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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?
 
 
 
Name Maltese Shih Tzu
OriginsItaly flagItaly China flagChina
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank3320
Reviews315
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Maltese vs Shih Tzu breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

Maltese vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, Maltese or Shih Tzu? Is the Maltese bigger than the Shih Tzu breed? Is a Maltese smaller than a Shih Tzu?
Small Small
Weight
Which is heavier, Maltese or Shih Tzu? Maltese vs Shih Tzu weight comparison:
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
Which is cheaper, Maltese or Shih Tzu? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Maltese and Shih Tzu?
$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

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Maltese or Shih Tzu smarter? Which is best? Maltese vs Shih Tzu intelligence:
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
See more.
Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
See more.
Trainability
Maltese vs Shih Tzu trainability comparison. What's the difference between Maltese vs Shih Tzu?
Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Maltese or Shih Tzu?
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Maltese or 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.
Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Maltese vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Maltese or Shih Tzu? Maltese vs Shih Tzu behavior/temperament comparison:
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.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
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.
See more.
High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Maltese vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison:
Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Shih Tzu 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 vs Shih Tzu?
Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
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.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Maltese vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Maltese vs Shih Tzu playfulness comparison:
Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Maltese vs Shih Tzu?
A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Maltese or Shih Tzu?
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.

Maltese vs 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.
Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
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 Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Maltese or Shih Tzu?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.
Biting Potential
Is a Maltese more dangerous than a Shih Tzu?

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Maltese vs Shih Tzu mouthiness comparison:
Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Maltese vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Maltese vs Shih Tzu health comparison. Which is the healthier: Maltese vs Shih Tzu?
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.
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
Veterinarian Visits
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.
Life Expectancy
Maltese vs Shih Tzu lifespan comparison. How long do Maltese and Shih Tzu breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Maltese and Shih Tzu?
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Maltese vs Shih Tzu?
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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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 Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Maltese or Shih Tzu? Maltese vs 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.
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
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

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Maltese or Shih Tzu? Does the Maltese breed eat more than the Shih Tzu breed?
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.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Maltese vs 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 Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.

Maltese vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Maltese vs Shih Tzu coat comparison:
Feathered Dense
Colors
What are the original Maltese and Shih Tzu color? Maltese vs Shih Tzu color comparison:
White Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Maltese or Shih Tzu? Maltese vs Shih Tzu grooming comparison:
Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maltese or Shih Tzu? Do Maltese dogs shed more than Shih Tzu dogs?
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Maltese or Shih Tzu?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Maltese vs Shih Tzu hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
Yes See more. Yes See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Maltese or Shih Tzu?

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Maltese vs Shih Tzu?
The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Maltese vs 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.
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.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Maltese or Shih Tzu?
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
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
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.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Maltese or 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.
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.
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.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Maltese vs Shih Tzu?

Not really

Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

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.
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 vs Shih Tzu 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 and Shih Tzu have? Maltese vs Shih Tzu litter size comparison:
3-5 puppies 2-5 puppies

Maltese vs 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. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.
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. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.
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
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

Rate This Comparsion - Maltese vs Shih Tzu

Reviews

  • Very informative.

    Jan 4, 2023, 5:21:17 AM:

    Addressed everything I wanted to understand about the different dog breeds.