Poodle dogs are a social breed. | Miniature Schnauzer dogs are a social breed. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average. |
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu? | Average to High: The Toy Poodle is a vocal breed. | Average: The Miniature Schnauzer barks occasionally. | Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed. |
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Toy Poodle or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Toy Poodle dogs are good watchdogs. | Miniature Schnauzer dogs are one of the best watchdogs. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. |
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Toy Poodle or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Which dog is most likely to protect its owner?
Which is the best dog to use for protection? | Toy Poodle dogs are average defenders. | Miniature Schnauzer dogs strongly protect their territory. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders. |
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison: | Low 🔽 The Toy Poodle has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Miniature Schnauzer 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: Toy Poodle or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Toy Poodle bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Miniature Schnauzer bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese Shih Tzu bite force: Weak. |
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu mouthiness comparison: | Toy Poodle dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Miniature Schnauzer dogs have a lower 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? | Toy Poodle dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. | Miniature Schnauzer 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? | Toy Poodle dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. | Miniature Schnauzer dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. |
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Toy Poodle or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Very house-friendly dog the Toy Poodle breed. | It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Miniature Schnauzer indoors. | Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed. |
Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog? | Toy Poodle dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Miniature Schnauzer 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: Toy Poodle or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Toy Poodle 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. | Miniature Schnauzer 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. | Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. |
Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu Good With Comparison
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Toy Poodle or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly? | Toy Poodle dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. | Miniature Schnauzer dogs are average friendly towards strangers. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers. |
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Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets? | Toy Poodle dogs are usually friendly towards other pets. | Miniature Schnauzer dogs are generally with other pets. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family. |
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Toy Poodle or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Toy Poodle dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. | Miniature Schnauzer dogs are kid-friendly dogs. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children. |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Toy Poodle or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Toy Poodle dogs are cat-friendly dogs. | Miniature Schnauzer dogs are average friendly towards cats. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs. |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Toy Poodle or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Toy Poodle dogs are dog-friendly dogs. | Miniature Schnauzer dogs are average friendly towards other 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: Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu? |
Yes Toy Poodle dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Yes Miniature Schnauzer 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 Toy Poodle is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No Miniature Schnauzer 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? | Toy Poodles are one of the best breeds for elderly people. | Miniature Schnauzers are usually recommended for elderly people. | Maltese Shih Tzus are commonly okay with elderly people. |
Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu Health Comparison
Health Issues
Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu health comparison. Which is the healthier: Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu? | The Toy Poodle is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. | The Miniature Schnauzer 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. |
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Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu health problems comparison: |
Heart Murmurs Slipped Stifle Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Ear Infections Skin Allergies Canine Diabetes Mellitus Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia |
Cataracts Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection (MAI) |
Patellar Luxation White Dog Shaker Syndrome |
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits? |
Average The Toy Poodle should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Average The Miniature Schnauzer 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
Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu lifespan comparison. How long do Toy Poodle, Miniature Schnauzer and Maltese Shih Tzu breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? |
14-16 years The average lifespan of Toy Poodle: 15 years |
12-14 years The average lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer: 13 years |
12-14 years The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years |
Hypoallergenic
Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer 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 Toy Poodle or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu energy level comparison: | Toy Poodle dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. | Miniature Schnauzer dogs are high-energy 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
Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Toy Poodle or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | Toy Poodle dogs need quite a lot of exercise. | Miniature Schnauzer dogs have an average exercise need. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need. |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Toy Poodle or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese Shih Tzu? | Toy Poodle dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. | Miniature Schnauzer dogs don't need too much sleep. | 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: Toy Poodle or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese Shih Tzu? | 1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. | 1/2 to 1 cup 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? Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu weight gain potential comparison: | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Toy Poodle's weight, he can easily gain weight. | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Miniature Schnauzer'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: Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu? | Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. | Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Miniature Schnauzer can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. | 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, Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu? | Low 🔽 The Toy Poodle has a low chance of bad smell. | Low 🔽 The Miniature Schnauzer 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 Toy Poodle is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Miniature Schnauzer is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Maltese Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer 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. |
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Toy Poodle or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which is better for autism? | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a 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: Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu? | Not really Toy Poodle breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Yes Miniature Schnauzer breed usually likes 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. |
Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison
Gestation Length | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
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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 Toy Poodle and Miniature Schnauzer and Maltese Shih Tzu have? | 2-4 puppies | 3-6 puppies | 3-5 puppies |
Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison
AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC? | Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1926 as a Terrier breed. | Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. |
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FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI? | Not recognized by FCI. | Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Pinscher and Schnauzer type section. | Not recognized by FCI. |
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds? | Dog Registry of America Inc. |
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 | Not recognized by any clubs. |
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