Maltese vs Shih Tzu Comparison – Which dog is better Maltese lion dog or Chrysanthemum Dog?
"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Shih Tzu"
Compare Maltese and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Maltese or Shih Tzu?
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| Name | Maltese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Origins |  Italy |  China |
| Group | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs |
| Popularity Rank | 33 | 20 |
| Reviews | 3 | 19 |
| User Ratings |
| Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Maltese and Shih Tzu. What other names are these breeds known by? |
Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog |
Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Maltese and a Shih Tzu. Learn about their genetic backgrounds. | Purebred | Purebred |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison
| Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Maltese or a Shih Tzu? Compare size differences between these breeds. | Small | Small |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Maltese and a Shih Tzu. Which breed is heavier? | 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) | 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) |
| Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) | 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) |
| Height
Which is taller, Maltese or Shih Tzu? Is a Maltese taller than a Shih Tzu? | Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) | 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) |
| Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) | 9.5 inches (24 cm) |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison
| Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Maltese and a Shih Tzu. Which breed costs more? | $600-$800 | $800-$1200 |
|---|---|---|
| Availability
Which is easier to get, Maltese or Shih Tzu? | Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
| Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Maltese or a Shih Tzu? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities. | Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. | Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. |
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| Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Maltese or a Shih Tzu? Compare training requirements. | Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. | Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. |
| Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Maltese or a Shih Tzu? Compare alertness levels. | Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. |
| Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Maltese or a Shih Tzu? Compare territorial behaviors. | Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. | Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison
| Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Maltese and a Shih Tzu. How do their temperaments differ? |
Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing |
Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Maltese vs Shih Tzu? | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. | Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. |
| Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Shih Tzu? | High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
| Social Needs
Maltese vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison: | Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. |
| Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Maltese vs Shih Tzu? | Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. | Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. |
| Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Maltese vs Shih Tzu? Which can be better for hunting? | Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison
| Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Maltese or a Shih Tzu? Compare vocalization tendencies. | A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. | A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. |
|---|---|---|
| Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Maltese or a Shih Tzu? Compare play drive and energy. | Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. | Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. |
| Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Maltese or a Shih Tzu? Compare living space needs. | Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison
| Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Maltese or a Shih Tzu? Compare adaptability levels. | Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. |
|---|---|---|
| Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Shih Tzu? | Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them. | Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison
| Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Maltese or a Shih Tzu? Compare biting tendencies. | Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody. |
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| Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Maltese or a Shih Tzu? Compare mouthing behaviors. | Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. |
| Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Maltese or a Shih Tzu? Compare bite force PSI. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison
| Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Maltese or a Shih Tzu? Compare average lifespans. |
14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years |
10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years |
|---|---|---|
| Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Maltese or a Shih Tzu? Compare climate tolerances. | Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. |
| Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Maltese and a 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. | The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. |
| Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Maltese vs Shih Tzu? |
Average The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Average The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
| Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Shih Tzu health problems comparison: |
Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome | Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Allergies Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Umbilical Hernias Ear Infections Distichiasis Portosystemic Liver Shunt Bladder Stones Ectopic Cilia Reverse Sneezing Dry Eye Proptosis Juvenile Renal Dysplasia Keratitis Retained Baby Teeth Snuffles |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison
| Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Maltese or a 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. | Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. |
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| Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Maltese vs Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal. | Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal. |
| Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Shih Tzu? | Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed. | Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison
| Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Maltese or a Shih Tzu? Compare obesity risks. | Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. |
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| Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Maltese or a 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. | Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison
| Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Maltese or a Shih Tzu? Compare allergy friendliness. | Yes See more. | Yes See more. |
|---|---|---|
| Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Maltese and Shih Tzu? Compare breed colors. | White |
Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold |
| Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Maltese or a Shih Tzu? Compare maintenance needs. | Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. |
| Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Maltese or a Shih Tzu? Compare drooling amounts. | The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
| Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Maltese or a Shih Tzu? Compare natural smell levels. | Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell. | Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell. |
| Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Maltese and a Shih Tzu? Compare fur types. | Feathered | Dense |
| Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Maltese or a Shih Tzu? Compare bathing frequencies. | 6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. |
| Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maltese or Shih Tzu? Do Maltese dogs shed more than Shih Tzu dogs? | Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. | Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison
| Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Maltese or a Shih Tzu? Compare kid-friendliness. | Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs. |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets? | Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. | Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. |
| Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly? | Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers. |
| Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Shih Tzu? | Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. |
| Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Shih Tzu? Can a Maltese and a Shih Tzu be friends? Do Maltese dogs get along with Shih Tzu dogs? | Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. |
| Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Maltese vs Shih Tzu? |
Yes Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Yes 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 Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
| Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people? | Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people. | Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison
| Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Maltese or a Shih Tzu? Compare service capabilities. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
|---|---|---|
| Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Maltese or a Shih Tzu? Compare therapy capabilities. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. |
| Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Maltese or a 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 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 Shih Tzu? Compare maritime abilities. | Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
| Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Maltese or a Shih Tzu? Compare draft work capabilities. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
| Military Service Background
Compare military history between Maltese and 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 Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison
| Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Maltese and Shih Tzu. Which has larger litters? | 3-5 puppies | 2-5 puppies |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Maltese and Shih Tzu breeds. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
| Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Maltese and Shih Tzu. Which needs longer recovery? | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison
| AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Maltese and Shih Tzu. Which groups do they belong to? | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed. |
|---|---|---|
| FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Maltese and Shih Tzu. Which groups are they in? | Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section. | Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section. |
| Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Maltese and 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 |
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 Canadian Canine Registry |
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- Very informative.
Jan 4, 2023, 5:21:17 AM:
Addressed everything I wanted to understand about the different dog breeds.