Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu Comparison – Which dog is better Maltese lion dog or Mal-Shi?

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu" Compare Maltese and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is better: Maltese 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	Maltese Shih Tzu
Origins	Italy	United States
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank	33	622
Reviews	3	3
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Common Names & Aliases Compare different names used for Maltese and Maltese Shih Tzu. What other names are these breeds known by?	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog	Mal-Shi Malti Zu Malt-Tzu
Breed Classification Compare breed classifications between a Maltese and a Maltese Shih Tzu. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.	Purebred	Cross Breed

Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Which is bigger: a Maltese or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare size differences between these breeds.	Small	Small
Weight Statistics Compare weight ranges between a Maltese and a Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is heavier?	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 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)	9 pounds (4 kg)
Height Which is taller, Maltese or Maltese Shih Tzu? Is a Maltese taller than a Maltese Shih Tzu?	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 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)	11 inches (27.5 cm)

Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy prices between a Maltese and a Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed costs more?	$600-$800	$500-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Maltese or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed.

Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Which is smarter: a Maltese or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.	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
Training Difficulty Which is easier to train: a Maltese or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare training requirements.	Maltese 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 Rating Which makes a better watchdog: a Maltese or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare alertness levels.	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Which is more protective: a Maltese or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare territorial behaviors.	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits Compare personalities of a Maltese and a Maltese Shih Tzu. How do their temperaments differ?	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Active Curious Playful Intelligent Outgoing Adaptable
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	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 Maltese Shih Tzu?	High: Maltese 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 Maltese Shih Tzu social needs comparison:	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. 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? What's the difference between Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu? Which can be better for hunting?	Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. 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 Maltese Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Which breed barks more: a Maltese or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare vocalization tendencies.	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. 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
Playful Nature Which breed is more playful: a Maltese or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare play drive and energy.	Average: Malteses, 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
Apartment Adaptability Which is better for apartments: a Maltese or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare living space needs.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Which has lower bite risk: a Maltese or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare biting tendencies.	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Which is more mouthy: a Maltese or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare mouthing behaviors.	Maltese 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.
Bite Strength Rating Which has a stronger bite: a Maltese or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare bite force PSI.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese 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

Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Which lives longer: a Maltese or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare average lifespans.	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years	12-14 years The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Which handles weather better: a Maltese or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare climate tolerances.	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.
Health Concerns Compare common health issues between a Maltese and a Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is healthier?	The Maltese 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
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	Average The Maltese 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
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese 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	Patellar Luxation White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Which breed is more energetic: a Maltese or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare activity levels.	Maltese 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 Maltese Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Maltese 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 Maltese Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Which gains weight easier: a Maltese or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare obesity risks.	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Which eats more: a Maltese or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare daily food needs.	Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 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

Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Which is more hypoallergenic: a Maltese or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare allergy friendliness.	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors What color variations exist for Maltese and Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare breed colors.	White	Black White Brown White & Tan Black & White Brown & Black
Grooming Requirements Which needs more grooming: a Maltese or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare maintenance needs.	Average: The Maltese 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
Drooling Tendency Which drools more: a Maltese or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare drooling amounts.	The Maltese 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.
Stinkiness Rating Which has less odor: a Maltese or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare natural smell levels.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics How do coats differ between a Maltese and a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare fur types.	Feathered	Curly Silky Soft Wavy Long
Bathing Needs Which needs more baths: a Maltese or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare bathing frequencies.	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.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Maltese or Maltese Shih Tzu? Do Maltese dogs shed more than Maltese Shih Tzu dogs?	Maltese 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

Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Which is better with children: a Maltese or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare kid-friendliness.	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	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 Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Maltese Shih Tzu 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 or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	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 Maltese Shih Tzu? Can a Maltese and a Maltese Shih Tzu be friends? Do Maltese dogs get along with Maltese Shih Tzu dogs?	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	Yes Maltese 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.	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.	Maltese Shih Tzus are commonly okay with elderly people.

Maltese vs Maltese Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Which makes a better service dog: a Maltese or a Maltese Shih Tzu? 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 or a Maltese Shih Tzu? 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 or a Maltese Shih Tzu? 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 or a Maltese Shih Tzu? 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 or a Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare maritime abilities.	Not really Maltese 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.
Draft Work Capability Which is better at pulling: a Maltese or a Maltese Shih Tzu? 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 and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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 vs Maltese Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare litter sizes between Maltese and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which has larger litters?	3-5 puppies	3-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare pregnancy duration between Maltese and Maltese Shih Tzu breeds.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding frequencies between Maltese and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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 vs Maltese Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC classifications of Maltese and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which groups do they belong to?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification Compare FCI classifications of Maltese and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which groups are they in?	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.	Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare kennel club recognition between Maltese and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is more widely recognized?	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	Not recognized by any clubs.

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