Differences and Similarities between the Maltese and the Shiranian.

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Maltese Versus Shiranian: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Maltese and the Shiranian? 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 Shiranian 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 Shiranian.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Maltese and the Shiranian 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 Shiranian. 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 Shiranian.

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 Shiranian.

Maltese versus Shiranian: Overview

A very important difference between the Maltese and the Shiranian is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Maltese is a tiny-sized dog while the Shiranian is a small-sized dog.

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 Shiranian belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Maltese versus Shiranian: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Maltese to the Shiranian 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 Shiranian

Factor Maltese Shiranian
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 16 years
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Height 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder 7 to 12 inches
Weight Up to 7 pounds 4 to 16 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 14.0 years
Average Price $2580 $1230
Price Range $1800 – $3000 $925 – $1200
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
  • 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 Shiranian. 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 Shiranian is 84 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shiranian is a better pet than the Maltese. So, you should get the Shiranian!

    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 Shiranian so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Maltese and the Shiranian

    Below is a list of where the Maltese and the Shiranian are most different:

  • Malteses have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Shiranians have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Maltese and the Shiranian

    The Maltese and the Shiranian are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Maltese and the Shiranian are most similar:

  • Both the Maltese and the Shiranian do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Maltese and the Shiranian cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Maltese and the Shiranian do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Maltese and the Shiranian do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Maltese and the Shiranian do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Maltese and the Shiranian require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Maltese and the Shiranian have low exercise needs.
  • Both the Maltese and the Shiranian are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Maltese and the Shiranian get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Maltese and the Shiranian are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Maltese and the Shiranian are very playful.
  • Both the Maltese and the Shiranian adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Maltese and the Shiranian are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Maltese and the Shiranian are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Maltese versus Shiranian

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Maltese and the Shiranian.

    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, Shiranians weigh 4 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Shiranians are 7 to 12 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Maltese versus Shiranian

    The lifespan of Malteses is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Malteses is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Shiranians is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shiranians is 14.0 years.

    Shiranians live longer than Malteses.

    Price of Maltese versus Price of Shiranian

    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 Shiranian puppy is $1230. The price of the Shiranian typically ranges from $925 – $1200. However, the price of the Shiranian can be as low as $400 and as high as $4800. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 35 Shiranian puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Maltese is more expensive than the Shiranian.

    Maltese Shiranian
    Average Price $2580 $1230
    Price Range $1800 to $3000 $925 to $1200

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Maltese and Shiranian. For different price points, the charts show how many Maltese puppies or how many Shiranian 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 Malteses. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Shiranians

    A breakdown of the prices of Shiranians

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Maltese puppy or the Shiranian 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Maltese versus Shiranian

    Malteses do not like to be left alone.

    Shiranians do not like to be left alone.

    Do Malteses shed more than Shiranians?

    Malteses do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Shiranians do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Maltese or the Shiranian

    Malteses do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shiranians do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Maltese or the Shiranian?

    Malteses require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Shiranians require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Maltese Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiranian?

    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.

    Shiranians 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 Shiranians?

    Malteses are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Shiranians are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Malteses Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiranians Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Malteses cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Shiranians cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Maltese vs. Shiranian

    Malteses do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Shiranians 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 Shiranians Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Malteses can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Shiranians cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Maltese or the Shiranian?

    Malteses get along very well with other dogs.

    Shiranians get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Malteses good family dogs? What about Shiranians?

    Malteses are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Shiranians are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Malteses and Shiranians?

    Malteses get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Shiranians get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Maltese Easier to Train than the Shiranian?

    Malteses are very easy to train.

    Shiranians are not easy to train.

    Is the Maltese Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiranian?

    Malteses adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shiranians adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Maltese or the Shiranian?

    Malteses are very good for new dog owners.

    Shiranians are very good 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:

  • Pomapoo (80 percent match with Maltese). Here is our comparison of the Shiranian vs Pomapoo.
  • Peek A Poo (81 percent match with Maltese). Here is our comparison of the Shiranian vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiranian

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shiranian 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 Shiranian:

  • Pomapoo (75 percent match with Shiranian). Here is our comparison of the Maltese vs Pomapoo.
  • Shichon (74 percent match with Shiranian). Here is our comparison of the Maltese vs Shichon.
  • Shihpoo (76 percent match with Shiranian). Here is our comparison of the Maltese vs Shihpoo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Maltese and how the Shiranian compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Maltese and of the Shiranian to other breeds:

    Maltese Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maltese versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Maltese versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Maltese versus Cockalier     Maltese versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Maltese versus French Bulldog     Maltese versus Irish Setter     Maltese versus Jack Russell Terrier     Maltese versus Belgian Malinois     Maltese versus Akita     Maltese versus Cesky Terrier     Maltese versus Lowchen     Maltese versus Sussex Spaniel     Maltese versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Maltese versus Yorkipoo     Maltese versus Norwegian Lundehund     Maltese versus Schipperke     Maltese versus Portuguese Pointer     Maltese versus Saint Bernard     Maltese versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Maltese versus Chinese Crested     Maltese versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Maltese versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Maltese versus Shih Tzu     Maltese versus Goldendoodle     Maltese versus Goldendoodle     

    Shiranian Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shiranian versus Shih Tzu     Shiranian versus Tibetan Mastiff     Shiranian versus Spinone Italiano     Shiranian versus Chinook     Shiranian versus Kuvasz     Shiranian versus Patterdale Terrier     Shiranian versus Sealyham Terrier     Shiranian versus Miniature Pinscher     Shiranian versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Shiranian versus Toy Fox Terrier     Shiranian versus Belgian Sheepdog     Shiranian versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Shiranian versus Australian Cattle Dog     Shiranian versus American Water Spaniel     Shiranian versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Shiranian versus Jack Russell Terrier     Shiranian versus Redbone Coonhound     Shiranian versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Shiranian versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Shiranian versus French Bulldog     Shiranian versus Beagle     Shiranian versus Portuguese Pointer     Shiranian versus Border Terrier     Shiranian versus Carolina Dog     Shiranian versus Pomapoo     

    Conclusion: Maltese versus Shiranian. 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 Shiranian better suits you and your family.