Is the Maltipoo or the Shihpoo better for families with children?

The Shihpoo tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialisation.

Which sheds more, the Maltipoo or the Shihpoo?

The Shihpoo sheds more than the Maltipoo. If shedding is a concern, the Maltipoo is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Maltipoo or the Shihpoo?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Maltipoo or Shihpoo bigger?

Maltipoo and Shihpoo are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Maltipoo or Shihpoo?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Maltipoo or Shihpoo?

For apartment or flat living, Shihpoo has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Maltipoo vs Shihpoo: Which Sheds Less?

Maltipoo vs Shihpoo: full comparison

Trait	Maltipoo	Shihpoo
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	Medium	Low
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	Very High	High
Good with children	Medium	High
Grooming needs	High	High
Shedding	Very Low	Low
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	14 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	Yes

Size and living space

The Maltipoo is a compact little dog that lives comfortably in a flat and asks for very little space. By comparison, the Shihpoo is a compact little dog that lives comfortably in a flat and asks for very little space. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Maltipoo needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. The Shihpoo needs a modest daily walk and some light play to stay happy. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Maltipoo needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and leaves virtually no hair around the house. The Shihpoo needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and sheds only lightly. Both are considered hypoallergenic, so either works well for allergy-conscious homes. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Maltipoo picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and usually does well with children given socialisation and supervision. The Shihpoo picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, Maltipoo will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Shihpoo will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

For apartment or flat living, Shihpoo has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Shihpoo has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Maltipoo and Shihpoo are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Shihpoo has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Maltipoo has the edge, as it is hypoallergenic and lower-shedding.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Maltipoo if you want a more outgoing, sociable dog, you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure, or you want less shedding around the home.

Choose the Shihpoo if you want the more child-friendly companion or you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Maltipoo or the Shihpoo better for families with children?: The Shihpoo tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialisation.
Which sheds more, the Maltipoo or the Shihpoo?: The Shihpoo sheds more than the Maltipoo. If shedding is a concern, the Maltipoo is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Maltipoo or the Shihpoo?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Maltipoo or Shihpoo bigger?: Maltipoo and Shihpoo are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Maltipoo or Shihpoo?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Maltipoo or Shihpoo?: For apartment or flat living, Shihpoo has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Maltipoo vs Shihpoo