Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltese lion dog or Malti Zu or Mal-Shi? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu" Compare Maltese and Mal-Shi. Which is better: Maltese or Mal-Shi or Maltese Shih Tzu?

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	Mal-Shi	Maltese Shih Tzu
Origins	Italy	United States Canada	United States
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank	33	222	622
Reviews	3	2	3
User Ratings

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

Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Maltese or Mal-Shi or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which is the smallest dog, Maltese or Mal-Shi or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Which is heavier, Maltese or Mal-Shi or Mal-Shi? Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu weight comparison:	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	5-15 pounds (2.3-6.8 kg)	6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)	10 pounds (2.3-6.8 kg)	9 pounds (4 kg)
Height Which is taller, Maltese or Mal-Shi or Maltese Shih Tzu? Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu height comparison:	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)	10-20 inces (25-51 cm)	10-12 inches (25-30 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)	10-20 inces (38 cm)	11 inches (27.5 cm)

Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Maltese or Mal-Shi or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which is more expensive?	$600-$800	$800-$1000	$500-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Maltese or Mal-Shi or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.	Average: The Mal-Shi is a commonly available dog breed.	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed.

Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu intelligence:	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu trainability comparison.	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Mal-Shi dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu 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 or Mal-Shi or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Mal-Shi dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Maltese or Mal-Shi or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Mal-Shi dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Maltese or Mal-Shi or Maltese Shih Tzu? Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu behavior/temperament comparison:	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Playful Loving Independent Alert Intelligent Affectionate Going Social Quiet	Active Curious Playful Intelligent Outgoing Adaptable
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Mal-Shi dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Average to High: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu social needs comparison:	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Mal-Shi dogs are a social breed. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Mal-Shi dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Mal-Shi 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.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu playfulness comparison:	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Mal-Shis, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Average: The Mal-Shi barks occasionally. See more.	Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Maltese or Mal-Shi or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese 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 Mal-Shi indoors.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Maltese or Mal-Shi or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Mal-Shi bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Mal-Shi has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu mouthiness comparison:	Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Mal-Shi dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu health comparison. Which is the healthier: Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Mal-Shi is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	Maltese Shih Tzus tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu health problems comparison:	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome	No data available	Patellar Luxation White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Mal-Shi should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Frequent The Maltese Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu lifespan comparison. How long do Maltese, Mal-Shi and Maltese Shih Tzu breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Mal-Shi: 13 years	12-14 years The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. 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.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.

Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Maltese or Mal-Shi or Maltese Shih Tzu? Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu energy level comparison:	Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.	Mal-Shi dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.	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.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Mal-Shi or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.	Mal-Shi dogs have an average exercise need.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Mal-Shi or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Mal-Shi dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Maltese Shih Tzu 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 vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Maltese or Mal-Shi or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu weight gain potential comparison:	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Mal-Shi's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu coat comparison:	Feathered	Silky Soft Wavy Double	Curly Silky Soft Wavy Long
Colors What are the original Maltese, Mal-Shi and Maltese Shih Tzu color?	White	Black Gray White Brown Yellow	Black White Brown White & Tan Black & White Brown & Black
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Maltese or Mal-Shi or Maltese Shih Tzu? Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu grooming comparison:	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Mal-Shi requires average grooming effort. See more.	Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Maltese or Mal-Shi or Maltese Shih Tzu? Maltese or Mal-Shi or {name3 shedding:	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Mal-Shi dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Maltese or Mal-Shi or Maltese Shih Tzu?	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.
Hypoallergenic Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	Yes See more.	No See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Mal-Shi has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Mal-Shi is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Maltese Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

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

Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu 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.	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 Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Maltese or Mal-Shi or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which is better for autism?	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.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a 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.	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 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.	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.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Mal-Shi breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Maltese Shih Tzu 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.	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.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

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

Maltese vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.	Not recognized by FCI.	Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club 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	No data available	Not recognized by any clubs.

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