Maltipoo vs Shih Poo: How Do They Compare? (With Pictures)

These dogs are known to be affectionate and relaxed, and they are each considered hypoallergenic. The Maltipoo and the Shih Poo share many other similar characteristics due to their relation to the Poodle, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t differences between the breeds. If you cannot decide which breed is right for your family, you will want to learn more about the slight differences between these two dogs. In this article, we will be taking a close look at both breeds and highlighting their differences.

Visual Differences Between Maltipoos and Shih Poos

At a Glance

Maltipoo Overview

Personality / Character

The Maltipoo can be best described as playful yet gentle. This small dog is full of pep and energy, making it an entertaining companion. Maltipoos are also known to be especially intelligent, and it is easy for them to adapt to new people and situations. They have lots of love to give and make excellent friends for families, children, and the elderly.

Training

Maltipoos are high-energy dogs with keen intelligence, so training will be an excellent way to burn some extra energy while keeping your dog mentally stimulated. A Maltipoo’s intelligence means that they can pick up new tasks and tricks fairly easily, but it also means that they may get up to mischief if they are not mentally stimulated enough.

Maltipoos are eager to please, which makes training a much easier task. However, you will still need to have a lot of patience with the dog. They can be very sensitive, and if they are scolded or punished, they will be unwilling to continue training. The best way to train a Maltipoo is through positive reinforcement with plenty of treats and praises.

Maltipoos tend to be noisy, so training will be necessary to teach your dog when it is or is not appropriate to bark. If you don’t train the dog to know when to bark, you will have a dog that barks all the time.

Health & Care

Maltipoos don’t shed often, but they must be regularly groomed. In fact, they can be somewhat high maintenance in that regard. Their woolly coats must be brushed daily to keep them healthy and shiny. They will need to be bathed at least once per month and have their fur clipped a few times per year. Your Maltipoo may develop matting or sores if the coat is not well-maintained.

Although Maltipoos are energetic, they do not need intense exercise. One 15-minute walk per day plus some indoor playtime is enough to keep your pup active.

Suitable for:

Maltipoos are incredibly friendly and have sweet dispositions, making them suitable for any family dynamic. Their eagerness to please makes them easy to train, so if you are a first-time dog owner, the Maltipoo could be a perfect fit. They get along well with other dogs and are an excellent size for cats. Not to mention, Maltipoos may be a great fit for a person with allergies due to their low-shedding coat. Overall, there is hardly any family dynamic that doesn’t suit the Maltipoo.

Shih Poo Overview

Personality / Character

The Shih Poo has an exuberant personality. One parent, the Shih Tzu, is an incredibly affectionate lap dog; the other parent, the toy poodle, loves to soak up everyone’s attention. This combination creates a spunky dog with a lot of personality.

Shih Poos tend to be energetic, playful, and intelligent dogs. They do well in active households and make excellent companions for all sorts of people.

Training

While Shih Poos are energetic, they are not the most athletic breed in the world. They won’t be the best companion to bring on a jog, but they make an excellent walking buddy. Training is another great way to get daily exercise in with your Shih Poo.

Much like the Maltipoo, it responds best to positive reinforcement. They love interacting with their favorite humans, so combining play with training is a great tactic when training a Shih Poo.

Health & Care

Like the Maltipoo, the Shih Poo requires a lot of grooming care. Daily brushing and monthly bathing are the standards for your dog’s care, while a few times per year is sufficient for trimming the coat. Regular sanitary trims are also recommended, which are clips around the belly, armpits, and underside of the tail. This will help to keep your Shih Poo’s hygiene in check.

Suitable for:

Shih Poos are excellent candidates for almost any family dynamic. Their friendly disposition makes them great companions for children and elders alike, while their lively personalities are perfect for entertaining families. Shih Poos get along great with cats and other dogs, so you won’t have to worry too much if you already have a pet in the home.

Which Breed Is Right for You?

Maltipoos and Shih Poos have a few noteworthy differences, but by and large, they are mostly similar. They share lively personalities with gentle, affectionate dispositions and are perfect fits for any family dynamic. They require quite a bit of grooming but are low maintenance when it comes to exercise.

However, there is a significant difference between the two breeds. While the Maltipoo tends to live an average of 10–13 years, the Shih Poo can live past 15 years. If you want a companion to grow up with your children or stick around for a long time, the Shih Poo may be ideal.

Other than that, it can feel impossible to decide between the Maltipoo and the Shih Poo. Regardless, whichever you pick, you will undoubtedly make a lifelong friend.

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Featured Image Credit: (L) marketlan, Shutterstock | (R) Lim Tiaw Leong, Shutterstock