Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltese lion dog or Chrysanthemum Dog or Yorkie? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier" Compare Maltese and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Maltese or Shih Tzu or Yorkshire Terrier?

Price and Availability Size Grooming, Hair and Care Personality / Temperament Good With Health As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Maltese	Shih Tzu	Yorkshire Terrier
Origins	Italy	China	England
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	33	20	9
Reviews	3	15	4
User Ratings

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

Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Maltese or Shih Tzu or Yorkshire Terrier? Which is more expensive?	$600-$800	$800-$1200	$600-$1000
Availability Which is easier to get, Maltese or Shih Tzu or Yorkshire Terrier?	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Yorkshire Terrier is quite easy to get.

Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier Size Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Maltese or Shih Tzu or Yorkshire Terrier? Which is the smallest dog, Maltese or Shih Tzu or Yorkshire Terrier?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Which is heavier, Maltese or Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier weight comparison:	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)	2-3 kg (4-7 pounds)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)	2.5 kg (5.5 pounds)
Height Which is taller, Maltese or Shih Tzu or Yorkshire Terrier? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier height comparison:	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	20-23 cm (8-9 inches)
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)	21.5 cm (8.5 inches)

Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier Grooming, Hair and Care Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier coat comparison:	Feathered	Dense	Fine
Colors What are the original Maltese, Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier color?	White	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold	Black Tan Blue Gold
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Maltese or Shih Tzu or Yorkshire Terrier? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier grooming comparison:	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Maltese or Shih Tzu or Yorkshire Terrier? Maltese or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding:	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Yorkshire Terrier 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 Shih Tzu or Yorkshire Terrier?	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.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.

Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier Personality / Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Maltese or Shih Tzu or Yorkshire Terrier? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier behavior/temperament comparison:	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle	Playful Independent Energetic Alert Courageous Intelligent Loyal
Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier 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.	Smart: The Yorkshire Terrier dogs have great intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier trainability comparison.	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Yorkshire Terrier dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Playfulness Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier playfulness comparison:	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	Average: Yorkshire Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	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.	Sensitive: Yorkshire Terrier dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier?	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.	High: Yorkshire Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier social needs comparison:	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Yorkshire Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier?	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Yorkshire Terrier is a particularly loud breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Maltese or Shih Tzu or Yorkshire Terrier?	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Yorkshire Terrier dogs are good watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Maltese or Shih Tzu or Yorkshire Terrier? 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.	Yorkshire Terrier dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List
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 Yorkshire Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.
Bite Force Which bite is stronger: Maltese or Shih Tzu or Yorkshire Terrier?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Yorkshire Terrier bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier 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.	Yorkshire Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Yorkshire Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential. 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.	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Yorkshire Terrier dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Maltese or Shih Tzu or Yorkshire Terrier?	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Yorkshire Terrier breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List
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.	Yorkshire Terrier 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 or Yorkshire Terrier?	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.	Yorkshire Terrier 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 vs Yorkshire Terrier Good With Comparison

Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Shih Tzu or Yorkshire Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Yorkshire Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
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.	Yorkshire Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Maltese or Shih Tzu or Yorkshire Terrier?	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Yorkshire Terrier dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Shih Tzu or Yorkshire Terrier?	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Yorkshire Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Shih Tzu or Yorkshire Terrier?	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Yorkshire Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier?	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 Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier 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.	Yorkshire Terriers are not recommended for elderly people.

Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier Health Comparison

Health Issues Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier health comparison. Which is the healthier: Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier?	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.	Yorkshire Terriers are commonly healthy dogs.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier 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	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia
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 Yorkshire Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier lifespan comparison. How long do Maltese, Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier 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	12-16 years The average lifespan of Yorkshire Terrier: 14 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Hypoallergenic Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Energy Level Who has more energy a Maltese or Shih Tzu or Yorkshire Terrier? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier 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.	Yorkshire Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Shih Tzu or Yorkshire Terrier? 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.	Yorkshire Terrier dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Shih Tzu or Yorkshire Terrier?	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.	Yorkshire Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot
Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Maltese or Shih Tzu or Yorkshire Terrier?	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.	Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 3/4 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier 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.	Low to Average: The Yorkshire Terrier has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier?	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.	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier?	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Yorkshire Terrier has an average 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 Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Yorkshire Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier 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 Shih Tzu or Yorkshire Terrier? 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.	Yes This breed makes a perfect 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 Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier?	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.	Not really Yorkshire Terrier 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 Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier 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 Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier have?	3-5 puppies	2-5 puppies	4-6 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier 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 1885 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.	Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Toy Terriers 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 Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club

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Reviews

Very informative.
Jan 4, 2023, 5:21:17 AM:
Addressed everything I wanted to understand about the different dog breeds.