Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug Comparison - Dog breed selector: Mal-Shi or Cavoodle or Carlin? Find the right dog for you

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

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	Maltese Shih Tzu	Cavapoo	Pug
Origins	United States	Australia	China
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Designer Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	622	555	31
Reviews	3	10	13
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Mal-Shi Malti Zu Malt-Tzu	Cavoodle	Carlin Chinese Pug Dutch Bulldog Dutch Mastiff Mini Mastiff Mops
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug breed type comparison:	Cross Breed	Cross Breed	Purebred

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Pug? Which is the smallest dog, Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Pug?	Small	Small Medium	Small
Weight Which is heavier, Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Cavapoo? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug weight comparison:	6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg)	12-24 pounds (5.4-11 kg)	Male: 13-20 pounds (6-9 kg), Female: 13-18 pounds (6-8 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	9 pounds (4 kg)	18 pounds (5.7.5 kg)	Male: 16.5 pounds (7.5 kg), Female: 15.5 pounds (7 kg)
Height Which is taller, Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Pug? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug height comparison:	10-12 inches (25-30 cm)	11-18 inches (28-45 cm)	Male: 12-14 inches (30-36 cm), Female: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	11 inches (27.5 cm)	14.5 inches (36.5 cm)	Male: 13 inches (33 cm), Female: 11 inches (27.5 cm)

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Pug? Which is more expensive?	$500-$800	$1200-$1800	$300-$500
Availability Which is easier to get, Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Pug?	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed.	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 Pug is quite easy to get.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug intelligence:	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Very smart: Cavapoo is an excellent dog breed. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug trainability comparison.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train. See more.	Cavapoo dogs are very easy to train. See more.	A slightly harder to train than average. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Pug?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Cavapoo dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Pug dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Pug? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders. See more.	Cavapoo dogs are not the best to protect their territory. See more.	Pug dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Pug? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug behavior/temperament comparison:	Active Curious Playful Intelligent Outgoing Adaptable	Loving Intelligent Gentle	Playful Courageous Intelligent Friendly Affectionate Loyal Gentle Going Cheerful
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	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.	Pug 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: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug?	Average to High: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.	High: Cavapoo dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Pug dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug social needs comparison:	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Cavapoo dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Pug dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Cavapoo dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Pug 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?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.	Cavapoo dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.	Pug dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug playfulness comparison:	Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Cavapoos, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Pugs, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug?	Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed. See more.	Average: The Cavapoo barks occasionally. See more.	Average: The Pug barks occasionally. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Pug?	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Cavapoo breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Pug breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Average: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.	Cavapoo dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Pug dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Pug?	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	Cavapoo dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Pug dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug health comparison. Which is the healthier: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug?	Maltese Shih Tzus tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.	Very healthy dog breed.	Very healthy dog breed.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug health problems comparison:	Patellar Luxation White Dog Shaker Syndrome	Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation	Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Allergies Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Entropion Vaccination Sensitivity Demodectic Mange Distichiasis Corneal Ulcers Dry Eye Hemi-vertebrae Cheyletiella Dermatitis Nerve Degeneration Proptosis Pug Dog Encephalitis Staphylococcus Infection Yeast Infection
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Frequent The Maltese Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.	Rare The Cavapoo should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Rare The Pug should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug lifespan comparison. How long do Maltese Shih Tzu, Cavapoo and Pug breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	12-14 years The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years	9-15 years The average lifespan of Cavapoo: 12 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Pug: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug?	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 cold weather conditions The Cavapoo can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Pug? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug energy level comparison:	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.	Cavapoo dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Pug 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 Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Pug? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need.	Cavapoo dogs have an average exercise need.	Pug dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Pug?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Cavapoo dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	Pug 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

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Pug?	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.	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? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug weight gain potential comparison:	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Cavapoo's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	High: The Pug breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug coat comparison:	Curly Silky Soft Wavy Long	Curly Wavy Straight	Fine
Colors What are the original Maltese Shih Tzu, Cavapoo and Pug color?	Black White Brown White & Tan Black & White Brown & Black	Black Cream White Sable Tricolor Chestnut Apricot Red sable Phantom	Black Fawn
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Pug? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug grooming comparison:	Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Advanced: The Cavapoo requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Effortless: The Pug requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Pug? Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or {name3 shedding:	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Cavapoo dogs shed moderately. See more.	Pug dogs shed above average. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Pug?	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.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.
Hypoallergenic Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug?	Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Cavapoo has an average chance of bad smell.	High 🔼 The Pug has a high chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	The Maltese Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Cavapoo is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Pug is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug Good With Comparison

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

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug 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.	Yes This breed makes good 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: Maltese Shih Tzu or Cavapoo or Pug? Which is better for autism?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect 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: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug?	Not really Maltese Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Yes Cavapoo breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.	Not really Pug 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.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug 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 Maltese Shih Tzu and Cavapoo and Pug have?	3-5 puppies	2-8 puppies	2-4 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Cavapoo vs Pug Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Toy breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Not recognized by FCI.	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Small Molossian type Dogs section.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	Not recognized by any clubs.	Dog Registry of America Inc. American Canine Hybrid Club Designer Breed Registry Designer Dogs Kennel Club International Designer Canine Registry	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

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