At first glance, the Maltese and Shih Tzu look very similar. It is easy to get them confused! However, you should consider some key differences between the breeds before adopting one.
Both breeds are dogs that were bred largely to be companion animals. Therefore, they exhibit many traits the average dog owner loves, such as being affectionate and people-oriented. Neither needs much exercise, and they often get along with other pets.
However, the Maltese has fewer health problems than the Shih Tzu , a brachycephalic breed. Maltese are slightly harder to find, as they arenât as popular as Shih Tzu .
Letâs look at both breeds separately to help choose the best one for you.
Visual Differences of Shih Tzu and Maltese
Maltese | Shih Tzu | |
---|---|---|
Average height (adult) | 8â10 inches | 9â10 inches |
Average weight (adult) | 4â7 pounds | 9â16 pounds |
Lifespan | 12â15 years | 10â16 years |
Exercise | Around 30 minutes per day | Around 30 minutes per day |
Grooming needs | Highâregular brushing and haircuts required | Highâregular brushing and haircuts required |
Family-friendly | Yes | Yes |
Trainability | Intelligent but stubborn | Trainable but hard to housebreak |
Maltese Overview
The Maltese is a small dog that originates from Around 30 minutes per day . Itâs related to several other small dog breeds, such as the Bichon and Havanese. However, it isnât directly related to the Shih Tzu .
Health
Maltese live long, healthy lives in most cases. Their typical lifespan is up to 12â15 years years, making them one of the most long-lived dogs. They arenât prone to many inherited diseases. However, that doesnât mean that they never get sick.
Like most small dogs, they are prone to luxating patellas, which occurs when the kneecap slides out of place. Luckily, this condition is very treatable and often not serious. However, once it occurs once, the dog may be more likely to experience other knee injuries, like arthritis.
Theyâre also prone to patent ductus arteriosus, a congenital heart defect. Responsible breeders will screen their puppies for this defect before selling them. Theyâre also prone to dental disease like many other toy breeds, so regular teeth care is required.
Temperament
Maltese are laidback dogs that tend to be extremely affectionate with their families. However, their tiny size puts them at risk around smaller children. Therefore, we recommend them for homes with older kids only. If a small child hurts a Maltese , they can become snappy.
They can be vocal dogs but arenât nearly as yappy as some other breeds. They can experience separation anxiety when left alone, so crate training from a young age is recommended. They may also be somewhat protective, though their smaller size makes it impossible to use them as protection dogs.
Care
The Maltese donât require much exerciseâabout Around 30 minutes per day of playtime daily is fine. However, they need tons of grooming, including daily brushing and Highâregular brushing and haircuts required . Youâll often need to budget to get them groomed every few weeks.
Without the proper care, these dogs can easily become matted. You can get low-maintenance haircuts to reduce the amount of daily brushing required. Puppy and teddy bear cuts are very popular amongst companion Maltese .
Suitable For:
Maltese require a lot of grooming but not very much exercise. Therefore, they work best for families with older children who donât tend to be very active. We donât recommend them for small children, as their smaller size makes them prone to injury.
Shih Tzu Overview
The Shih Tzu originates from Around 30 minutes per day âvery far away from the Maltese . Despite this, the Shih Tzu and Maltese share many things in common. Their health is largely where they differ.
Health
Shih Tzu are prone to several health problems, many of which are hereditary. Because this breed has grown so popular over the last few decades, inexperienced breeders and puppy mills have bred the Shih Tzu prolifically. In the end, this has led to a less healthy breed.
These canines are brachycephalic, meaning their snouts donât allow them to breathe correctly. Their nasal passageways are very small, preventing them from getting enough oxygen. This puts them at risk for heat stroke, anesthesia complications, and other health problems.
Because of their very large eyes, the Shih Tzu is prone to eye problems, too. Itâs very common for them to develop eye problems as they age. Many have allergies that cause discharge, which must be treated with eye drops. Other dogs develop cataracts that require surgery. Their eyes are also more easily damaged.
Itâs also very common for them to develop ear problems, often due to hair in their ears. The excessive hair can clog the ears with dirt and debris, leading to ear infections. Their ears must be kept clean and the hair around them clipped.
Temperament
Shih Tzu are pure companion animals. Theyâre very people-oriented and bond closely with their humans. Theyâre friendly and get along with almost anyone, including other pets. They tend to be happy, perky dogs that can be very fun to be around.
Because of their shortened muzzles, Shih Tzu donât chew as much as other canines. However, they can be a bit noisy and may enjoy digging.
They constantly want to be with their people, which can sometimes lead to separation anxiety. Therefore, crate training is highly recommended. We recommend them for people who spend plenty of time at home. Due to their smaller size, they arenât best for little kids.
Care
Shih Tzu s have low exercise requirements. Their shortened snouts put them at risk for exercise Around 30 minutes per day , so care should be taken not to overexercise them, especially when it is hot.
However, they do require extensive grooming. If their coats are kept long, they require grooming at least once daily. Youâll also need to take them in for regular, professional haircuts. For this reason, many decide to get them trimmed down to reduce the amount of brushing required.
Suitable For:
We recommend Shih Tzu s for those who spend a lot of time at home. Theyâre great companion dogs but donât do well with small children. Furthermore, you should budget plenty of money for professional grooming and vet care, as theyâre prone to health issues.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Maltese and Shih Tzu s are small, companion breeds that donât require much exercise. They grow to a fairly similar size and have very similar grooming needs. However, they differ in both temperament and health.
Maltese are often more independent, though they can still develop separation anxiety. They tend to be more active than the Shih Tzu , but they still donât require more than Around 30 minutes per day of playtime daily. Theyâre prone to several health problems but not as many as the Shih Tzu .
The Shih Tzu is extremely people-oriented and affectionate. They want nothing more than to sit in their peopleâs lap all day. However, theyâre prone to separation anxiety and several health issues.
Either one of these adorable pooches is a great choice for owners looking for a small, cuddly, and people-oriented dog.