Pug Shiba vs Malti-Pug Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Shiba Pug or Maltipug?

Compare the Pug Shiba and Malti-Pug breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a Shiba Pug or a Maltipug? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you

Differences only

Other names

Shiba Pug

Maltipug

Weight

What is the average weight of Pug Shiba and Malti-Pug?

12.5 pounds ( 6 kg )

11.5 pounds ( 5 kg )

Height

What is the average height of Pug Shiba and Malti-Pug

10.0 inches ( 25.4 cm )

10.5 inches ( 26.7 cm )

Hypoallergenic

Are Pug Shibas or Malti-Pugs hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, neither Pug Shiba nor Malti-Pug are hypoallergenic, which may not make them the best choice for dog lovers who suffer from pet allergies.

Temperament

What are the personalities of Pug Shiba and Malti-Pug dogs?

Playful
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Fearless
Keen
Cheerful
Faithful
Charming

Active
Playful
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Tempered
Sweet
Cheerful
Easygoing

Shedding Level

Do Pug Shibas shed more than Malti-Pugs, or which breed sheds more, Pug Shibas or Malti-Pugs?

Pug Shibas are heavy shedders, but regular brushing can help manage shedding and promote a healthy coat.

Malti-Pugs are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Ancestry

What are the origins of Pug Shiba and Malti-Pug breeds?

Pug and Shiba Inu mix

Pug and Maltese

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register Pug Shiba and Malti-Pug?

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

Date of Birth

When were Pug Shiba and Malti-Pug breeds first developed?

Unknown

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Pug Shiba and Malti-Pug dogs?

Hazel

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Pug Shiba and Malti-Pug?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Pug Shiba and Malti-Pug breeds?

Brown
Fawn
Pied

Fawn
Black
White

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Pug Shiba and Malti-Pug breeds?

Pug Shibas have short coats.

Malti-Pugs have medium-length coats.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Pug Shiba and Malti-Pug?

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Pug Shiba and Malti-Pug?

Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Pug Shiba and Malti-Pug?

2-4 puppies per pregnancy

A Pug Shiba can have a litter of 2-4 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

3-5 puppies per pregnancy

A Malti-Pug can have a litter of 3-5 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Pug Shiba and Malti-Pugs are known for their adaptability and versatility. They are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments, making them great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Health Issues

Between Pug Shiba and Malti-Pug, which breed is more prone to health problems?

The Pug Shiba and Malti-Pug breeds are commonly healthy with low vet costs, regular check-ups may not be as necessary but it's important to keep an eye on their health and have them checked by a veterinarian when needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Pug Shiba and Malti-Pug breeds?

Patellar Luxation
Hip Dysplasia
Epilepsy
Hemivertebrae
Hypothyroidism
Cancer
Corneal Ulcer
Pug Dog Encephalitis
Legg-Calve Perthes Disease
Canine Glaucoma

Dental Disease
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Brachycephalic Syndrome
Patent Ductus Arteriosis (PDA)
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye)

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Pug Shiba and Malti-Pug?

Allergies
Dry Eye

Patellar Luxation
Entropion
Distichiasis
Ectropion
Canine Hip Dysplasia
Hypoglycemia
Atopic Dermatitis
Sick Sinus Syndrome
Pug Dog Encephalitis

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Pug Shiba and Malti-Pug breeds?

Full Body Physical Examination

Eye Examination
Dental Examination
Radiographs
Blood Tests

Social Needs

Pug Shiba vs Malti-Pug social needs comparison

Pug Shiba has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Malti-Pug has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Pug Shiba or Malti-Pug?

Pug Shiba and Malti-Pug breeds are known to have moderate energy levels and normal sleep patterns, typically sleeping around 12-14 hours per day.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Pug Shiba vs Malti-Pug?

Roaming urge

Pug Shiba vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

Pug Shiba or Malti-Pug - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Pug Shiba and Malti-Pug entertained?

Fetch, Playing Ball, Seeking, Training, Relax, Walks

Fetch, Catch treats, Running, Soccer

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Pug Shibas or Malti-Pugs?

Medium

Pug Shibas are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Low

Malti-Pugs are low-energy dogs. This breed make a great companion for a relatively inactive person. Malti-Pug dogs require a few short daily walks, and then they're happy snuggling next to you for the rest of the day.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How many miles should Pug Shiba or Malti-Pug walk each week?

5 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Pug Shiba, it's at least 5 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

2 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Malti-Pug, it's at least 2 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Pug Shibas or Malti-Pugs require more exercise?

45 minutes

In general most Pug Shibas usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

30 minutes

In general most Malti-Pugs usually need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Pug Shibas or Malti-Pugs?

Pug Shiba and Malti-Pug are breeds of dogs that are known for their low grooming needs.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Pug Shiba and Malti-Pug dogs?

Weekly

Pug Shiba should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Daily

Ideally, Malti-Pug should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Pug Shibas and Malti-Pugs?

Pin Brush
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Pug Shiba or Malti-Pug in cups?

2 cups

For an average 14-18 pound (6 - 8 kg) Pug Shiba feed 2 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

0.5 cups

For an average 10-13 pound (5 - 6 kg) Malti-Pug feed 0.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Pug Shiba or Malti-Pug?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Pug Shiba is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

$1.10 - $1.40 / day

The average cost of a Malti-Pug is somewhere $1.10 - $1.40 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Pug Shiba or Malti-Pug?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Pug Shiba is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

$28 - $42 / month

The average per month expenses of a Malti-Pug is between $28 - $42. This makes an average of $336 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Sensitivity Level

How do Pug Shiba and Malti-Pug compare in sensitivity?

Pug Shibas have average emotions and adapt well to different situations.

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Pug Shiba or Malti-Pug?

Pug Shibas and Malti-Pugs are known for being excellent apartment dogs. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Child Friendly

Do Pug Shibas or Malti-Pugs have a friendlier temperament towards children?

Pug Shiba and Malti-Pug are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Pug Shiba or Malti-Pug?

Cat Friendly

Do Pug Shiba or Malti-Pug breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

Pug Shibas are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Malti-Pugs are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Pug Shiba or Malti-Pug?

Pug Shibas are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

Malti-Pugs are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

Pet friendly

How do Pug Shiba or Malti-Pug dogs interact with other pets?

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Pug Shiba or Malti-Pug?

Pug Shibas are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

Malti-Pugs are highly friendly around strangers.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Pug Shiba and Malti-Pug?

Pug Shiba and Malti-Pug have an average level of playfulness. Like other dogs, they enjoy playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Pug Shibas and Malti-Pugs compare?

Pug Shibas may require more time and patience to learn commands, but with consistency, they can be trained.

Malti-Pugs are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.