choose between a Shih Poo vs Maltipoo does n’t have to be an out of the question dilemma . This article gets to grips with all the similarity and differences between them , so that you’re able to pick a puppy with confidence !

Shih Poos are a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Toy or Miniature Poodle . And Maltipoos are a mix of Maltese and Toy or Miniature Poodle . Since both mixes combine a Poodle parent with a popular breed from the Toy dog group , they have a lot in common . However , bet on your portion , and what you ’re looking for in a cad , one is likely to be more or less better suited to you than the other .

you may use these links to navigate to the Maltipoo vs Shih Poo differences you ’re most concerned in , or scroll down to learn them all !

shih poo vs maltipoo

Both mixes have the potential to be great companion hound – let ’s start with an overview of why they might make your dog breed shortlist .

Shih Poo vs Maltipoo at a Glance

Shih Poos and Maltipoos have both gained popularity thanks to an detonation of interest in interracial breed dogs generally . And in exceptional , ‘ designer dogs ’ with parent from two unlike pedigrees . This mesa summarise up how they compare to each other :

Do you call up you could tell a Shih Poo from a Maltipoo at first glance ? get ’s find out !

Shih Poo vs Maltipoo Appearance

Shih Poos and Maltipoos are both extremely variable in size , so it ’s impossible to choose between them based on this alone . Take a look at the size of all the possible parent :

So a Maltipoo from a Toy Poodle will be very modest indeed – just 4 to 7 pounds . And a Shih Poo from a Miniature Poodle will be twice the size – 9 to 16 pounds . In between , you’re able to also get Maltipoos from Miniature Poodles which outweigh Shih Poos from Toy Poodles . So if size is important to you , it ’s not which coalesce you pick that matters , but the sizing of your pup ’s own parent .

Both dogs come from parent with little , orotund aspect and with child dark eyes . So when it comes to cuteness , we ’ll call it a draw . One of the most typical things about either mix is likely to be their pelage , so we ’ll look at how they compare in near point next .

shih poo vs maltipoo

Shih Poo vs Maltipoo Coat

poodle dog and Shih Tzus both come in a kaleidoscope of attractive colors . But Maltese breeders are purist – only white , with perhaps the tiniest mite of lemon or tan , will do . This does n’t necessarily mean Maltipoos come in fewer vividness than Shih Poos though , since Maltipoos can inherit their colouring material from their Poodle parent .

Shih Tzus and Maltese both have long , straight coats , non - shedding coats . But only the Shih Tzu has a impenetrable , twofold coat , whereas the Maltese ’ coat is clearly finer and sleek . Shih Poos and Maltipoos will both have non shedding coats that require frequent brush and monthly trips to the groomer . But the exact texture and amount of curl in their coat will vary from single to individual .

Poodle mixture owe a lot of their popularity to the potential for inheriting a Poodle ’s curly , low - shedding coat . It make them a popular choice for hoi polloi who are change by reversal off by the expectation of dealing with shed hair . And you might see the Poodle - case coat being described as hypoallergenic too . However , the reality is that all frank produce allergens , because those allergens are line up in their saliva ( and to a lesser extent their sweat and weewee ) , not in their pilus . So neither the Shih Poo nor the Maltipoo is guarantee to be suited for multitude with allergic reaction .

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Shih Poo vs Maltipoo Temperament

Whenever detent from two unlike line of descent mate , there is no way to state what combining of personality traits their puppies will inherit from each breed . They could take after one parent more than the other , or be a gross mashup of both . There ’s even a lot of version between sibling from the same litter . Furthermore , environment and the amount of socialization they receive also affect temperament .

In general , Shih Poos tend to be friendly , playful pups who love tail a clod and playing with their toys . Some may be a little unsure around strangers but will hump to cuddle up with their proprietor . Maltipoos are also very warm dogs , who wish to be active . They may run to demo destructive behavior if they do n’t get enough exercise or attending .

One less - than - endearing lineament these two crosses percentage is a tendency to bark . It can be a surd substance abuse to break , but there are ways to check a hotdog not to bark . And we ’ll search more at training next .

Shih Poo vs Maltipoo Trainability

Poodles are know for being super intelligent . They are wide involve as one of the gentle dog to civilise – both because they are clever , and because they are well actuate towantto railroad train . Shih Tzus and Maltipoos are also intelligent , but they are more likely to be described as refractory in breeding sessions . They ’re not really being wilfully difficult , it ’s just that they have no workings story . So they come across as less engaged in breeding – especially study next to the cooperative Poodle !

On balance , Shih Poos and Maltipoos are both likely to be at least middling easy to coach . Tricky areas may include :

Shih Poo vs Maltipoo Exercise Requirements

Even small dogs need daily exercise to last out set and sunburn off energy to invalidate destructive behaviors . Both of these mixes necessitate 30 to 60 minutes of daily outside practice session . Which could comprise of a short walk , run , or play in the railyard . Larger click between 13 and 16 pounds will have more stamina for hike and days out than small dogs under 7 pounds . example does n’t end with outdoor activity though – both of these mixes will necessitate wall plug for their strong-arm energy at home base . Such as toys and training secret plan . Since both these mixing are part Poodle , there ’s a good probability that they will enjoyswimmingtoo !

Shih Poo vs Maltipoo Health

Mixed dogs are susceptible to health issue that affect their parent breed . Responsible breeders screen for transmissible health status , so it ’s important to be cognizant of which certificates to expect .

Common transmissible problems of the Toy and Miniature Poodle let in :

Shih Poos can also inherit health trouble through their Shih Tzu parent . Shih Tzus are one of the brachycephalic or flat - faced stock . While their short muzzle is one of the things that make these dog so cute and pop , it also causes them serious respiratory problem and oculus disease . Shih Tzus are also prone to :

Maltese dogs are another brachycephalic breed . Besides the complications of this , they are also vulnerable to :

Shih Poos and Maltipoos each have their own unique profile of wellness risks . Choosing a puppy from a creditworthy stock breeder who only use health try forefather and dam increases the likelihood that your firedog will have a long , healthy lifespan . Exercising them cautiously to protect their joint , using a harness to reduce the risk of tracheal collapse , and sticking to a regular agenda of vet checks are all things you’re able to be proactive about , to insure their farsighted full term health .

Shih Poo vs Maltipoo – Which One is Right for Me?

Both the Shih Poo and Maltipoo are small companion dogs who like to nestle and make love human company . Either of these energetic , playful pups can adapt to minor life spaces and will fit into most nursing home . But neither is likely to contend well with being left alone for long periods – something to consider if you puzzle out full clock time .

Something else to consider is how much time you hope to spend walk with your dog . If you ’re outdoorsy , a Shih Poo from a Miniature Poodle will be able to keep up on most tramp . But a Maltipoo from a Toy Poodle will get left behind on all but the shortest strolls .

prefer the right mix may also hinge on who else be with you . Toy Poodles , Malteses , and their hybridisation all have humble , finespun anatomy . They are very vulnerable to accidental injury if a robustious nestling play with them too roughly . So a Shih Poo from a Miniature Poodle is a most robust choice for family .

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References and Resources

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Christmas . Common optic problems of Shih Tzu dogs . The Canadian Veterinary Journal . 1992 .

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The Korean Society of Veterinary Clinics . Transarterial Coil Embolization in Two Maltese Dogs with patent of invention Ductus Arteriosus Using a Mini Cobra - tip Angiocatheter . Journal of Veterinary Clinics . 2010 .