Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie Comparison – Which dog is better Mal-Shi or Sheepdog?

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie" Compare Maltese Shih Tzu and Border Collie. Which is better: Maltese Shih Tzu or Border Collie?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Maltese Shih Tzu	Border Collie
Origins	United States	England Scotland Wales
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Designer Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	622	38
Reviews	3	13
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Mal-Shi Malti Zu Malt-Tzu	Sheepdog Scotch Sheep Dog
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie breed type comparison:	Cross Breed	Purebred

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which dog is bigger, Maltese Shih Tzu or Border Collie? Is the Maltese Shih Tzu bigger than the Border Collie breed? Is a Maltese Shih Tzu smaller than a Border Collie?	Small	Large
Weight Which is heavier, Maltese Shih Tzu or Border Collie? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie weight comparison:	6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg)	Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	9 pounds (4 kg)	Male: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Maltese Shih Tzu or Border Collie? Is a Maltese Shih Tzu taller than a Border Collie?	10-12 inches (25-30 cm)	Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	11 inches (27.5 cm)	Male: 20.5 inches (52 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm)

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Maltese Shih Tzu or Border Collie? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Maltese Shih Tzu and Border Collie?	$500-$800	$600-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Maltese Shih Tzu or Border Collie?	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed.	Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Maltese Shih Tzu or Border Collie smarter? Which is best? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie intelligence:	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie trainability comparison. What's the difference between Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train. See more.	Border Collie dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Maltese Shih Tzu or Border Collie?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Maltese Shih Tzu or Border Collie? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders. See more.	Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Maltese Shih Tzu or Border Collie? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie behavior/temperament comparison:	Active Curious Playful Intelligent Outgoing Adaptable	Energetic Protective Alert Intelligent Responsive Loyal Tenacious
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	Sensitive: Border Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie?	Average to High: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.	High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie social needs comparison:	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Border Collie dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie? Which can be better for hunting?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.	Border Collie dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie playfulness comparison:	Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Border Collie is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie?	Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed. See more.	Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Border Collie?	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed.	It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie breed in the home.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Average: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.	Border Collie dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Maltese Shih Tzu or Border Collie?	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	Border Collie dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Maltese Shih Tzu or Border Collie?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Is a Maltese Shih Tzu more dangerous than a Border Collie?	Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie mouthiness comparison:	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Border Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie health comparison. Which is the healthier: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie?	Maltese Shih Tzus tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.	The Border Collie is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie health problems comparison:	Patellar Luxation White Dog Shaker Syndrome	Hip Dysplasia Allergies Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Collie Eye Anomaly Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie?	Frequent The Maltese Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.	Average The Border Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie lifespan comparison. How long do Maltese Shih Tzu and Border Collie breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Maltese Shih Tzu and Border Collie?	12-14 years The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie?	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Border Collie can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Maltese Shih Tzu or Border Collie? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie energy level comparison:	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.	Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese Shih Tzu or Border Collie? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need.	Border Collie dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese Shih Tzu or Border Collie?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Border Collie dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Maltese Shih Tzu or Border Collie? Does the Maltese Shih Tzu breed eat more than the Border Collie breed?	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.	1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie weight gain potential comparison:	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie coat comparison:	Curly Silky Soft Wavy Long	Dense Feathered Straight Short Moderately Long
Colors What are the original Maltese Shih Tzu and Border Collie color? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie color comparison:	Black White Brown White & Tan Black & White Brown & Black	Black Tan Red Sable Brindle Lilac Gold Seal White & Red Slate Sable Merle Black & White Tricolor Blue merle Blue merle-tricolor Slate merle Red merle Saddleback Sable White & Blue White & Blue Merle White & Red Merle White Ticked White & Gold White & Sable White & Seal
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Maltese Shih Tzu or Border Collie? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie grooming comparison:	Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Maltese Shih Tzu or Border Collie? Do Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed more than Border Collie dogs?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Border Collie dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Maltese Shih Tzu or Border Collie?	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Hypoallergenic Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Maltese Shih Tzu or Border Collie?	Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie?	The Maltese Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.	Border Collie dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Border Collie? Which dog is more friendly?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Border Collie?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.	Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Border Collie?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.	Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Border Collie? Can a Maltese Shih Tzu and a Border Collie be friends? Do Maltese Shih Tzu dogs get along with Border Collie dogs?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie?	Yes Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Border Collie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	Yes Maltese Shih Tzu is one of the best dog breeds for office environment	No Border Collie is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Maltese Shih Tzus are commonly okay with elderly people.	Border Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Which one could be a service dog?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Maltese Shih Tzu or Border Collie? Which is better for autism?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) Which one could be a search and rescue dog?	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie?	Not really Maltese Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Border Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.
Litter Size How many puppies can Maltese Shih Tzu and Border Collie have? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie litter size comparison:	3-5 puppies	4-8 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Border Collie Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	Not recognized by any clubs.	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club The American Int. Border Collie Registry The American Border Collie Association

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