Hi, I’m Caitlin. My family includes a very energetic Jack Russell named Harvey. I may not own these beautiful breeds, but a common game is guessing the breed when we meet fellow dog families on our walkies. This is why I’ve compiled an overview of these gorgeous breeds of Maltese vs. Shih Tzu so you, too, can find the perfect doggy companion.
So, do You Want a Dog or a Puppy?
Whether you buy a puppy or save a dog from the rescue centers, there are a few general things to consider. 1) It is costly. Kennel club suggests costs of £25 a week and upwards 2) This is a commitment that, on average, lasts 12 years, although the oldest dog on record passed away at an impressive age of 29. 3) Dogs need companionship, walks, and love every day of their lives. 4) Grooming and occasional vet visits must also be accounted for, with variations for specific breed types. Fortunately, there is usually a breed type or service to help people with every sort of lifestyle welcome a furry friend into their home. Finding the right breed for you is the first step to ensuring a wonderful relationship between you and your dog will blossom. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale, the federation of several different event kennel clubclubsficially, recognizes different breeds of dogs. That’s not including crosses, so well done if you narrowed it down to two breeds! Don’t worry if you haven’t yet!
Overview of Maltese vs Shih Tzu
Here is a quick overview of these two breeds:
Similarities:
1) They are both toy dog breeds, aka small and pretty 2) Both are suitable for apartment living 3) They both can grow a floor-length coat, so they require high grooming maintenance 4) Classy people have welcomed both breeds throughout their ancient history 5) Both breeds, like most toy dogs, take a long time to toilet train
Differences:
1) Colors: purebred Maltese are always white, whereas Shih Tzu has a wide range of color combinations with secondary and tertiary colors to their coats. 2) Shih Tzu is more suited to being around children and other pets, i.e., cats, than Maltese 3) Maltese have a higher energy level and good obedience in agility style training and competition 4) Shih Tzu’ are bred to be companion dogs and enjoy a lot of your company. However, Maltese people are still very affectionate. 5) Maltese have more guard dog tendencies, although both breeds will yap excessively if not trained appropriately
History
Maltese
This breed has a long and sophisticated history. The breed was likely introduced to the Phoenicians, a Mediterranean maritime trading society between 1550 BCE and 300 BCE. This is before the rise of ancient Greece! This breed was likely introduced toMalta, where it takes its name from nomadic tribes and is thought to be descended from a spitz-type dog bred by Swiss Lake Dwellers to catch rodents. Some people suggest that there is evidence that it may also be related to the Tibetan terrier from Asia. The first record was found on a Greek container (amphora) in the Etruscan town of Vulci in modern-day Italy, dated 500 BC. This breed has been enjoyed by wealthy ladies worldwide and is even pictured on golden age ceramics, although called the ‘Melitaie Dog’ at the time of the Greeks. Even an ancient Greek philosopher, Aristotle, referred to the breed as beingrfectly proportioned. This breed remained a status symbol throughout the Roman era; without respect, the Roman matron was without her ‘Roman lady’s dog.’ Even Emperor Claudius approved of the breed, which became prevalent in Roman myths and legends, symbolizing loyalty. The breed nearly collapsed with that of the Roman Empire but was saved byChinese breeders, albeit crossed and refined with some Chinese toy dog breeds. The new style Maltese was then reintroduced back to Europe and rightfully took center stage at the first New York’s first Westminster show in 347, which referred to the breed as the Maltese lion dog. This breed continues to be popular, ranking 48th among the top 100 favorite dog breeds by the UK public in 2018.
Shih-Tzu
No humble beginnings for this breed. The name of Shih Tzu translates to ‘lion dog’ and can be dated as far back as 800 BC. It is thought that the breed we know and love today was developed within the secretive walls of the Chinese emperor’s palace by imperial breeders crossing two Sino-Tibetan breeds, the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso, two ancient breeds. The Dalai Lama perhaps gifted the latter to the Chinese emperors in the 17th century. This breed remained the royal dog for hundreds of years, and the emperors would even give gifts to those breeders who could produce the most beautiful and affectionate dogs. It wasn’t until the 1930s that the breed became known outside the palace by breed clubs from Peking and later England, and now owners have included Queen Elizabeth II and Miley Cyrus. This is again a popular breed, ranking 12th on the Mirrors publicly voted favorite dog breeds list and ranked 20th in 2017 by the American Kennel Club. Here is the list if you would like to compare other dogs!
Breed characteristics
Maltese vs Shih Tzu: Which is The Larger Breed?
Neither of these two breeds’ is much larger than the average adult pet cat. The Maltese is the smaller of the two, typically weighing less than 7 pounds and only reaching a height of seven to nine inches. On the other hand, the Shih Tzu weighs 9-16 and stands eight to 11 inches tall. This is measuring from floor to shoulder, so their actual height will be slightly taller. This leaves plenty of space for either breed, even in the smallest apartments.
Maltese vs Shih Tzu: Temperaments
The American Kennel Club describes the Maltese as gentle, playful, and charming and the Shih Tzu as affectionate, playful, and outgoing. What does this mean? The Maltese arevery intelligent dogs for the toy dog and very good at agility-styled games. They are fairly energetic and would enjoy a yard to bounce around in, walks, and plenty of games. They tend to be well-tempered with other dogs and strangers; however, they require some firm training, as they are prone to excessive barking. They will announce when a guest reaches your door that they can be defensive and tend towards alittle guard dog. They also experience separation anxiety, although this can be controlled if not ‘over-loved.’
How Does The Shih Tzu Compare?
This breed was bred to be a companion, giving him a loving, affectionate temperament, meaning that this breed tends to be less demanding and yappy than its fellow toy breeds. This breed is more solidly built and is known to be good with children and older people due to enjoying cuddles and lower exercise requirements. With proper socialization, this breed tends to be good with strangers, other dogs, and other household pets. This breed can also be stubborn, but living with a Jack Russell can be fun to watch when all the basics are covered.
Maltese vs Shih Tzu: Lifespan
We can expect a happy, healthy Maltese to live between 12-15 years, whereas the Shih Tzu has a wider range of 10-18 years. There are records of Maltese dogs reaching 20 years and Shih Tzu’s reaching 23 years. These breeds are long-lived, with the average dog age between 10 and 13 years.
Maltese vs Shih Tzu: Are They Prone to Health Conditions?
Maltese
Maltese are relatively healthy dogs, with few diseases they are prone to. The American Kennel Club recommends that breeders check for luxating patella, where the kneecap moves out of its normal position, and heart conditions such as patent ductus arteriosus, where a heart duct fails to close after birth. A bile-acid test in puppies is also recommended to rule out congenital liver issues such as liver shunt (abnormal vessels that allow blood to bypass the liver) and microvascular dysplasia (abnormal vessels within the liver affecting blood flow). For example, the Maltese have a 20 times higher risk of liver shunts than other breeds. However, 85 % of surgeries lead to the dog having a completely normal life a few months after surgery, which will only improve with medical advancements. There have also been cases of encephaliti, and brain swelling, which can be a cause of white dog shaker syndrome, which causes full body tremors, but there is not a pre-test available for this condition yet. They are also prone to allergies, which will cause them to itch and lose sight through glaucoma and retinal atrophy. Like most dog breeds, they require regular teeth brushing and vet trips to ensure no dental problems. When getting a puppy, ask to see the parent’s medical history as some of these diseases are genetic, and therefore, if the parents don’t have the condition, the puppies will have a lower risk. Getting your dog scanned as early as possible will also help vets do their best for your Maltese, as many of these conditions can be cured by surgery.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu, again, are relatively healthy dogs, especially with responsible breeders screening for particular diseases like they do for the Maltese. This breed has a particular short face and long coat and, therefore, does not cope well in heat and will struggle to swim to cool down, predisposing them to a higher risk of heat stroke. This breed has conditions including where the ball and socket joint do not operate from birth, and patell, ar luxation (a slipped kneecap). The Shih Tzu’s long history can be a risk of intervertebral disk disease. The disks in the back can bulge or rupture, damaging nerves and causing severe pain. If not treated, paralysis, but if under a grade 4 in symptoms, there is a 95% success rate if surgery is opted for. It is a 50-60% success rate if managed non-surgically with an ability to walk. The eyelids of this breed sometimes fail to close properly and can cause corneal dryness and inflammation. The bulgy eyes tend to make infections and corneal ulcers more prevalent as they are more likely to be damaged by flying objects or rubbing with paws. Entropion, where the eyelids turn inwards, and the eyelashes irritate the eye, and epiphora, where your dog will look like it’s crying because the tears cannot drain properly, is also possible. Other eye conditions include cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (retina degeneration), and retinal detachment (where the back of the eye pulls away from the blood vessels). These all sound like scary conditions, but nearly every breed of dog has its list of increased-risk health problems, and although a higher risk, the risk is still low and, therefore, should not put you off either of these beautiful breeds. This is only a relatively short list that you should be aware of, but as always, check with your local vet.
Maltese vs Shih Tzu: What Do They Look Like?
Maltese
Maltese are like puppies that never grew up. Their rounded skulls and compact body, a length not greater than their height, give them a perfect-looking body. With the dark brown or black large eyes and gumdrop nose, even cat people will fall for this face. The Maltese is famed for its silky, pure white coat. Occasionally, tan and lemon coloration may appear around the ears. The coat is a single layer and can grow down to the floor in a straight, elegant manner, but many owners now opt for a shorter ‘puppy cut’ to make things easier. The purebred Maltese are always white, but black Maltese can be found. However, this isn’t technically a breed and is likely to be a cross between another dog breed.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is the sturdier of the two breeds, with greater weight and substance. This breed is longer than tall, with a shortened face andand dark eyes peeping up at you. An unusual feature is their underbite, a breed standard, but a Shih Tzu will always wear a proud look; it is a dog fit for royalty. Shih Tzu has a double coat, unlike the Maltese’s. The coat flows smoothly down to the floor unless opted to be cut short, called a ‘puppy cut’ or a ‘teddy bear cut.’ The coat can be found in a range of colors, commonly white with patches of grey. This breed, although bred for the appearance of strength, is one of the slowest dog breeds, reaching only 6 mph. With the average walking speed of a person being 3.1 mph, if your pup decides to try and take a break for it, at least you won’t be far behind! The Maltese, a more energetic dog, is likely to be a bit faster, with many owners claiming their Maltese can outrun them. Smaller breeds are slower than their larger cousins, with most dog breeds reaching a 19 mph max, with likes of only pugs reaching up to 10 mph.
Maltese vs Shih Tzu shedding: What Kind of Coats do They Have?
The Maltese coat is silky and straight but has no undercoat. Good news: If you think you are allergic to dogs because Maltese dogs are hypoallergenic, you may not be allergic to this little dog. This is because they do not shed or drool. This is because they do not possess an undercoat. Unlike the Maltese, Shih Tzu possess a double coat, so they have an undercoat. This coat can still reach the floor. This breed may not be considered hypoallergenic by everyone, but it still has a very low shedding rate, so it is still a good choice for people who may be allergic or would rather not spend all day brushing fur off everything!
Maltese vs Shih Tzu: Grooming Requirements
Both breeds have fast-growing hair and nails, requiring much grooming attention. They both require daily brushing and regular trips to the groomers, especially if you want to keep that coat short and easier to manage, perhaps every month and a half. Maltese dogs need to have regular baths and coat conditioning. Their ears also need weekly checks for long hair, which needs to be trimmed, and for excess earwax. The hair around the bottom must also be kept short for hygiene reasons, as you can imagine! A regular wipe around the eyes will help prevent tear staining, but if it becomes excessive, it may be that your dog’s eyes may not be draining properly, giving the hair around the eyes a darker color. A vet should access this. Shih Tzu dogs require similar time commitments with grooming. Daily brushing with a wire brush with flexible pins is necessary to ensure the skin is touched due to the double coat, and the moustache and top knot need to becombed daily with the hair. Dogs with hair left to grow out must have it tied up out of the dog’s eyes to prevent irritation. Baths should be given every three to four weeks to ensure a clean, healthy coat. If you want to know how to groom your dog, check out our article!
Maltese vs Shih Tzu: How Easy are They to Train?
Maltese
Maltese, a playful dog, therefore makes very good agility dogs. They respond well to treats-based training. They are very loyal and protective of their owners. This can lead to problems with separation anxiety. They also tend to act like a little, fearless watchdog.
After all, they wouldn’t want anything to happen to you! They are very affectionate dogs but do have a mischievous streak. They also have a habit of ‘mad time’ where they just run around and bark. Which I am sure is funny at times.
I tend to call it ‘the puppy run’ with my dog. With appropriate mental stimulation and exercise, these can be reduced, albeit I tend to encourage it, and barking can be trained out of the run. Training Maltese is possible, but they are not considered particularly intelligent dogs, ranking 59th out of 79 in Stanley Coren’s The Intelligence of Dogs. This doesn’t cover many forms of intelligence outside working breeds’ skills, and there are more than 79 breeds to consider. They are perfectly willing to please and capable of following positive, repetitive reward-based training for basic commands such as sit. They want to please you! The main concern with this breed is that they are notoriously hard to house-train. This is common in many toy breeds and can be approached in various ways; for example, consider an indoor-style toilet/puppy pad approach in a colder climate.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu meets a teddy bear’s requirements and can be as stubborn as one. They have a charismatic ‘what’s in it for me’ attitude, meaning that training will go much smoother if they begin young and treats are in the picture. Short, praise-based training should work as lap dogs are not known for high energy levels. They still need exercise to prevent them from getting fat whether they like it or not! They are considered less yappy than the Maltese, but a firm hand is still required to prevent excessive barking. A similar trait with all toy breeds is the difficulty in breaking the breed in-house. You will likely need to be prepared for this if you are getting a puppy. Training can take over eight months for a Shih Tzu, so read up on potty training and removing that urine smell (do we have an article on this to link to?) before you get your puppy. It is recommended that all variation is minimized, so even take ryour dog to the same place in the garden to pee to ensure they know what a good doggy is. Toy breeds are not bred for intelligence and obedience like other working dogs, but training, although it may take a little longer, is possible. With some prior reading and preparation, creating a well-behaved family member will not take too long. If you need extra help training, check out our article here!
Maltese vs Shih Tzu: Are They a Rare Breed?
Both these dog breeds are very popular. The kennel club had 3119 registrations for Shih Tzu, placing this breed as number 16th on the list of most popular dog breeds in 2017. The Maltese may not have made the top 20, but it is still popular, with 1139 registrations in 2017. Remember, these are just registered dogs, and there will be many more that are not purebred. On a different list, the Mirror ranked Maltese dogs 48 out of 100 of the most popular dog breeds in 2018 voted by the public in Britain, and the Shih Tzu ranked 12th. It is clear that many people choose the Shih Tzu over the Maltese, but both breeds are relatively widely available. If you would rather avoid that awkward potty training stage, even older dogs of a few months are available. The popularity of Shih Tzu dogs means that although purebred dogs are available, there are also many more crossbreed dogs. This means you will need to check the breed’s characteristics to ensure the dog is the right fit for you. This is because no characteristics are guaranteed with crossbreeds, and they are likely to be both breeds with a blended appearance and personals.
Maltese vs Shih Tzu: What Do They Eat?
Both breeds offer a luxurious coat and demand high-quality dog food; most people recommend dry food over wet food. Treats are essential for training purposes. It is cautioned that some dogs are more prone to obesity, so ensure that the right food with the right qualities, including treats, is given according to the dog’s age. This is not anything different from any other dog breed. Toy breeds, in particular, are more prone to hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, especially in puppies, so a good diet and being fed at the right times are important. It is recommended that initially, to help move your puppy from the breeder to your home, continue using the same dog food that the breeder has been providing to encourage your puppy to keep eating and minimize stress. It is also important to remember that small dogs tend to have sensitive stomachs, and due to their size, even small amounts of harmful foods can do a lot of damage. This means to check out which harmful human foods are for your dog, whatever dog you get. Shih Tzu, similar to Maltese, has a small stomach. Therefore, good quality, sometimes defined by protein content, is essential to ensure they can eat enough food and get all the nutrition they need. It is recommended that a brand that is 25 % protein is a good quality brand of food. The fast-growing nature of these dogs’ fur also means that the food should have a high-fat content such as omega three and six and vitamin A to ensure a healthy, silky coat. A hypoallergenic diet will also help determine if your puppy is allergic to any flavors if you are worried about this. Their diet may differ, but how much should they be fed? You should read the instructions on the food you are provided or listen to your vet, especially if providing homemade food.
Shih Tzu
Roughly, a Shih Tzu will require approximately 35 calories per pound, reduced to 30 for a less active, more senior dog. If your Shih Tzu weighs 12 pounds, you must feed it 420 calories daily, usually spread across two to three meals.
Maltese
A Maltese may require a few more calories per pound as they are more active. This is recommended at approximately 45 calories per pound of body weight and more in puppies. So a seven pound Maltese will need 315 calories across the day. These are only rough guidelines; the exact amount will represent the actual weight of the dog and vet recommendations.
Maltese vs Shih Tzu: Are They Good With Children?
Do you have or planning to have a family with young children? Then a Maltese is probably not the right dog for you, whereas a Shih Tzu is known to be very affectionate with children. Maltese are known to be intolerant of children, and their small size also means they are not immune to even well-meaning children’s rough play. The larger size and docile nature of a Shih Tzu make this breed a good choice for families with children and other pets. It is important to be aware that this breed is still small; children may still be a little too rough, or if you already have a dog, large dogs are not careful when they play. Have you ever had an enthusiastic lab through its paw at you to get a treat? It’s adorable but painful! This is only a breed characteristic, and the individual temperament and personality of every dog will differ.
Maltese vs Shih Tzu: Where Are They Suited Best?
Maltese
Maltese dogs are very adaptable and suitable to a range of environments. They are fairly energetic for a toy breed and appreciate indoor play, roaming in the garden, or walking around the block. Their social nature means they would also appreciate meeting other dogs in the local park, but they can be more than happy in an apartment where exercise is given. A Maltese may prefer a warmer climate, but the cold can be doable if you prepare for a colder winter with shorter walks and a cute jumper. Just be aware that smaller dogs lose heat quicker than larger breeds, and the hair can trap snow and ice against the paws, so a check every walk is required to ensure the dog iskept as warm as possible. The Maltese coat does thicken in the winter but does not possess an insulating undercoat, and the coat takes time to thicken, so in these times, make sure your dog is kept nice and toasty.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are bred to be companions; they are suitable for apartments, don’t require too much exercise to remain fit and healthy, and don’t mind if you don’t have a large yard. These dogs are not outside; they will feel the cold but don’t like excessive heat due to their long fur and shortened faces. This breed was bred to be a companion, so it will likely follow you and will hate beingleft alone for long periods.
Maltese vs Shih Tzu: Are They Expensive to Look After?
The simple answer to this is yes. These are deserving but high-maintenance dogs.
Maltese
These are welcomed show dogs and therefore a purebred Maltese with a pedigree lineage can easily sell for over a £1000 a puppy. After all, these are status symbols. Fortunately, if the heritage isn’t an issue for you, puppies are available for around £300.
Shih Tzu
Again, in Shih Tzu’s, puppies can sell for a few hundred pounds, but purebred show lineages can give rise to values of over $2000. These dogs require high-end food, but small stomachs are unlikely to gobble it quickly. This certainly reduces the cost here. The largest cost for both breeds is regular, professional grooming. You can expect to pay between $30 and 90 dollars on standard grooming. This is required every couple of months. The nails, which also grow fast and need clipping, will be required, along with a decent brush and combed for everyday use. A status symbol and royal heritage are usually quite demanding, and a little luxury is expected, so allow for a nice, perhaps heated dog bed and special treats. Their cute little faces will make you want to spoil them rotten in a happy, healthy way. Of course, make sure your wallet allows for those mesmerizing eyes!
Final Thoughts: Maltese vs Shih Tzu
The ancient status symbol vs royalty, both these dogs have a rich past and deserve it. The Shih Tzu is a calm companion more suited to a family scenario than the Maltese. The Maltese is more energetic, independent, and suited to people who are out more or want a small dog to run with. Both breeds are pretty healthy, although the Shih Tzu may have a few more issues associated with its squished face, so expect a few more vet visits with that breed. They both require much grooming time, so if brushing hair does not appeal to you, sadly, these beautiful dogs are right.
In summary, the main differences are color choices, Maltese are always white mainly, and the ability to tolerate families and energy levels. If you still cannot decide, perhaps consider a cross between the two breeds. We hope you found this page useful, whether you have already bred or are looking into getting a new puppy. Getting a dog is, in our eyes, one of the best things you can do. The rewarding feeling of unconditional love is beyond compare, whatever the breed.