Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu

Maltipoos and Shih Tzus are quite similar dogs, though they vary in some ways.

Maltipoos are smaller in size and can be higher energy. Shih Tzus have straight coats, are easy to train, and are purebred dogs recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Keep reading to learn all about these breeds, how they differ, and what they’re like as pets!

Comparing Maltipoos vs Shih Tzus

The Key Differences Between Maltipoos and Shih Tzus

The key differences between Maltipoos and Shih Tzus are size, coat, temperament, energy levels, trainability, and breed type.

Let’s discuss these differences in detail!

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu: Size

Maltipoos are about half the weight of Shih Tzus at just 4-7 pounds. Shih Tzus weigh 9-16 pounds.

Both dogs max out at similar heights (10 and 10.5 inches). However, Maltipoos can be as small as 7 inches, while Shih Tzus cannot be under 9 inches.

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu: Coat

The Maltipoo coat is interesting because its parent breeds look so different! Poodles have long, curly coats, while Maltese have long, straight coats. A Maltipoo pup can inherit either coat texture.

Maltipoos can also be any of these colors as allowed by the toy Poodle breed standard (Maltese can only be white):

• Apricot
• Black
• Blue
• Cafe Au Lait
• Cream
• Gray
• Red
• Silver
• Silver beige
• White

Any combination of these colors can also happen!

By comparison, Shih Tzus always have long, sleek, and straight fur. They can come in these colors or a combination of them:

• Black
• White
• Blue
• Brindle
• Gold
• Liver
• Red
• Silver

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu: Temperament

Shih Tzus may be stand-offish around strangers. It’s important to socialize them from a young age so that they aren’t afraid of new people or experiences.

They tend to do very well around other dogs, which is great for people with other pets in the house. They also don’t have high barking tendencies and don’t make the best watchdogs.

Maltipoos take traits from both parent breeds, making their personalities a bit less predictable. They may be stand-offish with strangers like Maltese or want to be everyone’s friend like Poodles.

If they take after their Maltese parent, they can make good watchdogs, alerting you to trouble. Poodles tend to be less alert, however.

Both parent breeds can be nervous around other dogs. It’s important to take introductions slowly, no matter your dogs’ breeds, as you never know how they’ll feel around someone new.

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu: Energy Level

Maltese and Shih Tzus have similar energy levels. They need moderate exercise but can struggle with excessive activity due to their brachycephalic snouts.

If your Maltipoo takes after their Poodle parent, however, they’ll be a lot more energetic!

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu: Trainability

Shih Tzus can have a stubborn streak. They’re cute, and they know it, using it to their advantage when they want their way! It’s important to stay consistent with the rules.

Maltese can be similarly persuasive and are incredibly intelligent. Your Maltipoo might inherit this adorable but frustrating trait. Or, they might end up like their Poodle ancestors, quick to learn and eager to please.

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu: Purebred?

Maltipoos are mixed breed dogs not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). They’re sometimes known as designer breeds, which is when two purebreds are bred together. Designer breeds are typically sold at a high price.

However, we don’t recommend buying a Maltipoo or a Shih Tzu from a breeder since poor breeding standards have led to them having short snouts. This causes many health problems, including difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance, and heat intolerance.

Shih Tzus are purebred dogs, which makes their appearances and personalities more predictable than those of Maltipoos.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Daz Stock/Shutterstock.com