Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Maltese Versus Shihpoo: Introduction
- Maltese versus Shihpoo: Overview
- Maltese versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Maltese and the Shihpoo
- The Similarities Between the Maltese and the Shihpoo
- Size (Weight and Height) of Maltese versus Shihpoo
- Lifespan of Maltese versus Shihpoo
- Price of Maltese versus Price of Shihpoo
- Adopting the Maltese versus Adopting the Shihpoo
- Tolerates Being Alone: Maltese versus Shihpoo
- Do Malteses shed more than Shihpoos?
- Which one drools more, the Maltese or the Shihpoo
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Maltese or the Shihpoo?
- Does the Maltese Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shihpoo?
- Do Malteses Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?
- Can Malteses Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Maltese vs. Shihpoo
- Can Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Maltese or the Shihpoo?
- Are Malteses good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?
- How Kid-friendly are Malteses and Shihpoos?
- Is the Maltese Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maltese
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shihpoo
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Maltese versus Shihpoo. Which One is a Better Pet?
Maltese Versus Shihpoo: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Maltese and the Shihpoo? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Maltese and the Shihpoo better suits you.
We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Maltese and the Shihpoo.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Maltese and the Shihpoo is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Maltese and for the Shihpoo. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Maltese and the Shihpoo.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Maltese or the Shihpoo.
Maltese versus Shihpoo: Overview
Both the Maltese and the Shihpoo are similar in size. The Maltese and the Shihpoo are both tiny-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Maltese belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
On the other hand, the Shihpoo belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.
Maltese versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Maltese to the Shihpoo based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Maltese and the Shihpoo
| Factor | Maltese | Shihpoo |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 13 to 17 years |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder | 8 to 18 inches |
| Weight | Up to 7 pounds | 8 to 18 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 15.0 years |
| Average Price | $2580 | $1590 |
| Price Range | $1800 – $3000 | $1200 – $2000 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Maltese in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Shihpoo. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for the Maltese is 82 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Shihpoo is 84 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shihpoo is a better pet than the Maltese. So, you should get the Shihpoo!
Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Maltese and the Shihpoo so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Maltese and the Shihpoo
Below is a list of where the Maltese and the Shihpoo are most different:
The Similarities Between the Maltese and the Shihpoo
The Maltese and the Shihpoo are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Maltese and the Shihpoo are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Maltese versus Shihpoo
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Maltese and the Shihpoo.
Malteses weigh Up to 7 pounds when fully grown. Malteses are 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Shihpoos weigh 8 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Shihpoos are 8 to 18 inches when fully grown.
Lifespan of Maltese versus Shihpoo
The lifespan of Malteses is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Malteses is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Shihpoos is between 13 to 17 years . The average lifespan of Shihpoos is 15.0 years.
Shihpoos live longer than Malteses.
Price of Maltese versus Price of Shihpoo
The average price of the Maltese puppy is $2580. The price of the Maltese typically ranges from $1800 – $3000. However, the price of a Maltese can be as low as $500 and as high as $7995. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 413 Maltese puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Shihpoo puppy is $1590. The price of the Shihpoo typically ranges from $1200 – $2000. However, the price of the Shihpoo can be as low as $300 and as high as $4325. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 283 Shihpoo puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Maltese is more expensive than the Shihpoo.
| Maltese | Shihpoo | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2580 | $1590 |
| Price Range | $1800 to $3000 | $1200 to $2000 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Maltese and Shihpoo. For different price points, the charts show how many Maltese puppies or how many Shihpoo puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Malteses. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Shihpoos
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Maltese puppy or the Shihpoo puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
Adopting the Maltese versus Adopting the Shihpoo
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Malteses and many Shihpoos are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male Maltese named Gordon 5 Yr And Thumper 11 Year Father And Son Bonded Malteses Males that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Malteses like Gordon 5 Yr And Thumper 11 Year Father And Son Bonded Malteses Males on pefinder.com.
Also, like Malteses, Shihpoos are also available for adoption. For example, Toby is a Male Shihpoo that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Shihpoos like Toby that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Quincy is the name of another Maltese (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Yoshi is an adorable Male Shihpoo on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Malteses and Shihpoos that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Maltese versus Shihpoo
Malteses do not like to be left alone.
Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.
Do Malteses shed more than Shihpoos?
Malteses do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Shihpoos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Maltese or the Shihpoo
Malteses do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Maltese or the Shihpoo?
Malteses require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Shihpoos require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Maltese Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shihpoo?
Malteses have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Shihpoos have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.
Do Malteses Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?
Malteses are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Shihpoos are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Malteses Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?
Malteses cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Maltese vs. Shihpoo
Malteses do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Shihpoos do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Can Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?
Malteses can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Shihpoos cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Maltese or the Shihpoo?
Malteses get along very well with other dogs.
Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Malteses good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?
Malteses are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Shihpoos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Malteses and Shihpoos?
Malteses get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Shihpoos get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Is the Maltese Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?
Malteses are very easy to train.
Shihpoos are not easy to train.
Is the Maltese Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?
Malteses adapt very well to apartment living.
Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Maltese or the Shihpoo?
Malteses are very good for new dog owners.
Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maltese
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Maltese that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Maltese:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shihpoo
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shihpoo that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Shihpoo:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Maltese and how the Shihpoo compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Maltese and of the Shihpoo to other breeds:
Maltese Versus Other Dog Breeds
Maltese versus Scottish Deerhound Maltese versus Irish Setter Maltese versus Berger Picard Maltese versus West Highland White Terrier Maltese versus Patterdale Terrier Maltese versus Briard Maltese versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Maltese versus Weimaraner Maltese versus Curly-Coated Retriever Maltese versus Tibetan Terrier Maltese versus Toy Fox Terrier Maltese versus Basset Hound Maltese versus Chihuahua Maltese versus Airedale Terrier Maltese versus West Highland White Terrier Maltese versus Lancashire Heeler Maltese versus Chinese Shar-Pei Maltese versus Kerry Blue Terrier Maltese versus Belgian Tervuren Maltese versus American Bulldog Maltese versus German Shepherd Dog Maltese versus Pyredoodle Maltese versus Lhasapoo Maltese versus Bernese Mountain Dog Maltese versus American Bulldog
Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shihpoo versus Vizsla Shihpoo versus Coton de Tulear Shihpoo versus Pomapoo Shihpoo versus German Shorthaired Pointer Shihpoo versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Shihpoo versus Australian Shepherd Shihpoo versus Irish Setter Shihpoo versus Finnish Spitz Shihpoo versus Azawakh Shihpoo versus Bich Poo Shihpoo versus Pomapoo Shihpoo versus Clumber Spaniel Shihpoo versus Akbash Shihpoo versus Berger Picard Shihpoo versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Shihpoo versus Plott Shihpoo versus Spinone Italiano Shihpoo versus Pomsky Shihpoo versus Azawakh Shihpoo versus Mastiff Shihpoo versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Shihpoo versus Harrier Shihpoo versus Miniature Schnauzer Shihpoo versus Goldador Shihpoo versus Pharaoh Hound
Conclusion: Maltese versus Shihpoo. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Maltese and the Shihpoo better suits you and your family.