Shih Tzu vs Maltese
Shih Tzu or Maltese? A side-by-side comparison of size, lifespan, temperament, care needs and observed prices, from our Animal Library.
At a glance
| Shih Tzu | Maltese | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Toy | Toy |
| Size | Small · 9–16 lb | Toy · under 7 lb |
| Lifespan | 10–18 years | 12–15 years |
| Coat | Long, low-shedding | Long, white, low-shedding |
| Temperament | Affectionate, outgoing, calm | Gentle, playful, loving |
| Best fit | Apartments, seniors, families | Adults, apartments, seniors |
| Energy | ●●●●● Short walks, indoor play | ●●●●● Short walks, indoor play |
| Trainability | ●●●●● Willing, slow potty train | ●●●●● Willing, slow potty train |
| Grooming load | ●●●●● Daily brush or short clip | ●●●●● Daily brush or short clip |
| Beginner fit | ●●●●● Easygoing and sweet | ●●●●● Easy with patience |
| Observed price | $850 median (378 prices) | $1,000 median (227 prices) |
How they differ
- Energy: about the same (2 of 5 each).
- Trainability: about the same (3 of 5 each).
- Grooming load: about the same (4 of 5 each).
- Beginner fit: the Shih Tzu rates higher than the Maltese (5 of 5 vs 4).
The Shih Tzu
Bred as a palace companion in imperial China, the Shih Tzu is affectionate, outgoing and happy with modest exercise. It suits apartments and families well, but its long coat and short muzzle need regular care.
A full coat needs daily brushing; most owners keep a short clip with grooming every six to eight weeks. Shih Tzus overheat easily, and eye injuries and dental disease are common.
The Maltese
An ancient Mediterranean lapdog kept by nobility for thousands of years, the Maltese is gentle, playful and fearless for its size. Its white silky coat sheds little but needs daily care or a practical short clip.
Maltese are fragile around small children, can be barky and slow to house-train, and tear staining and dental disease are common. They dislike long periods alone.
Questions
Is a Shih Tzu or a Maltese better for a beginner?
The Shih Tzu rates higher for beginners (5 of 5 vs 4). Shih Tzu: Easygoing and sweet. Maltese: Easy with patience.
What is the main difference between a Shih Tzu and a Maltese?
A full coat needs daily brushing; most owners keep a short clip with grooming every six to eight weeks. Shih Tzus overheat easily, and eye injuries and dental disease are common. By contrast, maltese are fragile around small children, can be barky and slow to house-train, and tear staining and dental disease are common. They dislike long periods alone.
Which costs more, a Shih Tzu or a Maltese?
On the prices we observed, the Shih Tzu median is $850 (378 prices) and the Maltese median is $1,000 (227 prices).