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Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Cav-A-Malt Comparison - Dog breed selector: Japanese Shiba Inu or Maltese lion dog or Cav-A-Malt? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Cav-A-Malt" Compare Shiba Inu and Maltese. Which is better: Shiba Inu or Maltese or Cav-A-Malt?
 
 
 
Name Shiba Inu Maltese Cav-A-Malt
OriginsJapan flagJapan Italy flagItaly England flagEngland Italy flagItaly
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank45331068
Reviews930
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt breeds.
Japanese Shiba Inu
Japanese Small-Size Dog
Shiba
Shiba Ken
Brushwood Dog
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
No data available
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Cross Breed

Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Cav-A-Malt Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 18-25 pounds (8-11 kg), Female: 15-20 pounds (6.8-9 kg) 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) 10-18 pounds (5-8 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 21.5 pounds (9.5 kg), Female: 17.5 pounds (6.8.5 kg) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) 14 pounds (6.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shiba Inu or Maltese or Cav-A-Malt? Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Cav-A-Malt height comparison:
Male: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm), Female: 13-15 inches (33-38 cm) Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) 12-13 inches (30-33 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 15 inches (38.5 cm), Female: 14 inches (35.5 cm) Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) 12.5 inches (31.5 cm)

Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Cav-A-Malt Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1000 $600-$800 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shiba Inu or Maltese or Cav-A-Malt?
Very frequent: The Shiba Inu is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Cav-A-Malt is quite easy to get.

Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Cav-A-Malt Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. Which is easiest to train?
A slightly harder to train than average.
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Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
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Cav-A-Malt dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. Which breed is most alert?
Shiba Inu dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Cav-A-Malt dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. Which breed is most protective?
Shiba Inu dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Cav-A-Malt dogs are average defenders.
See more.

Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Cav-A-Malt Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt? Compare temperaments.
Alert
Confident
Going
Fearless
Keen
Faithful
Charming
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Active
Playful
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Affectionate
Gentle
Social
Tempered
Sweet
Fearless
Cheerful
Quiet
Easygoing
Nonaggressive
Polite
Graceful
Sporty
No tendency towards nervousness
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Shiba Inu 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.
Sensitive: Cav-A-Malt dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Cav-A-Malt?
Average to High: Shiba Inu dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Cav-A-Malt dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Cav-A-Malt social needs comparison:
Shiba Inu dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Cav-A-Malt dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Shiba Inu is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Cav-A-Malt 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?
Shiba Inu 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.
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Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Cav-A-Malt dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Cav-A-Malt Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Shiba Inu rarely barks.
See more.
A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Average to High: The Cav-A-Malt is a vocal breed.
See more.
Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Shiba Inus, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Cav-A-Malts, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Shiba Inu breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Cav-A-Malt breed.

Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Cav-A-Malt Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. Which breed is most flexible?
Shiba Inu dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Cav-A-Malt dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Shiba Inu or Maltese or Cav-A-Malt?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Cav-A-Malt dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Cav-A-Malt Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Shiba Inu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Cav-A-Malt has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. Which uses mouth most during play?
Shiba Inu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Cav-A-Malt dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shiba Inu bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Cav-A-Malt bite force: Weak.

Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Cav-A-Malt Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Shiba Inu: 13 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Cav-A-Malt: 16 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Shiba Inu can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. Which has fewer health issues?
The Shiba Inu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Cav-A-Malt is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Shiba Inu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Cav-A-Malt should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Cav-A-Malt? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Cav-A-Malt health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Spinning
Chylothorax
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Collapsed Trachea
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Mitral Valve Disease
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Dry Eye
Episodic Falling Syndrome
Syringomyelia
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Cav-A-Malt Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Cav-A-Malt Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low to Average: The Shiba Inu has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Cav-A-Malt's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Cav-A-Malt Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. Yes See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Red
Cream
Sesame
White Tan
White
Tricolor
Blenheim
Ruby
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. Which requires most maintenance?
Easy to groom: The Shiba Inu doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Cav-A-Malt requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. Which drools least?
The Shiba Inu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Cav-A-Malt is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Shiba Inu has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Cav-A-Malt has a high chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Feathered Feathered
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shiba Inu or Maltese or Cav-A-Malt? Shiba Inu or Maltese or {name3 shedding:
Shiba Inu dogs shed above average.
See more.
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Cav-A-Malt dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Cav-A-Malt Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. Which is best with kids?
Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cav-A-Malt dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Shiba Inu dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Cav-A-Malt dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shiba Inu or Maltese or Cav-A-Malt? Which dog is more friendly?
Shiba Inu dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cav-A-Malt dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shiba Inu or Maltese or Cav-A-Malt?
Shiba Inu dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Cav-A-Malt dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shiba Inu or Maltese or Cav-A-Malt?
Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Cav-A-Malt dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Cav-A-Malt?
No
Shiba Inu dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Yes
Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Cav-A-Malt dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Shiba Inu is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Cav-A-Malt is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Shiba Inus are commonly okay with elderly people.
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.
Cav-A-Malts are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Cav-A-Malt As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. 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.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. 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.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. 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 Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. 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 Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Shiba Inu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Cav-A-Malt breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. 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 Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. 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.

Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Cav-A-Malt Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. Which has most puppies?
2-4 puppies 3-5 puppies 3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. 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.

Shiba Inu vs Maltese vs Cav-A-Malt Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992 as a Non-Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Shiba Inu, Maltese, and Cav-A-Malt. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
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
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
No data available

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