Shih Tzu vs Maltese — Complete Comparison
Choosing between the Shih Tzu and the Maltese comes down to lifestyle fit, living space, and the time you can commit to training and grooming. Both breeds are small-sized dogs, so their space and feeding requirements are broadly similar. Both breeds have comparable exercise needs, though individual dogs will vary. The Shih Tzu is generally the better choice for families with young children.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Bold green indicates the better result for that trait. Exercise, grooming and shedding: lower is easier to manage. Trainability and lifespan: higher is better.
Health Comparison
Understanding each breed's health profile helps owners budget for insurance, schedule appropriate screening, and make informed decisions before purchasing.
Shih Tzu (5 conditions)
Conditions shared by both breeds: patellar luxation , progressive retinal atrophy .
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Based on data across health, exercise, trainability, and temperament, here is how the two breeds compare across common owner priorities:
Explore Each Breed in Depth
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is an ancient breed kept exclusively for Chinese royalty for over a millennium, serving as treasured lap wa…
Maltese
One of the oldest toy breeds, the Maltese has been a prized companion of Mediterranean nobility since ancient times, dep…
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger — a Shih Tzu or a Maltese?
The Shih Tzu is the larger breed, typically weighing 4–7.2 kg compared to the Maltese's 1.4–3.2 kg.
Which breed lives longer — Shih Tzu or Maltese?
Both breeds have a comparable average lifespan. The Shih Tzu typically lives 10–16 years and the Maltese 12–15 years.
Are Shih Tzus or Malteses easier to train?
The Maltese (trainability 4/5) is generally easier to train than the Shih Tzu (3/5). Malteses tend to respond quickly to reward-based training, while Shih Tzus may require more patience and consistency.
Which needs more grooming — Shih Tzu or Maltese?
Both breeds have similar grooming requirements (5/5). Regular brushing and routine coat maintenance apply equally to both.
Which breed is better for families — Shih Tzu or Maltese?
The Shih Tzu is generally the more family-friendly choice. The Maltese can still be a good family companion but may require more careful socialisation around children.
Do Shih Tzus and Malteses have the same health problems?
Some health conditions are shared between both breeds, including patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy. The Shih Tzu has 5 documented conditions overall and the Maltese has 5. Pet insurance is strongly recommended for both.
Get Shih Tzu vs Maltese tips and breed health guides
Expert advice on breed health, common conditions, and preventive care — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.