Maltipoo vs Shiba Inu

Which dog breed is right for you?

Maltipoo

Size
5–20 lbs, 8–14 in
Lifespan
10–13 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Affectionate Playful Gentle Adaptable

Shiba Inu

Size
17–23 lbs, 14–17 in
Lifespan
13–16 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
No
Good with Pets
No
Alert Bold Faithful Independent

About the Maltipoo

The Maltipoo is a popular designer crossbreed combining the Maltese and Toy or Miniature Poodle — first intentionally bred in the United States during the 1990s. These charming small dogs typically weigh 5 to 20 pounds and stand 8 to 14 inches tall, depending on the Poodle parent's size. Their coat is soft, wavy to curly, and comes in cream, white, apricot, red, and a range of other colors — often low-shedding thanks to the Poodle influence.

Temperament & Personality

Maltipoos are affectionate, playful, and thrive on human companionship — making them excellent lap dogs and emotional support animals. They tend to be gentle with children and can coexist well with other pets when properly socialized. Their alert nature means they'll bark to announce visitors, though they're far too friendly to serve as guard dogs.

Pros

  • Low-shedding coat is more suitable for allergy sufferers
  • Adapts well to apartments and small living spaces
  • Eager to please and relatively easy to train with positive reinforcement
  • Long lifespan of 12 to 16 years compared to many breeds

Cons

  • Prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods
  • Coat requires regular professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks
  • Can develop patellar luxation and progressive retinal atrophy
  • Tendency toward excessive barking without consistent training

If a cuddly, low-shedding companion sounds like your perfect match, browse Maltipoo listings on Puplister today.

About the Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is Japan's oldest and smallest native breed, originally bred to flush birds and small game in the dense mountain underbrush — "shiba" may refer to brushwood or the breed's red color, while "inu" simply means dog. These compact, agile dogs stand 13.5 to 16.5 inches tall and weigh 17 to 23 pounds, with a fox-like face, small triangular ears, and a curled tail. Their stiff, plush double coat comes in red, sesame, black and tan, or cream, with distinctive "urajiro" (cream to white ventral markings).

Temperament & Personality

Shiba Inus are bold, alert, and fiercely independent — often described as more cat-like than dog-like in their self-possession and fastidious grooming habits. They are loyal to their families but on their own terms, and their strong-willed nature means they do not blindly follow commands. Shibas are known for the infamous "Shiba scream" — a loud, distinctive vocalization produced when displeased or overjoyed — and they can be aloof with strangers and sometimes aggressive toward other dogs.

Pros

  • Naturally clean and almost cat-like — easy to housetrain and self-grooming
  • Compact, manageable size for apartments with adequate exercise
  • Loyal and devoted to their family once trust is established
  • Healthy breed with a long lifespan of 13 to 16 years

Cons

  • Extremely independent and stubborn — not recommended for first-time owners
  • Strong prey drive and unreliable recall make off-leash freedom risky
  • Can be possessive of food, toys, and territory (resource guarding)
  • Prone to allergies, patellar luxation, and hip dysplasia

The Shiba Inu's spirited independence and striking looks have won fans worldwide — discover Shibas on Puplister.

Available for Adoption

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Maltipoos

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Shiba Inus

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Maltipoo and a Shiba Inu?
The Maltipoo is 5–20 lbs, 8–14 in sized while the Shiba Inu is 17–23 lbs, 14–17 in sized. They differ in size (5–20 lbs, 8–14 in vs 17–23 lbs, 14–17 in), lifespan (10–13 years vs 13–16 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Maltipoo or Shiba Inu?
Maltipoo is generally good with kids. Shiba Inu is not typically good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Maltipoo or Shiba Inu?
The Maltipoo has a lifespan of 10–13 years while the Shiba Inu has a lifespan of 13–16 years.

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