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

"Find similarities and differences between Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu" Compare Shih Tzu and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is better: Shih Tzu 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	Shih Tzu	Maltese Shih Tzu
Origins	China	United States
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank	20	622
Reviews	15	3
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog	Mal-Shi Malti Zu Malt-Tzu
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu breed type comparison:	Purebred	Cross Breed

Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which dog is bigger, Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Is the Shih Tzu bigger than the Maltese Shih Tzu breed? Is a Shih Tzu smaller than a Maltese Shih Tzu?	Small	Small
Weight Which is heavier, Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu weight comparison:	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)	6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)	9 pounds (4 kg)
Height Which is taller, Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Is a Shih Tzu taller than a Maltese Shih Tzu?	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	10-12 inches (25-30 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	9.5 inches (24 cm)	11 inches (27.5 cm)

Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Shih Tzu and Maltese Shih Tzu?	$800-$1200	$500-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu smarter? Which is best? Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu intelligence:	Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. 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
Trainability Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu trainability comparison. What's the difference between Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	Shih Tzu 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 Ability Which is the better watchdog: Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu behavior/temperament comparison:	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle	Active Curious Playful Intelligent Outgoing Adaptable
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. 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: Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	High: Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu social needs comparison:	Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. 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 Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu? Which can be better for hunting?	Shih Tzu 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

Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu playfulness comparison:	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	A lot: Shih Tzu 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
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Shih Tzu 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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu?	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.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu 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
Biting Potential Is a Shih Tzu more dangerous than a Maltese Shih Tzu?	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu mouthiness comparison:	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than 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.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu health comparison. Which is the healthier: Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	The Shih Tzu 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
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu health problems comparison:	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	Patellar Luxation White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	Average The Shih Tzu 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
Life Expectancy Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu lifespan comparison. How long do Shih Tzu and Maltese Shih Tzu breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Shih Tzu and Maltese Shih Tzu?	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years	12-14 years The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. 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.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu energy level comparison:	Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.	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 Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.	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

Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Does the Shih Tzu breed eat more than the Maltese Shih Tzu breed?	Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day.	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu weight gain potential comparison:	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu coat comparison:	Dense	Curly Silky Soft Wavy Long
Colors What are the original Shih Tzu and Maltese Shih Tzu color? Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu color comparison:	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold	Black White Brown White & Tan Black & White Brown & Black
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu grooming comparison:	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Do Shih Tzu dogs shed more than Maltese Shih Tzu dogs?	Shih Tzu 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
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu?	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.
Hypoallergenic Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Maltese 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 Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	The Shih Tzu 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.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu or Maltese Shih Tzu? Can a Shih Tzu and a Maltese Shih Tzu be friends? Do Shih Tzu dogs get along with Maltese Shih Tzu dogs?	Shih Tzu 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: Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	Yes Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu 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?	Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.	Maltese Shih Tzus are commonly okay with elderly people.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese 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.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Shih Tzu or Maltese 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.
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.
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: Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	Not really Shih Tzu 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.
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.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese 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 Shih Tzu and Maltese Shih Tzu have? Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu litter size comparison:	2-5 puppies	3-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Shih Tzu vs Maltese Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.	Not recognized by FCI.
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 Canadian Canine Registry	Not recognized by any clubs.

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