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

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

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	Shih-Poo	Cavapoo
Origins	United States	China Tibet	Australia
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Designer Dogs	Designer Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	622	562	555
Reviews	3	2	10
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Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo breeds.	Mal-Shi Malti Zu Malt-Tzu	Pooshi Shoodle	Cavoodle
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo? Compare their breeding categories.	Cross Breed	Cross Breed	Cross Breed

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo vs Cavapoo Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Small Medium
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo? Compare adult weight ranges.	6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg)	8-15 pounds (4-7 kg) 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	12-24 pounds (5.4-11 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	9 pounds (4 kg)	11.5 pounds (5.5 kg)	18 pounds (5.7.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo or Cavapoo? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo vs Cavapoo height comparison:	10-12 inches (25-30 cm)	8-15 inches (20-38 cm)	11-18 inches (28-45 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	11 inches (27.5 cm)	11.5 inches (29 cm)	14.5 inches (36.5 cm)

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo vs Cavapoo Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. Find price differences between these breeds.	$500-$800	$800-$1200	$1200-$1800
Availability Which is easier to get, Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo or Cavapoo?	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed.	Frequent: The Shih-Poo is easier than average to get.	Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo vs Cavapoo Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. Which breed ranks highest?	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Smart: The Shih-Poo dogs have great intelligence. See more.	Very smart: Cavapoo is an excellent dog breed. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. Which is easiest to train?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Cavapoo dogs are very easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. Which breed is most alert?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Cavapoo dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. Which breed is most protective?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs are average defenders. See more.	Cavapoo dogs are not the best to protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo vs Cavapoo Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo? Compare temperaments.	Active Curious Playful Intelligent Outgoing Adaptable	Intelligent Loyal Sweet Companionable	Loving Intelligent Gentle
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.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo vs Cavapoo?	Average to High: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.	High: Shih-Poo dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Cavapoo 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 Shih-Poo vs Cavapoo social needs comparison:	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Cavapoo 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.	Shih-Poo dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Cavapoo 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.	Shih-Poo dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. 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.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo vs Cavapoo Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. Which breed is most vocal?	Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed. See more.	Low to Average: The Shih-Poo rarely barks. See more.	Average: The Cavapoo barks occasionally. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. Which breed is most playful?	Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Shih-Poo is a playful breed. See more.	Average: Cavapoos, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Shih-Poo breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Cavapoo breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo vs Cavapoo Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. Which breed is most flexible?	Average: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.	Shih-Poo dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Cavapoo dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo or Cavapoo?	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	Shih-Poo dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Cavapoo 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 Shih-Poo vs Cavapoo Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Shih-Poo has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Cavapoo has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. Which uses mouth most during play?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs have an 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.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih-Poo bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Cavapoo bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo vs Cavapoo Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. Which breed lives longest?	12-14 years The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years	14-16 years The average lifespan of Shih-Poo: 15 years	9-15 years The average lifespan of Cavapoo: 12 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. Which handles climate changes best?	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 Shih-Poo can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. 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.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. Which has fewer health issues?	Maltese Shih Tzus tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.	The Shih-Poo is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	Very healthy dog breed.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency 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.	Average The Shih-Poo should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Rare The Cavapoo should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo vs Cavapoo? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo vs Cavapoo health problems comparison:	Patellar Luxation White Dog Shaker Syndrome	Heatstroke Dental Problems	Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo vs Cavapoo Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. Which breed is most active?	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.	Shih-Poo 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.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo vs Cavapoo exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo or Cavapoo? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need.	Shih-Poo dogs have an average exercise need.	Cavapoo dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo or Cavapoo?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Shih-Poo 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.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo vs Cavapoo Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih-Poo's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Cavapoo's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. Which needs most food?	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.	1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo vs Cavapoo Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. What colors are available?	Black White Brown White & Tan Black & White Brown & Black	Black White Brown Brindle Various combinations	Black Cream White Sable Tricolor Chestnut Apricot Red sable Phantom
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. Which requires most maintenance?	Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Easy to groom: The Shih-Poo doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.	Advanced: The Cavapoo requires a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. Which drools least?	The Maltese Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Shih-Poo 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.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. Which has least natural smell?	Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Shih-Poo has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Cavapoo has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Curly Silky Soft Wavy Long	Curly Straight Curly & Straight	Curly Wavy Straight
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. Which requires most frequent baths?	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.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo or Cavapoo? Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo or {name3 shedding:	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Cavapoo dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo vs Cavapoo Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. Which is best with kids?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.	Shih-Poo dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.	Cavapoo dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility 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.	Shih-Poo dogs are generally with other pets.	Cavapoo dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo or Cavapoo? Which dog is more friendly?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Shih-Poo dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Cavapoo dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo or Cavapoo?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.	Shih-Poo dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Cavapoo dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih-Poo or Cavapoo?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Shih-Poo dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	Cavapoo dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo vs Cavapoo?	Yes Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Shih-Poo 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.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	Yes Maltese Shih Tzu is one of the best dog breeds for office environment	No Shih-Poo is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Cavapoo 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.	Shih-Poos are commonly okay with elderly people.	Cavapoos are commonly okay with elderly people.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo vs Cavapoo As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. Which is best suited for service work?	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. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. Which excels in therapy work?	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.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. Which has best nose work ability?	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 & Rescue Potential Compare search and rescue potential between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. Which is best for SAR work?	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.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Maltese Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Shih-Poo breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Yes Cavapoo breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. Which is best for draft work?	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.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. Which has most military use?	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 Shih-Poo vs Cavapoo Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. Which has most puppies?	3-5 puppies	3-4 puppies	2-8 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. What's recommended?	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.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih-Poo vs Cavapoo Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. How are they classified?	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. How are they classified internationally?	Not recognized by FCI.	Not recognized by FCI.	Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih-Poo, and Cavapoo. Which has most recognition?	Not recognized by any clubs.	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

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