Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: Chrysanthemum Dog or Maltese lion dog or Toto Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier" Compare Shih Tzu and Maltese. Which is better: Shih Tzu or Maltese or Cairn Terrier?

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	Shih Tzu	Maltese	Cairn Terrier
Origins	China	Italy	Scotland
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank	20	33	69
Reviews	16	3	3
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog	Toto Dog Cairn
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Shih Tzu or Maltese or Cairn Terrier? Which is the smallest dog, Shih Tzu or Maltese or Cairn Terrier?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Which is heavier, Shih Tzu or Maltese or Maltese? Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier weight comparison:	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	Male: 14-18 pounds (6-8 kg), Female: 13-17 pounds (6-8 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)	Male: 16 pounds (7 kg), Female: 15 pounds (7 kg)
Height Which is taller, Shih Tzu or Maltese or Cairn Terrier? Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier height comparison:	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)	Male: 10-13 inches (25-33 cm), Female: 9-12 inches (23-30 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	9.5 inches (24 cm)	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)	Male: 11.5 inches (29 cm), Female: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm)

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Shih Tzu or Maltese or Cairn Terrier? Which is more expensive?	$800-$1200	$600-$800	$700-$1000
Availability Which is easier to get, Shih Tzu or Maltese or Cairn Terrier?	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Cairn Terrier is quite easy to get.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Shih Tzu or Maltese or Cairn Terrier? Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier behavior/temperament comparison:	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Active Courageous Intelligent Fearless Assertive
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Cairn Terrier 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: Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier?	High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Cairn Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier social needs comparison:	Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Cairn Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Cairn Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Cairn Terrier 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

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier playfulness comparison:	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Cairn Terrier is a playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier?	A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Cairn Terrier 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 Shih Tzu or Maltese or Cairn Terrier?	Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese 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 Cairn Terrier indoors.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Average: Cairn Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Shih Tzu or Maltese or Cairn Terrier?	Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Cairn Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Shih Tzu or Maltese or Cairn Terrier?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Cairn Terrier 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 Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Cairn Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier mouthiness comparison:	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Cairn Terrier dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier health comparison. Which is the healthier: Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier?	The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	Cairn Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier health problems comparison:	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	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome	Cataracts Legg-perthes Disease Luxating Patella Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Cryptorchidism Glaucoma Craniomandibular Osteopathy Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy Microvascular Dysplasia Portosystemic Vascular Anomaly (PSVA)
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Frequent The Cairn Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier lifespan comparison. How long do Shih Tzu, Maltese and Cairn Terrier breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Cairn Terrier: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier?	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Cairn Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier coat comparison:	Dense	Feathered	Waterproof
Colors What are the original Shih Tzu, Maltese and Cairn Terrier color?	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold	White	Black Gray Red Cream Silver Brindle Wheaten
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Shih Tzu or Maltese or Cairn Terrier? Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier grooming comparison:	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Cairn Terrier requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Shih Tzu or Maltese or Cairn Terrier? Shih Tzu or Maltese or {name3 shedding:	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Cairn Terrier dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Shih Tzu or Maltese or Cairn Terrier?	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. 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.
Hypoallergenic Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier?	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Cairn Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Cairn Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier Good With Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Which one could be a service dog?	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.	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: Shih Tzu or Maltese or Cairn Terrier? Which is better for autism?	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.	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: Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier?	Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Cairn Terrier 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.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier 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 Shih Tzu and Maltese and Cairn Terrier have?	2-5 puppies	3-5 puppies	2-10 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Cairn Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	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	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	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 Club Espanol De Terriers

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