Maltese vs Shih Tzu
Compare the Maltese to the Shih Tzu. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Maltese and Shih Tzus.
Maltese
Shih Tzu
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
Yes
Yes
Lifespan
12-15 Years
10-15 Years
Height
8-10 Inches
9-10 Inches
Weight
4-9 Pounds
9-16 Pounds
Intelligence
Maltese
Shih Tzu
Origin Country
Malta
China
Origin Year
-200 BC
618 AD
Maltese
Shih Tzu
Overall Friendliness
Family Friendly
Child Friendly
Pet Friendly
Stranger Friendly
Maltese
Shih Tzu
Maltese
Shih Tzu
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
No
No
Medium Yard
No
No
Large Yard
No
No
Temperature Tolerance
55-80 °F
55-80 °F
Barks/Howls
Maltese
Shih Tzu
Energy Level
High
Medium
Exercise Required
Low
Low
Top Running Speed
12 MPH
12 MPH
Strength
Low
Low
Maltese
Shih Tzu
Coat Maintenance
High
Medium
Shedding
Low
None
Dander
Low
None
Drool
None
None
Maltese
Shih Tzu
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
No
Maltese
Shih Tzu
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
No
No
Maltese
Shih Tzu
Aggression
Burrow / Digging
Chasing
Follow Commands
Fighting
Guarding
Herding
Hunting
Protection
Remove Vermin
Sled Pulling
Watch / Guardian
Maltese
Shih Tzu
Average Lifespan
12-15 Years
10-15 Years
Maltese
Shih Tzu
Maltese
Shih Tzu
Coat Type
Hair
Hair
Coat Layering
Single
Double
Coat Texture
Silky
Straight
Silky
Coat Length
Long
Long
Maltese
Shih Tzu
