Maltese vs Shih Tzu
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Maltese
Toy Group
Shih Tzu
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Maltese Overview
Maltese dogs captivate with their flowing white silk coats and elegant bearing. Standing 7-9 inches tall with a compact body, these graceful companions feature dark expressive eyes, a black button nose, and a gently rounded skull. Their distinctive coat falls straight to the ground, creating a regal appearance that belies their playful, affectionate nature. Gentle yet spirited, they combine aristocratic refinement with a charming, vivacious personality.
Shih Tzu Overview
Shih Tzus captivate with their luxurious flowing double coat and distinctive chrysanthemum-like face, where the hair grows upward on the nose. These compact, sturdy dogs possess a proud bearing with their head held high, level back, and plumed tail carried over their back. Their warm, trusting eyes and sweet expression perfectly match their affectionate and outgoing personality.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Malteses are less energetic than Shih Tzus, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Malteses require less grooming attention compared to Shih Tzus.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Malteses tend to be more reserved with strangers than Shih Tzus.
- Trainability: Shih Tzus may be slightly easier to train due to their Shih Tzu's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Shih Tzus adapt better to apartment living, while Malteses typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Maltese and Shih Tzu, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Maltese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 10-18 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Maltese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 7-9 inches 18-23 cm | 9-11 inches 23-27 cm |
| Weight | 7-7 lbs 3-3 kg | 9-16 lbs 4-7 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Maltese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Gentle, Playful, Charming | Affectionate, Playful, Outgoing |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Maltese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Maltese Temperament
The Maltese is known for being gentle, playful, charming, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Shih Tzu Temperament
The Shih Tzu is characterized by being affectionate, playful, outgoing, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Maltese and Shih Tzu, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Maltese
Rating: 3/5
Shih Tzu
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Maltese
Rating: 3/5
Shih Tzu
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Maltese
Rating: 3/5
Shih Tzu
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Maltese
Rating: 2/5
Shih Tzu
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Maltese
Rating: 5/5
Shih Tzu
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Maltese Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Malteses require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Malteses require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Shih Tzu Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Shih Tzus need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Shih Tzus require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Maltese Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- White Dog Shaker Syndrome
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Hypoglycemia
Shih Tzu Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Brachycephalic Syndrome
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Dental Issues
Pros & Cons
Maltese
Pros
- Minimal shedding
- Excellent companion dog
- Good for apartments
- Adaptable to different lifestyles
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Can be yappy
- Prone to dental issues
- Delicate physical structure
Shih Tzu
Pros
- Excellent companion dog
- Good with children
- Adaptable to small spaces
- Low exercise needs
- Affectionate personality
Cons
- High grooming requirements
- Prone to health issues
- Can be stubborn
- Temperature sensitive
- Difficult to housebreak
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Maltese and Shih Tzu, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.