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Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Maltese Shih Tzu Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltese lion dog or Barboncino Miniatura or Mal-Shi? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Maltese Shih Tzu" Compare Maltese and Miniature Poodle. Which is better: Maltese or Miniature Poodle or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Name Maltese Miniature Poodle Maltese Shih Tzu
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Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank33435622
Reviews333
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Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu breeds.
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Barboncino Miniatura
Barbone
Carniche Moyen
Pudle
Zwergpudel
Mal-Shi
Malti Zu
Malt-Tzu
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Cross Breed

Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Maltese Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare adult weight ranges.
6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) 15-17 pounds (7-8 kg) 6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) 16 pounds (7.5 kg) 9 pounds (4 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Maltese or Miniature Poodle or Maltese Shih Tzu? Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Maltese Shih Tzu height comparison:
Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) 11-15 inches (28-38 cm) 10-12 inches (25-30 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) 13 inches (33 cm) 11 inches (27.5 cm)

Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Maltese Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Find price differences between these breeds.
$600-$800 $1000-$1500 $500-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Maltese or Miniature Poodle or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.
Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed.

Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Maltese Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed ranks highest?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Outstanding: Miniature Poodle is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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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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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is easiest to train?
Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
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Miniature Poodle dogs are very easy to train.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is most alert?
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
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Miniature Poodle dogs are good watchdogs.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is most protective?
Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Miniature Poodle dogs are average defenders.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders.
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Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Maltese Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare temperaments.
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Active
Alert
Intelligent
Trainable
Faithful
Instinctual
Active
Curious
Playful
Intelligent
Outgoing
Adaptable
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Maltese Shih Tzu?
High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Miniature Poodle 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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Social Needs
Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Maltese Shih Tzu social needs comparison:
Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Miniature Poodle 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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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Miniature Poodle 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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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Miniature Poodle dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Maltese Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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Average to High: The Miniature Poodle is a vocal breed.
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Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Miniature Poodle is a playful breed.
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Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Miniature Poodle breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed.

Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Maltese Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is most flexible?
Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Miniature Poodle 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.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Miniature Poodle or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Miniature Poodle 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.

Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Maltese Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low πŸ”½

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low πŸ”½

The Miniature Poodle has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low πŸ”½

The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which uses mouth most during play?
Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Miniature Poodle dogs have a lower 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.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI πŸ”½

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI πŸ”½

Miniature Poodle bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI πŸ”½

Maltese Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Maltese Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed lives longest?
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
14-16 years
The average lifespan of Miniature Poodle: 15 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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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.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which has fewer health issues?
The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Miniature Poodle 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.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Miniature Poodle 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.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Maltese Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Maltese Shih Tzu health problems comparison:
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Hip Dysplasia
Bloat
Epilepsy
Addison's Disease
Patellar Luxation
White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Maltese Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is most active?
Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Miniature Poodle dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
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
Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Maltese Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Miniature Poodle or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Miniature Poodle dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Miniature Poodle or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Miniature Poodle dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Maltese Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Miniature Poodle'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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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup 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. 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.

Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Maltese Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. What colors are available?
White Black
Gray
Red
Blue
Cream
White
Silver
Brown
Fawn
Beige
Apricot
Black
White
Brown
White & Tan
Black & White
Brown & Black
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
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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.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which drools least?
The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Miniature Poodle 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.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which has least natural smell?

Medium ⏺

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.

Low πŸ”½

The Miniature Poodle has a low chance of bad smell.

Low πŸ”½

The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Feathered Dense
Curly
Thick
Curly
Silky
Soft
Wavy
Long
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which requires most frequent baths?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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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.
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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.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maltese or Miniature Poodle or Maltese Shih Tzu? Maltese or Miniature Poodle or {name3 shedding:
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Miniature Poodle dogs shed none to minimal.
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Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
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Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Maltese Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is best with kids?
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Miniature Poodle dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Miniature Poodle dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Miniature Poodle or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Miniature Poodle dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Miniature Poodle or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Miniature Poodle dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Miniature Poodle or Maltese Shih Tzu?
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Miniature Poodle dogs are dog-friendly 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: Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Maltese Shih Tzu?
Yes
Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Miniature Poodle 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
Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Miniature Poodle 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?
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.
Miniature Poodles are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Maltese Shih Tzus are commonly okay with elderly people.

Maltese vs Miniature Poodle vs Maltese Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Miniature Poodle breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Maltese Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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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.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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 vs Miniature Poodle vs Maltese Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which has most puppies?
3-5 puppies 2-8 puppies, average 5 3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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 vs Miniature Poodle vs Maltese Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section. Not recognized by FCI. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which has most recognition?
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
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.

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