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Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo Comparison - Dog breed selector: Chrysanthemum Dog or Mal-Shi or Maltapoo? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo" Compare Shih Tzu and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is better: Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltipoo?
 
 
 
Name Shih Tzu Maltese Shih Tzu Maltipoo
OriginsChina flagChina United States flagUnited States Germany flagGermany France flagFrance Italy flagItaly
Group Companion Dogs Designer Dogs Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank20622558
Reviews1534
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Mal-Shi
Malti Zu
Malt-Tzu
Maltapoo
Malt-A-Poo
Malte-Poo
Maltese-Poodle
MaltiPoodle
Malt-oodles
Moodle
mPoo
Multapoo
Multipoo
Multi-Poo
Maltepoo
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo breed type comparison:
Purebred Cross Breed Cross Breed

Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltipoo? Which is the smallest dog, Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltipoo?
Small Small Small
Medium
Weight
Which is heavier, Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo weight comparison:
9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) 6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg) 5-20 pounds (2,5-9 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) 9 pounds (4 kg) 12.5 pounds (5,5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltipoo? Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo height comparison:
8-11 inches (20-28 cm) 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) 10-13 inches (25-33 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
9.5 inches (24 cm) 11 inches (27.5 cm) 11.5 inches (27 cm)

Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltipoo? Which is more expensive?
$800-$1200 $500-$800 $400-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltipoo?
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.
Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed.
Frequent: The Maltipoo is easier than average to get.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo intelligence:
Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Smart: The Maltipoo dogs have great intelligence.
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Trainability
Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo trainability comparison.
Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train.
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Maltipoo dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltipoo?
Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
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Maltipoo dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltipoo? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders.
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Maltipoo dogs are average defenders.
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Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltipoo? Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo behavior/temperament comparison:
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Active
Curious
Playful
Intelligent
Outgoing
Adaptable
Active
Funny
Intelligent
Affectionate
Obedient
Companionable
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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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.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo?
High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: Maltipoo dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo social needs comparison:
Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Maltipoo dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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The wanderlust potential of the Maltipoo is strong enough to escape from home.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Maltipoo dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
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.
Maltipoo dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltipoo?
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.
Maltipoo 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 vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltipoo bite force: Weak.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo health comparison. Which is the healthier: Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo?
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.
Maltipoos tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo health problems comparison:
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
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
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.
Frequent
The Maltipoo should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Life Expectancy
Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo lifespan comparison. How long do Shih Tzu, Maltese Shih Tzu and Maltipoo breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of Maltipoo: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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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 warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltipoo? Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo energy level comparison:
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.
Maltipoo 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
Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltipoo? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need.
Maltipoo dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltipoo?
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.
Maltipoo dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltipoo?
Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. 0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo weight gain potential comparison:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu has an average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The Maltipoo has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo coat comparison:
Dense Curly
Silky
Soft
Wavy
Long
Fluffy
Soft
Wavy
Woolly
Colors
What are the original Shih Tzu, Maltese Shih Tzu and Maltipoo color?
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Black
White
Brown
White & Tan
Black & White
Brown & Black
Black
Cream
White
Grey
Gold
Apricot
Almost all colors
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltipoo? Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo grooming comparison:
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Average: The Maltipoo requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltipoo? Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding:
Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Maltipoo dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltipoo?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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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
Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo 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, Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo?

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Maltipoo has a low chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Maltese Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Maltipoo is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/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.
Maltipoo dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltipoo? Which dog is more friendly?
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Maltipoo dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltipoo?
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Maltipoo dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltipoo?
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Maltipoo dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltipoo?
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Maltipoo dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo?
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.
Yes
Maltipoo dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
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
No
Maltipoo is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.
Maltese Shih Tzus are commonly okay with elderly people.
Maltipoos are usually recommended for elderly people.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo 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.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltipoo? 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.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect 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: Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo?

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.

Not really

Maltipoo 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.

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

Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Maltipoo Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. 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. Not recognized by FCI. 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
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry
Not recognized by any clubs. Continental Kennel Club
American Canine Hybrid Club
Designer Breed Registry
Designer Dogs Kennel Club
National Maltipoo Club
Maltipoo Club of America

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