Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu Comparison - Dog breed selector: Cavoodle or Malti Zu or Chrysanthemum Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu" Compare Cavapoo and Mal-Shi. Which is better: Cavapoo or Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Cavapoo	Mal-Shi	Shih Tzu
Origins	Australia	United States Canada	China
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	555	222	20
Reviews	10	2	16
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Cavoodle	Malti Zu Malt-Tzu Malshi	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu breed type comparison:	Cross Breed	Cross Breed	Purebred

Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Cavapoo or Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu? Which is the smallest dog, Cavapoo or Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu?	Small Medium	Small	Small
Weight Which is heavier, Cavapoo or Mal-Shi or Mal-Shi? Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu weight comparison:	12-24 pounds (5.4-11 kg)	5-15 pounds (2.3-6.8 kg)	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	18 pounds (5.7.5 kg)	10 pounds (2.3-6.8 kg)	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Cavapoo or Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu? Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu height comparison:	11-18 inches (28-45 cm)	10-20 inces (25-51 cm)	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	14.5 inches (36.5 cm)	10-20 inces (38 cm)	9.5 inches (24 cm)

Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Cavapoo or Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu? Which is more expensive?	$1200-$1800	$800-$1000	$800-$1200
Availability Which is easier to get, Cavapoo or Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu?	Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.	Average: The Mal-Shi is a commonly available dog breed.	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.

Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu intelligence:	Very smart: Cavapoo is an excellent dog breed. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu trainability comparison.	Cavapoo dogs are very easy to train. See more.	Mal-Shi dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Cavapoo or Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu?	Cavapoo dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Mal-Shi dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Cavapoo or Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Cavapoo dogs are not the best to protect their territory. See more.	Mal-Shi dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Cavapoo or Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu? Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu behavior/temperament comparison:	Loving Intelligent Gentle	Playful Loving Independent Alert Intelligent Affectionate Going Social Quiet	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu?	High: Cavapoo dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Mal-Shi dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison:	Cavapoo dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Mal-Shi dogs are a social breed. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Cavapoo dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Mal-Shi dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Cavapoo dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.	Mal-Shi dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu playfulness comparison:	Average: Cavapoos, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Mal-Shis, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu?	Average: The Cavapoo barks occasionally. See more.	Average: The Mal-Shi barks occasionally. See more.	A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Cavapoo or Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu?	Very house-friendly dog the Cavapoo breed.	It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Mal-Shi indoors.	Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Cavapoo dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Average: Mal-Shi dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.	Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Cavapoo or Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu?	Cavapoo dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Mal-Shi dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.	Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Cavapoo or Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Cavapoo bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Mal-Shi bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	Low 🔽 The Cavapoo has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Mal-Shi has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu mouthiness comparison:	Cavapoo dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Mal-Shi dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu health comparison. Which is the healthier: Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu?	Very healthy dog breed.	The Mal-Shi is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation	No data available	Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Allergies Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Umbilical Hernias Ear Infections Distichiasis Portosystemic Liver Shunt Bladder Stones Ectopic Cilia Reverse Sneezing Dry Eye Proptosis Juvenile Renal Dysplasia Keratitis Retained Baby Teeth Snuffles
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Rare The Cavapoo should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Average The Mal-Shi should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu lifespan comparison. How long do Cavapoo, Mal-Shi and Shih Tzu breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	9-15 years The average lifespan of Cavapoo: 12 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Mal-Shi: 13 years	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu?	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Cavapoo can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.

Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Cavapoo or Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu? Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu energy level comparison:	Cavapoo dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Mal-Shi dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.	Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Cavapoo or Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Cavapoo dogs have an average exercise need.	Mal-Shi dogs have an average exercise need.	Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Cavapoo or Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu?	Cavapoo dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	Mal-Shi dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Cavapoo or Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu?	0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu weight gain potential comparison:	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Cavapoo's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Mal-Shi's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu coat comparison:	Curly Wavy Straight	Silky Soft Wavy Double	Dense
Colors What are the original Cavapoo, Mal-Shi and Shih Tzu color?	Black Cream White Sable Tricolor Chestnut Apricot Red sable Phantom	Black Gray White Brown Yellow	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Cavapoo or Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu? Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu grooming comparison:	Advanced: The Cavapoo requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Average: The Mal-Shi requires average grooming effort. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Cavapoo or Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu? Cavapoo or Mal-Shi or {name3 shedding:	Cavapoo dogs shed moderately. See more.	Mal-Shi dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Cavapoo or Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu?	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.
Hypoallergenic Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	Yes See more.	No See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu?	Medium ⏺ The Cavapoo has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Mal-Shi has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	The Cavapoo is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Mal-Shi is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Cavapoo dogs are generally with other pets.	Mal-Shi dogs are generally with other pets.	Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Cavapoo or Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?	Cavapoo dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Mal-Shi dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Cavapoo or Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu?	Cavapoo dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.	Mal-Shi dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Cavapoo or Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu?	Cavapoo dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Mal-Shi dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Cavapoo or Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu?	Cavapoo dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Mal-Shi dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu?	Yes Cavapoo dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Mal-Shi dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Cavapoo is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Mal-Shi is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Cavapoos are commonly okay with elderly people.	Mal-Shis are usually recommended for elderly people.	Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.

Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Which one could be a service dog?	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Cavapoo or Mal-Shi or Shih Tzu? Which is better for autism?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) Which one could be a search and rescue dog?	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu?	Yes Cavapoo breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.	Not really Mal-Shi breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.
Litter Size How many puppies can Cavapoo and Mal-Shi and Shih Tzu have?	2-8 puppies	4-8 puppies	2-5 puppies
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Cavapoo vs Mal-Shi vs Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Not recognized by FCI.	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	Dog Registry of America Inc. American Canine Hybrid Club Designer Breed Registry Designer Dogs Kennel Club International Designer Canine Registry	No data available	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Canadian Canine Registry

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