Shih Poo vs Maltipoo: Breed Comparison Guide

The Shih Poo and Maltipoo are two adorable and popular crossbreed dogs that have captured the hearts of many dog owners. They are both known for their friendly and outgoing personalities.

Both breeds are known for their low-shedding coats, making them a great choice for people with allergies or who prefer less dog hair. This is due to their Poodle ancestry, which is known for its low-shedding properties.

Shih Poo owners can expect a medium-sized dog with a weight range of 9-16 pounds. Maltipoo owners, on the other hand, can expect a smaller dog with a weight range of 4-8 pounds.

Consider reading: Maltipoo Weight Range

The Shih Poo and Maltipoo are both small dogs, and they come in two distinctive sizes. They generally weigh between 6 to 14 pounds.

Their coats are a key part of their charm, with both breeds inheriting the shaggy signature Doodle coat from their purebred parents. This coat can be long, medium-length, or short, and may be straight, curly, or a combination of both.

Both Shih Poos and Maltipoos can inherit a variety of beautiful solid coats and color patterns from either side of their lineage. They come in a range of colors, including black, white, brown, gray, brindle, red, and apricot.

Shih Poo pups can display a wide range of coat colors, lengths, and styles due to their parent breeds, the Shih Tzu and Toy Poodle.

Shih Tzu dogs naturally come in a variety of fur colors, including grey, white, brown, cream, gold, and black, and often have multiple colors throughout their coat.

Their coats can be long, straight, and flowing, requiring consistent grooming, or short, curly, and requiring less maintenance.

Toy Poodles, on the other hand, have short, curly coats and can have facial features that are flatter or box-like.

Shih Poo puppies can inherit these characteristics, resulting in a unique appearance.

Shih Poo dogs tend to be relatively small in size, with the average weighing around ten pounds.

Both Shih Poo and Maltipoo dogs can inherit a variety of beautiful solid coats and color patterns from their parent breeds.

Shih Poo coats can be solid colors such as black, brown, white, gray, brindle, red, or apricot, or they can have patterns like black and white, parti, tri-color, phantom, or sable.

Recommended read: Shih Tzu White and Brown

The Malshi is a stunning breed with a captivating appearance. Their coat is usually long, silky, and straight, requiring regular grooming to maintain its luster and prevent matting.

Their facial features include round, expressive eyes and a short snout, giving them an irresistibly cute and friendly appearance. Malshis are often found in a mix of colors, including white, black, and brown, often in delightful combinations.

In terms of size, Malshis are on the smaller side, generally weighing between 6 to 14 pounds, with a height of around 10 inches. They have a lifespan of approximately 12 to 14 years.

Their coat is not curly like some other breeds, but can be equally plush and soft. The Teddy Bear Malshi has a true teddy bear-like appearance that dog lovers adore.

For another approach, see: Shih Tzu Teddy Bear Cut vs Puppy Cut

Both Shih Poo and Maltipoo breeds can live for 10 to 15 years, but they're not immune to health problems. Generally, Shih Poo pups may inherit or develop specific conditions, especially as they age.

Many of the common health problems associated with Shih Poo pups are related to eye health, including Glaucoma, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Cherry Eye, Cataracts, and Hypothyroidism.

Shih Poo owners should keep a close watch on their pup's behavior for red flags that may indicate vision problems, such as bumping into furniture or struggling to find their way around the house.

Both Shih Poo and Maltipoo breeds share common health issues with other small breed dogs, including dental problems, skin allergies, ear infections, and patellar luxation.

Shih Poo and Maltipoo breeds are prone to eye problems, such as dry eyes or tear duct problems, and dental problems, which can increase the risk of periodontal disease.

Here are some common health conditions that both breeds may experience:

In addition to these shared health concerns, each breed has its own unique health issues. Shih Poo-specific health concerns include Glaucoma, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), and Hypothyroidism, while Maltipoo-specific health concerns include Hypoglycemia and White Shaker Syndrome.

Suggestion: Maltipoo Health Concerns

Both breeds can benefit from hybrid vigor, a common occurrence in hybrid breeds, which indicates that crossbreeds are less likely to inherit certain hereditary conditions thanks to their more diverse gene pool.

However, just like any other breed, both Maltipoos and Shih Poos are prone to certain health conditions, including digestive issues, allergies and sensitivities, skin problems, and ear infections.

Check this out: Maltipoo Mixed Breeds

Maltipoos and Shih Poos are both known for their friendly and playful nature, making them excellent lapdogs. They're bred to be companions and love to spend time with their owners.

They're also both quite social, which means they can get anxious if left alone for long periods. Engaging them in activities and providing mental stimulation is key to keeping them happy and well-behaved.

Maltipoos are generally friendly with children and other animals, making them a great addition to families. However, their social nature means they can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for too long.

Both Maltipoos and Shih Poos are adaptable to various living environments, from quiet country homes to bustling city apartments. They have moderate energy levels, enjoying both playtime and relaxing with their owners.

Their affectionate nature means they form deep bonds with their owners, making them loyal companions.

Grooming needs are a crucial aspect of owning a Maltipoo or Shih Poo. Both breeds require regular grooming to keep their coats in good condition.

Maltipoos have a coat that can vary from slightly wavy to curly, and they typically need to be brushed a few times a week to prevent matting. This frequency can increase if their coat is more on the curly side.

Taking your Maltipoo to a professional groomer every 6 to 8 weeks is recommended to keep their coat trimmed and healthy. This also helps in managing any potential issues with matting and keeping their fur at a manageable length.

Shih Tzus, on the other hand, have a long, flowing double coat that requires more intensive grooming. Their straight, silky fur can easily become matted if not cared for properly.

Daily brushing is often necessary for Shih Tzus to prevent mats and tangles, especially if the coat is kept long. Regular baths are also important to keep their coats clean.

You might like: Curly Hair Maltipoo

Here's a comparison of the grooming needs for Maltipoos and Shih Tzus:

The coat of a Shih Poo or Maltipoo is a great thing to consider when deciding which breed is right for you. Both breeds can have a straight coat, but it's worth noting that Shih Poos may shed some hair due to their Shih Tzu heritage.

Shedding is a major concern for many pet owners, and the good news is that Maltipoos tend to shed less than Shih Poos because they're single-coated dogs. On the other hand, straight coat Shih Poos still require regular hair trims and daily brushing sessions to prevent matting and loose hair from getting everywhere.

Wavy coat Shih Poos and Maltipoos are also a possibility, and these coats are often relatively easy to manage and groom. Wavy coats tend to shed less than straight coats, and they're less prone to tangling.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Maltipoo Straight Hair

Straight Coat Shih Poos are a unique combination of their Poodle and Shih Tzu heritage.

They may shed some hair, especially if they inherit more traits from the Shih Tzu parent.

However, they shed considerably less than their Shih Tzu parents, thanks to their Poodle genes.

These pups require regular hair trims to prevent matting, which is a common issue.

Daily brushing sessions are also necessary to remove loose hair and prevent it from getting everywhere.

The wavy coat is a beautiful combination that's neither curly nor straight. It's usually relatively easy to manage and groom.

Wavy coats tend to shed less than straight coats, and the hair doesn't become as easily tangled. This makes them a great option for people who don't want to spend a lot of time on grooming.

Shih Poos with wavy coats may come with an undercoat, which can shed some hair.

Both Maltipoos and Shih Poos have moderate energy levels, making them well-suited for owners who prefer a less intensive exercise routine. They require daily exercise and mental stimulation, which can be easily met with a short walk, training games, or puzzles and some playtime.

Daily exercise for these crossbreeds should be about an hour each day, with scheduled playtime and mind-stimulating activities to keep them sharp and tired for bedtime. Avoiding destructive behaviors is crucial, especially in small living spaces like apartments.

Maltipoos, with their Poodle heritage, tend to respond well to positive reinforcement training, making them highly trainable. Shih Poos, on the other hand, may inherit the Shih Tzu stubborn streak, requiring more patience and repetition during training sessions.

Exercise is crucial for your furry friend's overall well-being. A moderate energy level makes Maltipoos and Shih Tzus perfect for owners who prefer a less intensive exercise routine.

Daily exercise is essential, but it can be as simple as a short walk. With Maltipoos and Shih Tzus, daily mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity. This can be easily met with training games or puzzles.

Playtime is also a must, but it can be as short as 15-30 minutes a day.

A unique perspective: Maltipoo Summer Cut

Maltipoos are well-suited for owners who prefer a less intensive exercise routine, but they still need daily exercise and mental stimulation.

Their Poodle heritage gives them a higher level of intelligence and eagerness to please, making them more trainable.

Shih Tzus, on the other hand, can sometimes display a more independent personality, which can be perceived as stubbornness during training sessions.

They respond best to gentle, positive training methods and may require more repetition and encouragement to master new commands or behaviors.

Both Maltipoos and Shih Poos respond very well to positive reinforcement training and are eager to please their humans.

However, Shih Poos may be harder to train due to their potential inheritance of the Shih Tzu stubborn streak.

Starting training and socialization from an early age is crucial to enforce good behaviors and help your puppy grow into a confident adult.

Daily exercise is essential for both Maltipoos and Shih Poos, with about an hour of exercise needed each day.

This can be easily met with a short walk, training games, puzzles, and some playtime.

In addition to exercise, mental stimulation is also essential to keep your pup sharp and prevent destructive behaviors.

Maltipoos and Shih Poos generally have a long life expectancy, with an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Choosing responsible breeders who focus on health and genetics plays a crucial role in ensuring a healthy start to life.

Both Maltipoos and Shih Poos can be prone to certain health issues, including hypoglycemia in Maltipoos and brachycephalic syndrome in Shih Tzus. These health concerns can be managed with proper care and attention.

Here are some common health issues that can affect Maltipoos and Shih Poos:

Regular veterinary care, a balanced diet, and sufficient mental and physical exercise can help maximize the lifespan of these breeds.

Both Shih Poo and Maltipoo puppies can live for between ten and fifteen years, making them an excellent option for pet parents seeking a long-term furry family member.

Shih Poo pups may be prone to inheriting or developing specific conditions, especially as they age, including Glaucoma, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Cherry Eye, Cataracts, Hypothyroidism, Renal Dysplasia, and Cleft Palate.

Regular grooming is crucial for both breeds, as they're prone to skin allergies and sensitivities, which can lead to dermatitis.

Shih Poo owners must keep a close watch on their pup's behavior, as they may be experiencing vision problems if they often bump into furniture, struggle to find their way around the house, or fail to recognize their owners.

Both breeds are at risk of joint problems, such as patellar luxation and elbow dysplasia, due to their small size.

A responsible breeder that only produces new litters from health and DNA tested parents can help ensure the health and wellbeing of their puppies.

Here are some common health conditions that both breeds share:

Shih Poo dogs that inherit the shorter Shih Tzu snout may have trouble breathing and are at higher risk of heatstroke compared to pups with longer snouts.

Maltipoos, on the other hand, are at a higher risk of White Shaker Syndrome and epilepsy.

Hybrid vigor, a common occurrence in hybrid breeds, indicates that crossbreeds are less likely to inherit certain hereditary conditions thanks to their more diverse gene pool.

Maltipoos and Shih Tzus are known for having a fairly long life expectancy, typically ranging from 12 to 15 years.

Proper care is crucial to maximizing their lifespan, which includes regular veterinary care, a balanced diet, and sufficient mental and physical exercise.

Choosing puppies from responsible breeders who focus on health and genetics plays a significant role in ensuring a healthy start to life.

Small-sized dogs generally live longer compared to larger dogs, so Maltipoos' small size is a plus for their lifespan.

Hybrid vigor may also contribute to their overall health and longevity, making them potentially healthier than their purebred parents.

Feeding your Maltipoo a healthy and high-quality diet, keeping track of their weight, and providing plenty of exercise and playtime will all impact their quality of life and lifespan.

Their lifespan can range from 10 to 14 years, and their coat is often soft and fluffy, varying from slightly wavy to curly, and comes in a variety of colors.

Broaden your view: Life Span of Maltipoo

Both the Shih Poo and Maltipoo are known for their affectionate nature, making them great companions for families and individuals alike. They are both playful and love to interact with their owners.

Their grooming needs are similar, requiring regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. The Maltipoo needs brushing 2 to 3 times a week, while the Shih Poo requires daily brushing.

Both breeds are relatively small in size, with the Maltipoo weighing between 5-20 pounds and the Shih Poo weighing between 9-16 pounds. They also have similar lifespans, ranging from 10-16 years.

Discover more: How to Cut a Maltipoo

Both the Maltipoo and Shih Tzu are small dogs, with the Maltipoo weighing between 5-20 pounds and the Shih Tzu weighing between 9-16 pounds.

Their coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, with both breeds needing daily brushing and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.

Both breeds are known for their affectionate nature, with the Maltipoo being playful and intelligent, while the Shih Tzu is loyal and independent.

Here are some key similarities between the two breeds:

Both breeds are prone to dental issues and allergies, with the Maltipoo also susceptible to patellar luxation, Hypoglycemia, and PRA, and the Shih Tzu at risk for brachycephalic syndrome, Hip dysplasia, and intervertebral disk disease.

Both Maltipoos and Shih Poos are small dogs, falling into the small dog category, making them ideal for apartment living or homes with limited space.

Their coats can be a variety of colors, including grey, white, brown, cream, gold, and black, with some dogs having multiple colors throughout their coat.

Both breeds require regular grooming, but the Malshi may need more frequent brushing due to its longer fur.

Shih Poo puppies can have long, medium-length, or short coats, and their fur can be virtually any natural color.

Their facial features can be flatter, like that of a Shih Tzu, or box-like, as with a Toy Poodle.

Worth a look: Maltipoo Black and Brown

Maltipoos often inherit the Maltese-inspired white coat, or come in colors like black, cream, apricot, red, or brown.

They can also come in black and white, parti, tri-color, phantom, and sable patterned coats, similar to Shih Poos.

Both breeds can inherit a variety of beautiful solid coats and color patterns from either side of their lineage.

The average Shih Poo may only weigh about ten pounds, making them a great option for those who live in small spaces.