Shih Tzu vs Cavachon vs Maltese Shih Tzu Comparison - Dog breed selector: Chrysanthemum Dog or Cavachon or Mal-Shi? Find the right dog for you

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

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	Shih Tzu	Cavachon	Maltese Shih Tzu
Origins	China	England Spain Belgium	United States
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Designer Dogs	Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank	20	559	622
Reviews	19	4	3
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Shih Tzu, Cavachon, and Maltese Shih Tzu breeds.	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog	No data available	Mal-Shi Malti Zu Malt-Tzu
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Shih Tzu, Cavachon, and Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Cross Breed	Cross Breed

Shih Tzu vs Cavachon vs Maltese Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Shih Tzu, Cavachon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small Medium	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Shih Tzu, Cavachon, and Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare adult weight ranges.	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)	Male: 15-35 pounds (7-16 kg), Female: 13-33 pounds (6-15 kg) 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)	Male: 25 pounds (11.5 kg), Female: 23 pounds (10.5 kg)	9 pounds (4 kg)
Height Which is taller, Shih Tzu or Cavachon or Maltese Shih Tzu? Shih Tzu vs Cavachon vs Maltese Shih Tzu height comparison:	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	12-13 inches (30-33 cm)	10-12 inches (25-30 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	9.5 inches (24 cm)	12.5 inches (31.5 cm)	11 inches (27.5 cm)

Shih Tzu vs Cavachon vs Maltese Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Shih Tzu, Cavachon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Find price differences between these breeds.	$800-$1200	$800-$1000	$500-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Shih Tzu or Cavachon or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.	Frequent: The Cavachon is easier than average to get.	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed.

Shih Tzu vs Cavachon vs Maltese Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Cavachon vs Maltese Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Shih Tzu, Cavachon, and Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare temperaments.	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle	Happy Eager Easygoing Smart	Active Curious Playful Intelligent Outgoing Adaptable
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	Sensitive: Cavachon dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shih Tzu vs Cavachon vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Cavachon dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Average to High: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Shih Tzu vs Cavachon vs Maltese Shih Tzu social needs comparison:	Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Cavachon dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Cavachon dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Cavachon dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Shih Tzu vs Cavachon vs Maltese Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Cavachon vs Maltese Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Cavachon vs Maltese Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Cavachon vs Maltese Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Shih Tzu, Cavachon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed lives longest?	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years	9-15 years The average lifespan of Cavachon: 12 years	12-14 years The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Shih Tzu, Cavachon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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 warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. 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 Shih Tzu, Cavachon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which has fewer health issues?	The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	Cavachons are commonly healthy dogs.	Maltese Shih Tzus tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Rare The Cavachon should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Frequent The Maltese Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shih Tzu vs Cavachon vs Maltese Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Cavachon vs Maltese Shih Tzu health problems comparison:	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	Cataracts Heart Murmurs Patellar Luxation Mitral Valve Disease Cushing's Syndrome Syringomyelia Atopic Dermatitis	Patellar Luxation White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Shih Tzu vs Cavachon vs Maltese Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Shih Tzu, Cavachon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is most active?	Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.	Cavachon dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.	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.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Shih Tzu vs Cavachon vs Maltese Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shih Tzu or Cavachon or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.	Cavachon dogs have an average exercise need.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Shih Tzu or Cavachon or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.	Cavachon 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.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Shih Tzu vs Cavachon vs Maltese Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Cavachon vs Maltese Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Shih Tzu, Cavachon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Shih Tzu, Cavachon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. What colors are available?	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold	Cream White Pied	Black White Brown White & Tan Black & White Brown & Black
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Shih Tzu, Cavachon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which requires most maintenance?	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Effortless: The Cavachon requires minimal grooming. See more.	Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Shih Tzu, Cavachon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which drools least?	The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Cavachon is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Maltese Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Shih Tzu, Cavachon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which has least natural smell?	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Cavachon has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Shih Tzu, Cavachon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Dense	Feathered Curly	Curly Silky Soft Wavy Long
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Shih Tzu, Cavachon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which requires most frequent baths?	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. 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 Shih Tzu or Cavachon or Maltese Shih Tzu? Shih Tzu or Cavachon or {name3 shedding:	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Cavachon dogs shed moderately. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Shih Tzu vs Cavachon vs Maltese Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Shih Tzu, Cavachon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is best with kids?	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Cavachon dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Cavachon 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 Shih Tzu or Cavachon or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Cavachon dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Shih Tzu or Cavachon or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Cavachon dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Shih Tzu or Cavachon or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Cavachon dogs are very 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: Shih Tzu vs Cavachon vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	Yes Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Cavachon 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 Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Cavachon 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?	Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.	Cavachons are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Maltese Shih Tzus are commonly okay with elderly people.

Shih Tzu vs Cavachon vs Maltese Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Shih Tzu, Cavachon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Shih Tzu, Cavachon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which excels in therapy work?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Shih Tzu, Cavachon, 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 Shih Tzu, Cavachon, 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 Shih Tzu, Cavachon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Cavachon breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Maltese Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Shih Tzu, Cavachon, 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. 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 Shih Tzu, Cavachon, 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.

Shih Tzu vs Cavachon vs Maltese Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Shih Tzu, Cavachon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which has most puppies?	2-5 puppies	2-5 puppies	3-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Shih Tzu, Cavachon, 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 Shih Tzu, Cavachon, 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.

Shih Tzu vs Cavachon vs Maltese Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Shih Tzu, Cavachon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Shih Tzu, Cavachon, and Maltese Shih Tzu. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.	Not recognized by FCI.	Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Shih Tzu, Cavachon, 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 Canadian Canine Registry	Not recognized by any clubs.	Not recognized by any clubs.

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