At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Shih Tzu | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs |
| Size | Small | Small |
| Height | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder | 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 9 to 16 pounds | Up to 7 pounds |
| Life span | 10 to 16 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Friendly with strangers
The Shih Tzu is friendlier with strangers than the Maltese.
Barking
The Maltese barks more than the Shih Tzu.
Copes alone
The Shih Tzu copes better when left alone than the Maltese.
Energy
The Maltese has more energy than the Shih Tzu.
Easy to train
The Maltese is easier to train than the Shih Tzu.
Good with children
The Shih Tzu is better with children than the Maltese.
Which to choose
Shih Tzu or Maltese?
Choose the Shih Tzu if…
- You have lots of visitors (it is friendlier with strangers)
- You want a dog that barks less
- You want a dog that copes better when left alone
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
Choose the Maltese if…
- You want a more watchful dog (it is more reserved with strangers)
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You want a dog that is easier to train
- You want a dog that sheds less
Questions.
Which is easier to train, the Shih Tzu or the Maltese?
The Maltese is generally easier to train than the Shih Tzu. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Shih Tzu or the Maltese?
The Shih Tzu is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Maltese can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Maltese sheds less than the Shih Tzu. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
