Maltese vs Shih Tzu

Compare the Maltese to the Shih Tzu. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Maltese and Shih Tzus.

Maltese vs Shih Tzu
Maltese
Shih Tzu
Maltese
Shih Tzu
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General Details
Maltese
Shih Tzu
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
Yes
Yes
Lifespan
12-15 Years
10-15 Years
Height
8-10 Inches
9-10 Inches
Weight
4-9 Pounds
9-16 Pounds
Intelligence
Average
Average
History
Maltese
Shih Tzu
Origin Country
Malta
China
Origin Year
-200 BC
618 AD
Temperament
Maltese
Shih Tzu
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Below Average
Above Average
Personality
Maltese
Shih Tzu
Traits
Affectionate
Jealous
Loving
Needy
Separation Anxiety
Affectionate
Loving
Needy
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Living Environment
Maltese
Shih Tzu
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
No
No
Medium Yard
No
No
Large Yard
No
No
Temperature Tolerance
55-80 °F
55-80 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Average
Exercise Needs
Maltese
Shih Tzu
Energy Level
High
Medium
Exercise Required
Low
Low
Top Running Speed
12 MPH
12 MPH
Strength
Low
Low
Grooming Needs
Maltese
Shih Tzu
Coat Maintenance
High
Medium
Shedding
Low
None
Dander
Low
None
Drool
None
None
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Maltese
Shih Tzu
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
No
Breed Focus
Maltese
Shih Tzu
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
No
No
Breed Instincts
Maltese
Shih Tzu
Aggression
Below Average
None
Burrow / Digging
None
Below Average
Chasing
None
Below Average
Follow Commands
None
Below Average
Fighting
None
Below Average
Guarding
None
Below Average
Herding
None
Below Average
Hunting
None
Below Average
Protection
None
Below Average
Remove Vermin
None
Below Average
Sled Pulling
None
Below Average
Watch / Guardian
None
Below Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Maltese
Shih Tzu
Average Lifespan
12-15 Years
10-15 Years
Health Concerns
Maltese
Shih Tzu
Common Health Issues
Patellar luxation
Collapsed trachea
Progressive retinal atrophy
Portosystemic shunt
Reverse sneezing
Hypoglycemia
Shaker syndrome
Hip dysplasia
Ear infections
Patellar luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Juvenile renal disease
Bladder stones
Corneal ulcer
Proptosis
Distichiasis
Ectopic cilia
Dry eye
Retained baby teeth
Umbilical hernias
Portosystemic shunt
Snuffles
Reverse sneezing
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Maltese
Shih Tzu
Coat Type
Hair
Hair
Coat Layering
Single
Double
Coat Texture
Silky
Straight
Silky
Coat Length
Long
Long
Coat Coloring
Maltese
Shih Tzu
Breed Colors
White
Black
Black and White
Blue
Blue and White
Brindle
Brindle and White
Gold
Gold and White
Liver
Liver and White
Red
Red and White
Silver
Silver and White
White
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