A Detailed Comparison of the Maltipoo and the Shiba Inu.

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Maltipoo Versus Shiba Inu: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Maltipoo and the Shiba Inu 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 Maltipoo and for the Shiba Inu. 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 Maltipoo and the Shiba Inu.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Maltipoo or the Shiba Inu.

Maltipoo versus Shiba Inu

Maltipoo versus Shiba Inu: Overview

Both the Maltipoo and the Shiba Inu are similar in size. The Maltipoo and the Shiba Inu are both small-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Maltipoo belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.

On the other hand, the Shiba Inu 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.

Maltipoo versus Shiba Inu: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Maltipoo to the Shiba Inu 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 Maltipoo and the Shiba Inu

Factor Maltipoo Shiba Inu
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 12 to 16 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
General Health 2/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 2/5
Weight 5 to 20 pounds 17 to 23 pounds
Height 8 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 14.0 years
Average Price $2020 $2130
Price Range $1500 – $2500 $1600 – $2500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Maltipoo 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 Shiba Inu. 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 Maltipoo is 86 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Shiba Inu is 82 out of 125.

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

    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 Maltipoo and the Shiba Inu so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Maltipoo and the Shiba Inu

    Below is a list of where the Maltipoo and the Shiba Inu are most different:

  • Maltipoos do not like to be left alone. However, Shiba Inus can be left alone for some time without problems.
  • Maltipoos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Shiba Inus shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Maltipoos are very easy to train. However, Shiba Inus are not easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Maltipoo and the Shiba Inu

    The Maltipoo and the Shiba Inu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Maltipoo and the Shiba Inu are most similar:

  • Both the Maltipoo and the Shiba Inu do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Maltipoo and the Shiba Inu have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Maltipoo and the Shiba Inu are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Maltipoo and the Shiba Inu have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Maltipoo and the Shiba Inu have low exercise needs.
  • Both the Maltipoo and the Shiba Inu get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Maltipoo and the Shiba Inu get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Maltipoo and the Shiba Inu are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Maltipoo and the Shiba Inu are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Maltipoo and the Shiba Inu have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Maltipoo and the Shiba Inu are very playful.
  • Both the Maltipoo and the Shiba Inu adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Maltipoo and the Shiba Inu are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Maltipoo and the Shiba Inu are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Maltipoo and the Shiba Inu are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Maltipoo versus Shiba Inu

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Maltipoo and the Shiba Inu.

    Maltipoos weigh 5 to 20 pounds when fully grown. Maltipoos are 8 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Shiba Inus weigh 17 to 23 pounds when fully grown. Shiba Inus are 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Maltipoo versus Shiba Inu

    The lifespan of Maltipoos is between 10 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Maltipoos is 11.5 years.

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

    Shiba Inus live longer than Maltipoos.

    Price of Maltipoo versus Price of Shiba Inu

    The average price of the Maltipoo puppy is $2020. The price of the Maltipoo typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Maltipoo can be as low as $200 and as high as $7850. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 845 Maltipoo puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Shiba Inu puppy is $2130. The price of the Shiba Inu typically ranges from $1600 – $2500. However, the price of the Shiba Inu can be as low as $600 and as high as $6995. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 283 Shiba Inu puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Shiba Inu is more expensive than the Maltipoo.

    Maltipoo Shiba Inu
    Average Price $2020 $2130
    Price Range $1500 to $2500 $1600 to $2500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Maltipoo and Shiba Inu. For different price points, the charts show how many Maltipoo puppies or how many Shiba Inu puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Maltipoos. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Maltipoos. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Shiba Inus

    A breakdown of the prices of Shiba Inus

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Maltipoo puppy or the Shiba Inu 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 Maltipoo versus Adopting the Shiba Inu

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Maltipoos and many Shiba Inus 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 Maltipoo named . Harley And Noah Jonas that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Maltipoos like . Harley And Noah Jonas on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Maltipoos, Shiba Inus are also available for adoption. For example, Scotty is a Male Shiba Inu that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Shiba Inus like Scotty that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Maltipoo and the Shiba Inu can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Mr. Grumpypants is the name of another Maltipoo (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, A501343 is an adorable Male Shiba Inu on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Maltipoos and Shiba Inus are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Maltipoos and Shiba Inus that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Maltipoo versus Shiba Inu

    Maltipoos do not like to be left alone.

    Shiba Inus can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Do Maltipoos shed more than Shiba Inus?

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

    Shiba Inus shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Maltipoo or the Shiba Inu

    Maltipoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shiba Inus do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Maltipoo or the Shiba Inu?

    Maltipoos are moderately easy to groom.

    Shiba Inus are very easy to groom.

    Does the Maltipoo Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiba Inu?

    Maltipoos 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.

    Shiba Inus have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Maltipoos Bark and Howl? What about Shiba Inus?

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

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

    Can Maltipoos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Shiba Inus can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Maltipoo vs. Shiba Inu

    Maltipoos have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Shiba Inus have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Maltipoos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Shiba Inus can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Maltipoo or the Shiba Inu?

    Maltipoos get along very well with other dogs.

    Shiba Inus get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Maltipoos good family dogs? What about Shiba Inus?

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

    Shiba Inus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Maltipoos and Shiba Inus?

    Maltipoos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Maltipoo Easier to Train than the Shiba Inu?

    Maltipoos are very easy to train.

    Shiba Inus are not easy to train.

    Is the Maltipoo Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiba Inu?

    Maltipoos adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shiba Inus adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Maltipoo or the Shiba Inu?

    Maltipoos are very good for new dog owners.

    Shiba Inus are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maltipoo

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

  • Chi-Poo (77 percent match with Maltipoo). Here is our comparison of the Shiba Inu vs Chi-Poo.
  • Yorkipoo (75 percent match with Maltipoo). Here is our comparison of the Shiba Inu vs Yorkipoo.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiba Inu

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

  • Manchester Terrier (72 percent match with Shiba Inu). Here is our comparison of the Maltipoo vs Manchester Terrier.
  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi (74 percent match with Shiba Inu). Here is our comparison of the Maltipoo vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Maltipoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maltipoo versus American Foxhound     Maltipoo versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Maltipoo versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Maltipoo versus Japanese Spitz     Maltipoo versus Pug     Maltipoo versus Karelian Bear Dog     Maltipoo versus Pekingese     Maltipoo versus Sussex Spaniel     Maltipoo versus Chihuahua     Maltipoo versus Maltese     Maltipoo versus Bloodhound     Maltipoo versus Finnish Lapphund     Maltipoo versus Korean Jindo Dog     Maltipoo versus Kooikerhondje     Maltipoo versus Australian Shepherd     Maltipoo versus Maltese     Maltipoo versus Cesky Terrier     Maltipoo versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Maltipoo versus Bloodhound     Maltipoo versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Maltipoo versus Sheepadoodle     Maltipoo versus Papipoo     Maltipoo versus Frenchton     Maltipoo versus Frenchton     Maltipoo versus Morkie     

    Shiba Inu Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shiba Inu versus Vizsla     Shiba Inu versus Cockapoo     Shiba Inu versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Shiba Inu versus Italian Greyhound     Shiba Inu versus Spinone Italiano     Shiba Inu versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Shiba Inu versus Ibizan Hound     Shiba Inu versus Clumber Spaniel     Shiba Inu versus Standard Poodle     Shiba Inu versus Belgian Malinois     Shiba Inu versus Toy Fox Terrier     Shiba Inu versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Shiba Inu versus Belgian Sheepdog     Shiba Inu versus Pomsky     Shiba Inu versus Chow Chow     Shiba Inu versus Berger Picard     Shiba Inu versus Cairn Terrier     Shiba Inu versus Chi-Poo     Shiba Inu versus Fila Brasileiro     Shiba Inu versus Black Russian Terrier     Shiba Inu versus American Eskimo Dog     Shiba Inu versus Saluki     Shiba Inu versus Pug     Shiba Inu versus Plott     

    Conclusion: Maltipoo versus Shiba Inu. 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 Maltipoo and the Shiba Inu better suits you and your family.