West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Comparison - Dog breed selector: Roseneath Terrier or Chrysanthemum Dog or Maltese lion dog? Find the right dog for you

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

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	West Highland White Terrier	Shih Tzu	Maltese
Origins	Scotland	China	Italy
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Hunting Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	42	20	33
Reviews	1	19	3
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Roseneath Terrier Westie Westy White Roseneath Terrier Poltalloch Terrier	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Which is the smallest dog, West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Which is heavier, West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu? West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese weight comparison:	Male: 15-22 pounds (7-10 kg), Female: 13-16 pounds (6-7 kg)	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 18.5 pounds (8.5 kg), Female: 14.5 pounds (6.5 kg)	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese? West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese height comparison:	Male: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm), Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm)	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 11 inches (27.5 cm), Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm)	9.5 inches (24 cm)	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Which is more expensive?	$900-$1200	$800-$1200	$600-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese?	Very frequent: The West Highland White Terrier is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.

West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese intelligence:	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese trainability comparison.	West Highland White Terrier dogs are easy to train. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese?	West Highland White Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	West Highland White Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese? West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese behavior/temperament comparison:	Independent Alert Courageous Intelligent Friendly Affectionate	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing
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.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese?	Average to High: West Highland White Terrier dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.	High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese social needs comparison:	West Highland White Terrier dogs are a social breed. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	West Highland White Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	West Highland White Terrier 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 dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese playfulness comparison:	The West Highland White Terrier is a highly playful breed. See more.	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese?	A lot: West Highland White Terrier is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese?	It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep West Highland White Terrier indoors.	Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	West Highland White Terrier dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.	Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese?	West Highland White Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.	Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 West Highland White Terrier bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	Low 🔽 The West Highland White Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese mouthiness comparison:	West Highland White Terrier dogs have a lower than 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 dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese health comparison. Which is the healthier: West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese?	Very healthy dog breed.	The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese health problems comparison:	Cataracts Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Craniomandibular Osteopathy Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy White Dog Shaker Syndrome Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Atopic Dermatitis Hyperplastic Dermatosis Pulmonary Fibrosis	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 White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Rare The West Highland White Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Average The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese lifespan comparison. How long do West Highland White Terrier, Shih Tzu and Maltese breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	12-16 years The average lifespan of West Highland White Terrier: 14 years	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese?	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The West Highland White Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. 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 warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.

West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese? West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese energy level comparison:	West Highland White Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.	Maltese 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 West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	West Highland White Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.	Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese?	West Highland White Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.	Maltese 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

West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese?	1/2 to 1.5 cups 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: 1/4 to 1/2 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? West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese weight gain potential comparison:	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the West Highland White Terrier's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	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 has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese coat comparison:	Dense	Dense	Feathered
Colors What are the original West Highland White Terrier, Shih Tzu and Maltese color?	White	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold	White
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese? West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese grooming comparison:	Advanced: The West Highland White Terrier requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese? West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding:	West Highland White Terrier dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Maltese 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: West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese?	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Hypoallergenic West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese?	Low 🔽 The West Highland White Terrier has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	The West Highland White Terrier 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 Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	West Highland White Terrier dogs are generally with other pets.	Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese? Which dog is more friendly?	West Highland White Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese?	West Highland White Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese?	West Highland White Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese?	West Highland White Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese?	Yes West Highland White Terrier 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 Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No West Highland White Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	West Highland White Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.	Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.	Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.

West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese 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: West Highland White Terrier or Shih Tzu or Maltese? 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.	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.	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: West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese?	Not really West Highland White Terrier 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 Maltese 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.

West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese 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 West Highland White Terrier and Shih Tzu and Maltese have?	2-5 puppies	2-5 puppies	3-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

West Highland White Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Terrier breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers 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 Bichons and related 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 Club Espanol De Terriers	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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