Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltese lion dog or Chrysanthemum Dog or King Of The Toys? Find the right dog for you
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Compare Maltese and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Maltese or Shih Tzu or Miniature Pinscher?
Name | Maltese | Shih Tzu | Miniature Pinscher |
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Origins | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Group | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 33 | 20 | 71 |
Reviews | 3 | 19 | 1 |
User Ratings |
Other Names
What other names do they have? |
Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog |
Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog |
King Of The Toys Reh Pinscher Zwergpinsc Min Pin |
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Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher breed type comparison: | Purebred | Purebred | Purebred |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher Size and Weight Comparison
Size
Which is bigger, Maltese or Shih Tzu or Miniature Pinscher? Which is the smallest dog, Maltese or Shih Tzu or Miniature Pinscher? | Small | Small | Small |
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Weight
Which is heavier, Maltese or Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher weight comparison: | 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) | 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) | Male: 8-10 pounds (4-5 kg), Female: 8-9 pounds (about 4 kg) |
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) | 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) | Male: 9 pounds (4.5 kg), Female: 8.5 pounds (about 4 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, Maltese or Shih Tzu or Miniature Pinscher? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher height comparison: | Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) | 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) | Male: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm), Female: 10-11 inches (25-28 cm) |
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) | 9.5 inches (24 cm) | Male: 11 inches (27.5 cm), Female: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher Price and Availability Comparison
Price
Which is cheaper, Maltese or Shih Tzu or Miniature Pinscher? Which is more expensive? | $600-$800 | $800-$1200 | $400-$600 |
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Availability
Which is easier to get, Maltese or Shih Tzu or Miniature Pinscher? | Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Miniature Pinscher is quite easy to get. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher intelligence: | Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. | Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. | Smart: The Miniature Pinscher dogs have great intelligence. |
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Trainability
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher trainability comparison. | Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. | Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. | Miniature Pinscher dogs are quite easy to train. |
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Maltese or Shih Tzu or Miniature Pinscher? | Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. | Miniature Pinscher dogs are average watchdogs. |
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Maltese or Shih Tzu or Miniature Pinscher?
Which dog is most likely to protect its owner?
Which is the best dog to use for protection? | Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. | Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. | Miniature Pinscher dogs strongly protect their territory. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher Personality and Temperament Comparison
Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Maltese or Shih Tzu or Miniature Pinscher? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher behavior/temperament comparison: |
Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing |
Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle |
Playful Energetic Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Responsive Clever |
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Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference? | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. | Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. | Sensitive: Miniature Pinscher dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. |
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher? | High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Miniature Pinscher dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
Social Needs
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher social needs comparison: | Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Miniature Pinscher dogs are a social breed. |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? | Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. | Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. | Miniature Pinscher dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. |
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. | Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Miniature Pinscher 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. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Playfulness
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher playfulness comparison: | Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. | Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. | The Miniature Pinscher is a highly playful breed. |
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher? | A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. | A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. | A lot: Miniature Pinscher is a particularly loud breed. |
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Maltese or Shih Tzu or Miniature Pinscher? | Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed. | Apartment-friendly dog the Miniature Pinscher breed. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher Adaptability and Independence Comparison
Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog? | Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Miniature Pinscher dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. |
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Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Shih Tzu or Miniature Pinscher? | Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them. | Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them. | Miniature Pinscher 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. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher Bite Characteristics Comparison
Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Maltese or Shih Tzu or Miniature Pinscher? | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Miniature Pinscher bite force: Weak. |
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Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison: | Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Miniature Pinscher has a low chance of biting somebody. |
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher mouthiness comparison: | Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Miniature Pinscher dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher Health and Lifespan Comparison
Health Issues
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher health comparison. Which is the healthier: Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher? | The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. | The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. | Miniature Pinschers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. |
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Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher health problems comparison: |
Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome | 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 |
Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy |
Veterinarian Visits
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 Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Frequent The Miniature Pinscher should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. |
Life Expectancy
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher lifespan comparison. How long do Maltese, Shih Tzu and Miniature Pinscher breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? |
14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years |
10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years |
11-15 years The average lifespan of Miniature Pinscher: 13 years |
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher? | Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. | Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Level
Who has more energy a Maltese or Shih Tzu or Miniature Pinscher?
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher energy level comparison: | Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you. | Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. | Miniature Pinscher dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Shih Tzu or Miniature Pinscher? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal. | Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal. | Miniature Pinscher dogs exercise need is minimal. |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Shih Tzu or Miniature Pinscher? | Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed. | Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. | Miniature Pinscher dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Maltese or Shih Tzu or Miniature Pinscher? | Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. | Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. | 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. |
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Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher weight gain potential comparison: | Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. | High: The Miniature Pinscher breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher coat comparison: | Feathered | Dense | Rough |
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Colors
What are the original Maltese, Shih Tzu and Miniature Pinscher color? | White |
Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold |
Black Tan Red Chocolate Rust |
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Maltese or Shih Tzu or Miniature Pinscher? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher grooming comparison: | Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. | Effortless: The Miniature Pinscher requires minimal grooming. |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maltese or Shih Tzu or Miniature Pinscher? Maltese or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding: | Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. | Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. | Miniature Pinscher dogs shed moderately. |
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Maltese or Shih Tzu or Miniature Pinscher? | 6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. |
Hypoallergenic
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not? | Yes See more. | Yes See more. | No See more. |
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher? | Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell. | Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The Miniature Pinscher has an average chance of bad smell. |
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? | The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Miniature Pinscher is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher Good With Comparison
Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets? | Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. | Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. | Miniature Pinscher dogs are generally with other pets. |
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Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Shih Tzu or Miniature Pinscher? Which dog is more friendly? | Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers. | Miniature Pinscher dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs. |
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Maltese or Shih Tzu or Miniature Pinscher? | Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs. | Miniature Pinscher dogs are kid-friendly dogs. |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Shih Tzu or Miniature Pinscher? | Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Miniature Pinscher dogs are average friendly towards cats. |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Shih Tzu or Miniature Pinscher? | Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | Miniature Pinscher dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. |
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher? |
Yes Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Yes Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Yes Miniature Pinscher 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 Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No Miniature Pinscher is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people? | Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people. | Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people. | Miniature Pinschers are usually recommended for elderly people. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher 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. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Maltese or Shih Tzu or Miniature Pinscher? Which is better for autism? | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. |
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 vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher? | Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Miniature Pinscher breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
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. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
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 vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher Reproducibility Comparison
Gestation Length | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
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Litter Frequency | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Litter Size
How many puppies can Maltese and Shih Tzu and Miniature Pinscher have? | 3-5 puppies | 2-5 puppies | 2-5 puppies |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Miniature Pinscher Recognition Comparison
AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC? | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Toy breed. |
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FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI? | Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section. | Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section. | Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Pinscher and Schnauzer type section. |
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 |
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 |
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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