Maltese Shih Tzu vs German Spitz Comparison – Which dog is better Mal-Shi or Deutscher Spitz?

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

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	German Spitz
Origins	United States	Germany
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Designer Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	622	344
Reviews	3	2
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare different names used for Maltese Shih Tzu and German Spitz. What other names are these breeds known by?	Mal-Shi Malti Zu Malt-Tzu	Deutscher Spitz
Breed Classification Compare breed classifications between a Maltese Shih Tzu and a German Spitz. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.	Cross Breed	Purebred

Maltese Shih Tzu vs German Spitz Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Which is bigger: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a German Spitz? Compare size differences between these breeds.	Small	Small Medium
Weight Statistics Compare weight ranges between a Maltese Shih Tzu and a German Spitz. Which breed is heavier?	6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg)	Male: 24-33 pounds (11-15 kg), Female: 18-27 pounds (8-12 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	9 pounds (4 kg)	Male: 28.5 pounds (13 kg), Female: 22.5 pounds (10 kg)
Height Which is taller, Maltese Shih Tzu or German Spitz? Is a Maltese Shih Tzu taller than a German Spitz?	10-12 inches (25-30 cm)	Male: 19-23 inches (48-58 cm), Female: 15-19 inches (38-48 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	11 inches (27.5 cm)	Male: 21 inches (53 cm), Female: 17 inches (43 cm)

Maltese Shih Tzu vs German Spitz Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy prices between a Maltese Shih Tzu and a German Spitz. Which breed costs more?	$500-$800	$800-$1000
Availability Which is easier to get, Maltese Shih Tzu or German Spitz?	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed.	Average: The German Spitz is a commonly available dog breed.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs German Spitz Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Which is smarter: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a German Spitz? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Very smart: German Spitz is an excellent dog breed. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Which is easier to train: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a German Spitz? Compare training requirements.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train. See more.	German Spitz dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Which makes a better watchdog: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a German Spitz? Compare alertness levels.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	German Spitz dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Which is more protective: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a German Spitz? Compare territorial behaviors.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders. See more.	German Spitz dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Maltese Shih Tzu vs German Spitz Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits Compare personalities of a Maltese Shih Tzu and a German Spitz. How do their temperaments differ?	Active Curious Playful Intelligent Outgoing Adaptable	Independent Devoted Lively Attentive Trainable
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Maltese Shih Tzu vs German Spitz?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	Sensitive: German Spitz 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 German Spitz?	Average to High: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.	Average: German Spitz dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Maltese Shih Tzu vs German Spitz social needs comparison:	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	German Spitz dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Maltese Shih Tzu vs German Spitz?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	German Spitz 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 German Spitz? Which can be better for hunting?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.	German Spitz dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Maltese Shih Tzu vs German Spitz Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Which breed barks more: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a German Spitz? Compare vocalization tendencies.	Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed. See more.	Average to High: The German Spitz is a vocal breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Which breed is more playful: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a German Spitz? Compare play drive and energy.	Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The German Spitz is a playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Which is better for apartments: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a German Spitz? Compare living space needs.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed.	It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Spitz indoors.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Maltese Shih Tzu vs German Spitz Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Which adapts better to changes: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a German Spitz? Compare adaptability levels.	Average: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.	Average: German Spitz dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Maltese Shih Tzu or German Spitz?	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs German Spitz Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Which has lower bite risk: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a German Spitz? Compare biting tendencies.	Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The German Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Which is more mouthy: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a German Spitz? Compare mouthing behaviors.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	German Spitz dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Which has a stronger bite: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a German Spitz? Compare bite force PSI.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 German Spitz bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Maltese Shih Tzu vs German Spitz Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Which lives longer: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a German Spitz? Compare average lifespans.	12-14 years The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years	12-14 years The average lifespan of German Spitz: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Which handles weather better: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a German Spitz? Compare climate tolerances.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.
Health Concerns Compare common health issues between a Maltese Shih Tzu and a German Spitz. Which breed is healthier?	Maltese Shih Tzus tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.	German Spitzs are commonly healthy dogs.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Maltese Shih Tzu vs German Spitz?	Frequent The Maltese Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.	Rare The German Spitz should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese Shih Tzu vs German Spitz? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese Shih Tzu vs German Spitz health problems comparison:	Patellar Luxation White Dog Shaker Syndrome	Luxating Patella Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Dental Problems

Maltese Shih Tzu vs German Spitz Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Which breed is more energetic: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a German Spitz? Compare activity levels.	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.	German Spitz dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Maltese Shih Tzu vs German Spitz exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese Shih Tzu or German Spitz? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need.	German Spitz dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese Shih Tzu or German Spitz?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	German Spitz dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Maltese Shih Tzu vs German Spitz Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Which gains weight easier: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a German Spitz? Compare obesity risks.	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Low to Average: The German Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Which eats more: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a German Spitz? Compare daily food needs.	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.	1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Maltese Shih Tzu vs German Spitz Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Which is more hypoallergenic: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a German Spitz? Compare allergy friendliness.	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors What color variations exist for Maltese Shih Tzu and German Spitz? Compare breed colors.	Black White Brown White & Tan Black & White Brown & Black	Black White Orange Tricolor
Grooming Requirements Which needs more grooming: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a German Spitz? Compare maintenance needs.	Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Advanced: The German Spitz requires a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Which drools more: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a German Spitz? Compare drooling amounts.	The Maltese Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The German Spitz is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Which has less odor: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a German Spitz? Compare natural smell levels.	Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The German Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics How do coats differ between a Maltese Shih Tzu and a German Spitz? Compare fur types.	Curly Silky Soft Wavy Long	Dense Straight
Bathing Needs Which needs more baths: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a German Spitz? Compare bathing frequencies.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Maltese Shih Tzu or German Spitz? Do Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed more than German Spitz dogs?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	German Spitz dogs shed above average. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Maltese Shih Tzu vs German Spitz Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Which is better with children: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a German Spitz? Compare kid-friendliness.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.	German Spitz dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility 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.	German Spitz dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or German Spitz? Which dog is more friendly?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or German Spitz?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.	German Spitz 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 German Spitz? Can a Maltese Shih Tzu and a German Spitz be friends? Do Maltese Shih Tzu dogs get along with German Spitz dogs?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: Maltese Shih Tzu vs German Spitz?	Yes Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes German Spitz 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 German Spitz 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.	German Spitzs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs German Spitz As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Which makes a better service dog: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a German Spitz? Compare service capabilities.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Which is better for therapy work: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a German Spitz? Compare therapy capabilities.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Which is better at detection work: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a German Spitz? Compare scenting abilities.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential Which is better for search and rescue: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a German Spitz? Compare SAR abilities.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Which is better on boats: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a German Spitz? Compare maritime abilities.	Not really Maltese Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really German Spitz breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Which is better at pulling: a Maltese Shih Tzu or a German Spitz? Compare draft work capabilities.	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.
Military Service Background Compare military history between Maltese Shih Tzu and German Spitz. Which has stronger military background?	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 German Spitz Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare litter sizes between Maltese Shih Tzu and German Spitz. Which has larger litters?	3-5 puppies	2-4 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare pregnancy duration between Maltese Shih Tzu and German Spitz breeds.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding frequencies between Maltese Shih Tzu and German Spitz. Which needs longer recovery?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs German Spitz Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC classifications of Maltese Shih Tzu and German Spitz. Which groups do they belong to?	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification Compare FCI classifications of Maltese Shih Tzu and German Spitz. Which groups are they in?	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the European Spitz section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare kennel club recognition between Maltese Shih Tzu and German Spitz. Which is more widely recognized?	Not recognized by any clubs.	Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club Foundation Stock Service

Popular Dog Compares

Despite the best intentions, there may be errors. If you find one, please let us know and we will fix it as soon as possible. Contact us here.

Rate This Comparsion - Maltese Shih Tzu vs German Spitz

Reviews