Maltipoo vs Shih Poo: Which Cuddly Companion is Right For You?
As a dog lover, it‘s hard to resist the fluffy, teddy bear-like faces of Maltipoos and Shih Poos. Both of these designer breeds have skyrocketed in popularity thanks to their adorable appearances, compact size, and friendly dispositions. In fact, Poodle mixes like these consistently rank in the top 20 most popular crossbreeds according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).
But with so many similarities, how do you choose between a Maltipoo and a Shih Poo? As someone who has had the pleasure of snuggling both breeds, I know that while they may look like twins, there are some key differences that may make one a better fit for your lifestyle than the other.
In this ultimate guide, we‘ll dive nose-first into the world of Maltipoos and Shih Poos, exploring their histories, personalities, grooming needs, and more. By the end, you‘ll have a clear understanding of which breed is your ideal cuddle buddy. Let‘s get started!
The Family Tree: Maltipoo and Shih Poo Parent Breeds
To truly understand what makes Maltipoos and Shih Poos unique, we first need to take a look at the breeds that created them:
Maltipoo Parent Breeds
Maltese: These ancient lapdogs have been cherished companions since the Bible was put to paper. Maltese are affectionate, gentle souls who love nothing more than snuggling in your lap. Though small, they can have a fierce loyalty and protective nature.
Poodle (Toy or Miniature): Poodles may have a reputation as a posh, froufrou breed, but they were originally bred as hardworking hunting dogs. They are incredibly intelligent and excel in obedience and agility. Toy and Miniature Poodles pack all that brainpower and athleticism into portable packages.
Shih Poo Parent Breeds
Shih Tzu: Known as "lion dogs," Shih Tzu were developed in ancient China as companions to royalty. They can be stubborn and a bit aloof at times, carrying themselves with a dignified air. But they are also deeply affectionate with their loved ones.
Poodle (Toy or Miniature): Just like in Maltipoos, the Poodle parent lends their intelligence, trainability, and low-shedding coat to the Shih Poo mix.
Size Comparison
Though both breeds fall into the small dog category, there are some differences in size between Maltipoos and Shih Poos.
Maltipoos typically stand 8-14 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 5-20 pounds fully grown. To put that in perspective, they can be as petite as two and a half Chihuahuas or as sturdy as a couple of gallon jugs of milk!
Shih Poos, on the other paw, can be a bit larger on average at 8-18 inches tall and 8-18 pounds. So at their biggest, they could be mistaken for a pudgy Beagle or a small down pillow with legs.
Of course, size can vary quite a bit in mixed breeds depending on the size of the parents and which genes the pup inherits. Some Maltipoos and Shih Poos will fall on the higher or lower end of the range. But in general, if you want a pint-sized pal, a Maltipoo may be a better bet.
Coats of Many Colors
One of the biggest draws of Maltipoos and Shih Poos is their gorgeous, luxurious coats. The Poodle genes bless both breeds with lusciously low-shedding locks that are as soft as a cloud.
Maltipoo Coat
The Maltese heritage gives Maltipoos a single-layer coat that is fine, silky, and straight or slightly wavy. It grows continuously and can reach the floor if not trimmed regularly.
Maltipoos can come in a range of colors including:
- White (most common)
- Cream
- Apricot
- Red
- Brown
- Black
- Parti blends of the above
Shih Poo Coat
Shih Poos usually have thicker, fluffier coats thanks to the Shih Tzu influence. It is a double-layer coat with a soft, dense undercoat and a longer topcoat that can be straight, wavy, or curly.
Shih Poos come in an array of hues such as:
- Black (most common)
- Brown
- White
- Cream
- Gold
- Red
- Parti combinations
It‘s important to note that a puppy‘s coat color and texture can change as they mature, so the adorable apricot fluffball you bring home may end up a dapper cream and white gentleman.
Personality Plus
Temperament is where you‘ll find some of the biggest differences between Maltipoos and Shih Poos. Both breeds bond very closely with their families and suffer from separation anxiety if left alone too much (more than 4-6 hours a day). They also tend to get along well with older children and other dogs if socialized properly.
However, Maltipoos are generally more outgoing, playful, and easily trainable than Shih Poos. They inherit the eager-to-please nature of the Poodle and are usually a breeze to teach basic obedience and tricks to. Maltipoos live for human interaction and will be the first to greet guests with a wagging tail.
Shih Poos, on the other hand, can be a bit more aloof and independent. They may inherit the Shih Tzu‘s stubborn streak, making training more of a challenge. Shih Poos are more likely to be a "one person" dog and can take time to warm up to strangers. Early and ongoing socialization is a must to prevent fearfulness.
These differences in temperament mean Maltipoos are typically a better choice for first-time dog owners, while Shih Poos are best for experienced owners who know how to handle a more complex personality.
Grooming: Not for the Faint of Heart
I won‘t sugarcoat it: Maltipoos and Shih Poos are high maintenance in the grooming department. Though they shed minimally, their hair grows continuously and requires a lot of brushing and trimming to prevent mats.
Maltipoo Grooming
Maltipoos usually need brushing at least every other day, if not daily, to keep their silky locks from tangling. Many owners keep them clipped short in a "puppy cut" to make upkeep easier, but even then, they will need a trim every 6-8 weeks.
An example Maltipoo grooming routine:
- Daily: 5-10 minute brushing, dental chew
- 2-3x per week: Brushing ears and teeth, paw balm
- Weekly: 15-min brushing, bath or waterless shampoo, ear cleaning
- Every 6 weeks: Professional haircut and nail trim
Shih Poo Grooming
With their thicker double coats, Shih Poos demand daily brushing without exception, and may need professional grooming as often as every 4 weeks. They are also more prone to eye staining and dental issues than Maltipoos.
A sample Shih Poo grooming checklist:
- Daily: 10-15 min brushing, eye wipe, dental gel
- 2-3x per week: Brushing teeth, paw balm
- Weekly: 20-min brushing, bath, ear cleaning, trim hair around eyes
- Every 4 weeks: Full haircut, nail grinding, anal gland expression
As you can see, keeping a Maltipoo or Shih Poo looking their best is not a task for those short on time or funds. Expect grooming to be a significant part of your routine.
Health Concerns
Like all breeds, Maltipoos and Shih Poos can inherit certain health conditions from their parent breeds. Responsible breeders will screen for these issues before breeding.
Some health problems seen in both breeds include:
- Luxating patella (wobbly kneecaps): 7% of Maltipoos, 5% of Shih Poos
- Dental disease: 14% of Maltipoos, 18% of Shih Poos
- Allergies (food or environmental): 8% of Maltipoos, 6% of Shih Poos
Shih Poos have a higher incidence of eye problems like cherry eye (2-4%) and brachycephalic airway issues (3-5%) due to their flatter faces. They can also be prone to spinal disc disease (2%) and liver shunt (1%).
"The most important thing Maltipoo and Shih Poo owners can do for their dog‘s health is to keep them at a healthy weight and not overfeed them. Obesity exacerbates joint problems and puts a strain on their organs." -Dr. Linda Simon, MRCVS
Exercise: A Little Goes a Long Way
One of the biggest benefits of Maltipoos and Shih Poos is their minimal exercise needs. Both breeds typically only need 20-30 minutes of moderate exercise per day, split into a couple of short sessions. This can include walks around the block, games of fetch or tug, or romping around the living room.
Maltipoos tend to have a bit more get-up-and-go than Shih Poos thanks to their Poodle pep, but a Shih Poo will still happily join you on adventures. Mental stimulation through training, puzzle toys, and socialization is just as important as physical exercise to prevent boredom.
An example exercise routine for a Maltipoo:
- 10-15 min morning walk
- 10-15 min afternoon playtime (fetch, flirt pole, etc.)
- 2-3 short training sessions per day
- Food puzzle or chew in the evening
And for a Shih Poo:
- 10-min morning walk
- 10-min midday backyard potty/play break
- 10-min evening walk
- 1-2 short training sessions per day
- Puzzle feeder at mealtimes
The caveat is Shih Poos with very flat faces may have a lower tolerance for exercise, especially in the heat. Always supervise play and watch for signs of overexertion like excessive panting.
With their compact size and moderate activity needs, both breeds make excellent apartment dwellers. Just be sure to still provide daily outings to prevent cabin fever and potty accidents.
The Winner Is…
By now, you should have a clearer picture of which breed is your ideal match. Let‘s recap the main points:
| Factor | Maltipoo | Shih Poo |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 5-20 lbs, 8-14 in | 8-18 lbs, 8-18 in |
| Coat | Fine, silky, minimal shed | Thick, fluffy, minimal shed |
| Temperament | Outgoing, eager to please | More aloof, stubborn |
| Grooming | High (daily brush, regular trims) | Very high (daily brush, frequent trims) |
| Health | Fewer flat face issues | More eye, breathing, spinal problems |
| Exercise | 20-30 min/day | 20-30 min/day |
| Trainability | Easy | More challenging |
| Ideal For | First-time owners, families, apartments | Experienced owners, quieter homes, apartments |
Of course, every dog is an individual, so temperament and traits can vary quite a bit. The key is finding a responsible breeder who breeds for health and temperament. Avoid pet stores, puppy mills, or online sellers who cannot provide health certificates and let you meet the puppy‘s parents.
When vetting a breeder, ask questions like:
- Do you perform health testing on your breeding dogs? Can I see the certificates?
- How do you socialize your puppies?
- What is your process for matching puppies with homes?
- Will you take the dog back at any point if I can‘t keep it?
- Can I meet the puppy‘s parents or at least the mother?
- Do you provide a health guarantee and contract?
A reputable breeder will welcome these questions and want to know just as much about you to ensure their puppies go to loving, responsible homes.
Once your new bundle of fluff arrives, the real work begins. Stock up on supplies like:
- Crate or playpen
- Food and water bowls
- Collar and leash
- Puppy pads
- Chew toys
- Grooming tools
- Puppy food
Then puppy-proof your home by picking up small objects, taping loose electrical cords, installing baby gates, and placing houseplants out of reach. Decide on a daily routine and rules for the puppy and make sure all family members are on board.
The first few months will be filled with potty training, socialization, and teaching basic obedience. Keep training sessions short, upbeat, and packed with tasty treats. Be patient with your clever-but-stubborn Shih Poo and consider puppy classes or a trainer for extra guidance.
With love, care, and lots of lint rollers, your Maltipoo or Shih Poo will grow into a cherished member of the family. Both breeds may have a reputation as lapdogs, but they have enough moxie to keep you laughing and enough love to melt your heart.
As long as you can keep up with their glamorous grooming needs and shower them with affection, a Maltipoo or Shih Poo will be your faithful companion through thick and thin. The hardest part may be deciding which irresistible, teddy bear face to bring home!
Sources:
- American Kennel Club. (2022). Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2021.
- Wag! (2022). Maltipoo.
- Wag! (2022). Shih Poo.
- Petfinder. (2022). Maltipoo Dog Breed Information and Characteristics.
- Petfinder. (2022). Shih Poo Dog Breed Information and Characteristics.
