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Shih Tzu vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Comparison - Dog breed selector: Chrysanthemum Dog or Zwergschnauzer or Maltese lion dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shih Tzu vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese" Compare Shih Tzu and Miniature Schnauzer. Which is better: Shih Tzu or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese?
 
 
 
Name Shih Tzu Miniature Schnauzer Maltese
OriginsChina flagChina Germany flagGermany Italy flagItaly
Group Companion Dogs Hunting Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank201833
Reviews1953
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese breeds.
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Zwergschnauzer Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Shih Tzu vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese? Compare adult weight ranges.
9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) Male: 11-18 pounds (5.0-8.2 kg), Female: 10-15 pounds (4.5-6.8 kg) 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) Male: 14.5 pounds (5.0-8.2 kg), Female: 12.5 pounds (4.5-6.8 kg) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shih Tzu or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese? Shih Tzu vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese height comparison:
8-11 inches (20-28 cm) Male: 14 inches (35.6 cm), Female: 13 inches (33.0 cm) Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
9.5 inches (24 cm) Male: 14 inches (35.6 cm), Female: 13 inches (33.0 cm) Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

Shih Tzu vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1200 $600-$1000 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shih Tzu or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese?
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Miniature Schnauzer is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.

Shih Tzu vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese. Which breed ranks highest?
Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
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Very smart: Miniature Schnauzer is an excellent dog breed.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese. Which is easiest to train?
Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
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Miniature Schnauzer dogs are easy to train.
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Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese. Which breed is most alert?
Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
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Miniature Schnauzer dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese. Which breed is most protective?
Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Miniature Schnauzer dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Shih Tzu vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese? Compare temperaments.
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Obedient
Fearless
Spirited
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
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.
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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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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shih Tzu vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese?
High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Miniature Schnauzer dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Shih Tzu vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese social needs comparison:
Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Miniature Schnauzer dogs are a social breed.
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Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Miniature Schnauzer dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Maltese 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?
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Miniature Schnauzer dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Shih Tzu vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
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Average: The Miniature Schnauzer barks occasionally.
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A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese. Which breed is most playful?
Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
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Average: Miniature Schnauzers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Miniature Schnauzer indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.

Shih Tzu vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Miniature Schnauzer has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Miniature Schnauzer bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Shih Tzu vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese. Which breed lives longest?
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer: 13 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese. 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.
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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Miniature Schnauzer can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese. 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.
The Miniature Schnauzer 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.
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.
Average
The Miniature Schnauzer 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.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shih Tzu vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese 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
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection (MAI)
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Shih Tzu vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese. Which breed is most active?
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are high-energy dogs.
Maltese 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
Shih Tzu vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shih Tzu or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Miniature Schnauzer dogs have an average exercise need.
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shih Tzu or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese?
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Miniature Schnauzer dogs don't need too much sleep.
Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

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

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese. 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.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Miniature Schnauzer's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Shih Tzu vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese. What colors are available?
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Black
Silver
Pepper
Salt
White
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese. Which requires most maintenance?
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Advanced: The Miniature Schnauzer requires a lot of grooming.
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Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese. Which drools least?
The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Miniature Schnauzer is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese. Which has least natural smell?

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Miniature Schnauzer has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Wiry Feathered
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shih Tzu or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese? Shih Tzu or Miniature Schnauzer or {name3 shedding:
Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
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Miniature Schnauzer dogs shed none to minimal.
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Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Shih Tzu vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese. Which is best with kids?
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are generally with other pets.
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shih Tzu or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese? Which dog is more friendly?
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shih Tzu or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese?
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shih Tzu or Miniature Schnauzer or Maltese?
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shih Tzu vs Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese?
Yes
Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Maltese 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
Miniature Schnauzer is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.
Miniature Schnauzers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.

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

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese. 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 Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

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

Not really

Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Yes

Miniature Schnauzer breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Not really

Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese. 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.
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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 Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese. 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 Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese. Which has most puppies?
2-5 puppies 3-6 puppies 3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese. 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, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese. 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 Miniature Schnauzer vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1926 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese. How are they classified internationally?
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. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, and Maltese. 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
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

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