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

"Find similarities and differences between Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu" Compare Toy Poodle and Miniature Schnauzer. Which is better: Toy Poodle or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese Shih Tzu?

Price and Availability Size Grooming, Hair and Care Personality / Temperament Good With Health As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Toy Poodle	Miniature Schnauzer	Maltese Shih Tzu
Origins	Germany France	Germany	United States
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
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
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
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
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
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. See more.	Advanced: The Miniature Schnauzer requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
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. See more.	Miniature Schnauzer dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Maltese 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: 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. See more.	8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. 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.

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
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. See more.	Very smart: Miniature Schnauzer is an excellent dog breed. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu trainability comparison.	Toy Poodle dogs are very easy to train. See more.	Miniature Schnauzer dogs are easy to train. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Playfulness Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu playfulness comparison:	The Toy Poodle is a playful breed. See more.	Average: Miniature Schnauzers, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
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.	Maltese 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: 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. See more.	High: Miniature Schnauzer 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.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu social needs comparison:	Toy Poodle dogs are a social breed. See more.	Miniature Schnauzer dogs are a social breed. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
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. See more.	Average: The Miniature Schnauzer barks occasionally. See more.	Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Toy Poodle or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Toy Poodle dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Miniature Schnauzer dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
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. See more.	Miniature Schnauzer dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List
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.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
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. See more.	Miniature Schnauzer dogs have a lower 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.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Toy Poodle dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Miniature Schnauzer dogs have average wanderlust potential. 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?	Toy Poodle dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.	Miniature Schnauzer 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.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive
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.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List
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.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
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.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
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 Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
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.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
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.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
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
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
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.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
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.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
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.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot
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.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
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. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Miniature Schnauzer's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To 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. See more.	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. 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.
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. See more.	The Miniature Schnauzer 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.

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. 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: Toy Poodle or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese Shih Tzu? 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: Toy Poodle vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	Not really Toy Poodle breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Yes Miniature Schnauzer breed usually likes 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.

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.
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 Toy Poodle and Miniature Schnauzer and Maltese Shih Tzu have?	2-4 puppies	3-6 puppies	3-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

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.
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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