Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltese lion dog or Chrysanthemum Dog or Chinese Spaniel? Find the right dog for you
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Compare Maltese and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Maltese or Shih Tzu or Pekingese?
Name | Maltese | Shih Tzu | Pekingese |
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Origins | Italy | China | China |
Group | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 33 | 20 | 88 |
Reviews | 3 | 15 | 3 |
User Ratings |
Other Names
What other names do they have? |
Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog |
Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog |
Chinese Spaniel Lion Dog Peke Peking Palasthund Pelchie Dog Peking Lion Dog |
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Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese breed type comparison: | Purebred | Purebred | Purebred |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese Size and Weight Comparison
Size
Which is bigger, Maltese or Shih Tzu or Pekingese? Which is the smallest dog, Maltese or Shih Tzu or Pekingese? | Small | Small | Small |
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Weight
Which is heavier, Maltese or Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese weight comparison: | 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) | 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) | 8-10 pounds (3.6-4.5 kg) |
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) | 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) | 9 pounds (3.6-4.5 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, Maltese or Shih Tzu or Pekingese? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese height comparison: | Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) | 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) | 6-9 inches (30.4-45 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) | 7.5 inches (30.24.5 cm) |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese Price and Availability Comparison
Price
Which is cheaper, Maltese or Shih Tzu or Pekingese? Which is more expensive? | $600-$800 | $800-$1200 | $600-$800 |
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Availability
Which is easier to get, Maltese or Shih Tzu or Pekingese? | Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Pekingese is quite easy to get. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese intelligence: | 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. | Low: The Pekingese is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. |
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Trainability
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese trainability comparison. | Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. | Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. | Pekingese dogs are easy to train. |
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Maltese or Shih Tzu or Pekingese? | Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. | Pekingese dogs are average watchdogs. |
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Maltese or Shih Tzu or Pekingese?
Which dog is most likely to protect its owner?
Which is the best dog to use for protection? | Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. | Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. | Pekingese dogs strongly protect their territory. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese Personality and Temperament Comparison
Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Maltese or Shih Tzu or Pekingese? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese behavior/temperament comparison: |
Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing |
Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle |
Stubborn Intelligent Affectionate Aggressive Good-natured Opinionated |
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Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference? | 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. | Pekingese dogs are less sensitive than other dog breeds. |
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese? | 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. | High: Pekingese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
Social Needs
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese social needs comparison: | Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Pekingese dogs need for social interaction is average. |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? | Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. | Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. | Pekingese dogs have average wanderlust potential. |
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. | Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Pekingese dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Playfulness
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese playfulness comparison: | Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. | Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. | Pekingeses don't really like playing. |
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese? | A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. | A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. | Average to High: The Pekingese is a vocal breed. |
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Maltese or Shih Tzu or Pekingese? | Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Pekingese breed. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese 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. | Pekingese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. |
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Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Shih Tzu or Pekingese? | 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. | Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese Bite Characteristics Comparison
Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Maltese or Shih Tzu or Pekingese? | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Pekingese bite force: Weak. |
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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 Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Pekingese has a low chance of biting somebody. |
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese mouthiness comparison: | 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. | Pekingese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese Health and Lifespan Comparison
Health Issues
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese health comparison. Which is the healthier: Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese? | 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. | Pekingeses are commonly healthy dogs. |
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Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese 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 |
Cataracts Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Entropion Intervertebral Disk Disease Exposure Keratopathy Syndrome Distichiasis Mitral Valve Disease Cryptorchidism Ectopic Cilia Cleft Palate Brachycephalic Syndrome Hydrocephalus Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca |
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 Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Rare The Pekingese should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). |
Life Expectancy
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese lifespan comparison. How long do Maltese, Shih Tzu and Pekingese breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? |
14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years |
10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years |
13-15 years The average lifespan of Pekingese: 14 years |
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese? | 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. | Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Pekingese can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Level
Who has more energy a Maltese or Shih Tzu or Pekingese?
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese 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. | Pekingese dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Shih Tzu or Pekingese? 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. | Pekingese dogs exercise need is very minimal. |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Shih Tzu or Pekingese? | 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. | Pekingese dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Maltese or Shih Tzu or Pekingese? | 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. | 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. |
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Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese weight gain potential comparison: | 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. | Average: The Pekingese has an average risk for obesity. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese coat comparison: | Feathered | Dense | Dense |
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Colors
What are the original Maltese, Shih Tzu and Pekingese color? | White |
Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold |
Black Gray Red Cream White Fawn |
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Maltese or Shih Tzu or Pekingese? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese grooming comparison: | Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maltese or Shih Tzu or Pekingese? Maltese or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding: | Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. | Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. | Pekingese dogs shed moderately. |
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Maltese or Shih Tzu or Pekingese? | 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. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. |
Hypoallergenic
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not? | Yes See more. | Yes See more. | No See more. |
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese? | Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell. | Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell. | High 🔼 The Pekingese has a high 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. | The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Pekingese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese 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. | Pekingese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. |
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Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Shih Tzu or Pekingese? Which dog is more friendly? | Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers. | Pekingese dogs are average friendly towards strangers. |
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Maltese or Shih Tzu or Pekingese? | Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs. | Pekingese dogs are not kid-friendly dogs. |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Shih Tzu or Pekingese? | Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Pekingese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Shih Tzu or Pekingese? | Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | Pekingese dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. |
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese? |
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. |
Yes Pekingese 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. |
No Pekingese 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. | Pekingeses are not recommended for elderly people. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese 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. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Maltese or Shih Tzu or Pekingese? Which is better for autism? | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. |
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 Shih Tzu vs Pekingese? | 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. | Not really Pekingese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
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. | 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. |
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 Shih Tzu vs Pekingese Reproducibility Comparison
Gestation Length | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
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Litter Frequency | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Litter Size
How many puppies can Maltese and Shih Tzu and Pekingese have? | 3-5 puppies | 2-5 puppies | 2-4 puppies |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese 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. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1906 as a Toy breed. |
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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. | Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Japan Chin and Pekingese 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 |
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 National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Pekingese Club Of America |
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