Breed comparison
Maltese vs Shih Tzu
Maltese or Shih Tzu? Both are long-haired toy companions that live to sit on a lap, and both come with a serious grooming schedule, so the choice often feels like a coin flip. The short answer: the Shih Tzu is the sturdier, quieter and more kid-friendly dog but has a flat face that struggles in the heat, while the Maltese is the tinier, sleeker and more vocal one that is easier to hurt in a busy family home. Both need daily coat care and company.
Photo: Sannse · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Canino21 · Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
| Maltese | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Small |
| Height | 7–9 in (18–23 cm) | 9–10.5 in (23–27 cm) |
| Weight | 4–7 lb (2–3 kg) | 9–16 lb (4–7 kg) |
| Life span | 12–15 years | 10–18 years |
| Group | Toy | Toy |
| Coat | Long, silky, straight single coat | Long, flowing double coat |
| Lower-allergen coat | Yes | No |
| Energy level | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Good with kids | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly to strangers | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| Tolerates being alone | ||
| Good for first-time owners | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Barking | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Trait scale 1–5. Shedding, grooming, barking and drooling: 5 = more. Highlighted rows are where the two breeds differ.
The key differences
Size
The Maltese is the smaller dog, at 7 to 9 in (18 to 23 cm) and 4 to 7 lb (2 to 3 kg). The Shih Tzu stands 9 to 10.5 in (23 to 27 cm) and weighs 9 to 16 lb (4 to 7 kg), so it is roughly twice as heavy. That difference matters with children and large dogs. Both score 5 out of 5 for apartment living.
Energy and exercise
The two score the same on our meters, 3 out of 5 for energy and 2 for exercise. PetMD describes the Maltese as needing daily walks and indoor or backyard play, and the Shih Tzu as needing a 30-minute walk plus play at home. Neither needs vigorous exercise. For the Shih Tzu, PetMD recommends a harness rather than a collar.
Coat and grooming
Both score 5 out of 5 for grooming, and both are high-maintenance. PetMD recommends daily brushing for the Maltese's long coat and brushing several times a week, ideally daily, for the Shih Tzu, with professional grooming every few weeks. The Maltese sheds a bit less (1 versus 2 out of 5), but PetMD notes the Shih Tzu is not truly hypoallergenic. A shorter clip makes either coat easier to keep.
Temperament and training
Both are affectionate (5 out of 5) and trainable at a moderate level (3). The Shih Tzu is better with kids (4 versus 2), other dogs (4 versus 3) and strangers (4 versus 3), and it barks less (2 versus 4). PetMD says the Maltese can bark excessively when bored or lonely and is not ideal with young children because it is easy to injure. The Shih Tzu scores 4 out of 5 for first-time owners and the Maltese 3.
Health and life span
Maltese typically live 12 to 15 years and Shih Tzus 10 to 18. PetMD lists luxating patella, a heart defect called patent ductus arteriosus, liver shunts and dental disease for the Maltese. For the Shih Tzu it lists brachycephalic airway issues, obesity, luxating patella, dental disease, eye conditions, ear infections and inherited kidney disease. The Shih Tzu's flat face makes heat dangerous (1 out of 5 for heat tolerance), so keep it cool.
Cost and care
Grooming is the main ongoing cost for both, whether you pay a groomer every few weeks or learn to do the brushing and bathing at home. Dental care is a second recurring cost for both toy breeds, because PetMD lists dental disease for each. Budget for pet insurance and a walker if you work away from home.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Shih Tzu if you want a sturdier, quieter and more child-tolerant lap dog and you can keep it cool in summer, watch its breathing and eyes, and handle daily brushing. Choose the Maltese if you want the tiniest and lightest companion for an adult household and can live with more barking, extra care around small children and daily coat work. Both are affectionate apartment dogs, and both need regular grooming, tooth care and company, so decide which health profile and temperament suit your home. Meeting adult dogs of each breed helps you judge size, noise and coat.
Maltese profile Shih Tzu profile
Frequently asked questions
Which is better with kids, a Maltese or a Shih Tzu?
The Shih Tzu, at 4 out of 5 on our meters against 2. PetMD says the tiny Maltese is easy to injure and suits older, gentle children.
Which barks more, a Maltese or a Shih Tzu?
The Maltese, at 4 out of 5 on our barking meter against 2 for the Shih Tzu.
Do Maltese or Shih Tzus need more grooming?
They tie at 5 out of 5. Both have long coats that mat quickly without regular brushing.
