Shih Tzu vs Maltese
The two published breed profiles side by side: size, energy, grooming, lifespan, temperament ratings and health.
| Shih Tzu | Maltese | |
|---|---|---|
| Size class | Small | Toy |
| Adult weight | 4.1 to 7.3 kg | Up to 3.2 kg |
| In pounds | 9 to 16 lb | Up to 7 lb |
| Adult height | 23 to 27 cm | 18 to 23 cm |
| Energy | Moderate | Moderate |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Coat | Long double | Long silky |
| Shedding | Low | Low |
| Lifespan | 10 to 18 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Good with children | Reliably good | Fine with supervision |
| Good with other dogs | Reliably good | Fine with supervision |
| Country of origin | Tibet (China) | Central Mediterranean Basin |
The main differences
- The Shih Tzu is the bigger dog: 4.1 to 7.3 kg against Up to 3.2 kg for the Maltese.
- Both have moderate energy in their published profiles.
- Grooming is high for both.
- Life expectancy is similar: 10 to 18 years for the Shih Tzu and 12 to 15 years for the Maltese.
- With children, the Shih Tzu is rated reliably good and the Maltese fine with supervision.
Temperament
Shih Tzu: Friendly and independent, intelligent, active and alert.
Maltese: The Maltese is gentle mannered and affectionate, eager and sprightly in action, and despite their size has the vigour of a satisfactory companion.
Health worth asking about
Conditions each breed is reported to be predisposed to. Predisposed does not mean inevitable: it means ask the breeder for the parents' test results.
Shih Tzu
- Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), graded by a vet on an exercise tolerance test
- Hereditary eye disease screened under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme
- Skin problems in the facial folds, found on a routine veterinary skin check and kept down by daily fold cleaning
- Dental crowding and periodontal disease, found at a routine dental check and kept down by regular teeth cleaning
Maltese
- Patellar luxation, with a patella evaluation recommended by the national breed club
- Cardiac disease, with a cardiac exam recommended by the national breed club
- Liver shunt, screened for with a serum bile acids test
Common questions
Which is bigger, the Shih Tzu or the Maltese?
The Shih Tzu. Adults weigh 4.1 to 7.3 kg, against Up to 3.2 kg for the Maltese, going by the published breed profiles.
Which lives longer, the Shih Tzu or the Maltese?
The published life expectancy is 10 to 18 years for the Shih Tzu and 12 to 15 years for the Maltese. These are typical ranges across the breed, not a promise about one dog.
Is the Shih Tzu or the Maltese better with children?
The Shih Tzu scores higher for children (5 against 3 out of 5). Any dog needs supervising around young children, whatever their breed rating.
Related comparisons
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Not veterinary advice. Breed information is general. Your own dog, and your own vet, always win.
Sources
Every figure on this page comes from the two breed guides, which cite:
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin