Maltese
Gentle, playful, fearless, affectionate
Ancient Mediterranean companion breed; gentle, playful, and nearly non-shedding with a flowing white coat that demands consistent grooming.
Full Maltese profile →Two gentle, low-shedding toy companions — compare trainability, barking, and grooming costs.
Maltese vs Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu
Affectionate, lively, playful, loyal
Regal Chinese lap dog bred for palace life; affectionate, sturdy, and highly adaptable to apartment living with demanding coat care.
Full Shih Tzu profile →At a glance
← Scroll to see all columns →
| Trait | Maltese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Energy level | Low | Medium |
| Grooming needs | Very High | Very High |
| Training difficulty | Medium | Medium |
| Apartment suitability | Very High | Very High |
| Kid-friendliness | Low | High |
| Alone-time tolerance | Very Low | Low |
| Barking tendency | High | Medium |
| Heat sensitivity | Medium | Medium |
| Size class | toy | small |
Trait levels reflect breed population averages — individual dogs vary. Lead cells indicate a contextual advantage for most owners; interpretations depend on your specific lifestyle.
Annual cost range
Maltese
$900 – $2,800 / year
Typical: $1,600/yr
First year: $1,900 – $5,500
Detailed cost estimate →Shih Tzu
$1,100 – $3,200 / year
Typical: $1,900/yr
First year: $2,200 – $6,500
Detailed cost estimate →US national averages. Does not include emergency vet costs, boarding, or training classes.
Decision verdicts
Maltese
A low-shedding, affectionate apartment dog with high grooming needs — best for adults and calm households who can be home often.
Best for
- Apartment dwellers seeking a low-shedding companion
- Retirees or work-from-home owners who are home frequently
- Owners who enjoy daily coat maintenance or budget for grooming
- Those wanting a gentle, cuddly lap dog
Not ideal if
- Households with young children (fragile and can be snappy if mishandled)
- Owners away from home for long hours (prone to separation anxiety)
- Cold climates without appropriate coat management
- Those who want a low-maintenance or independent dog
Shih Tzu
A devoted, apartment-perfect companion — ideal for owners who can commit to significant grooming and close companionship.
Best for
- Apartment and small-space residents
- Owners who work from home or are frequently present
- Families with considerate children
- Those comfortable with regular professional grooming
Not ideal if
- Owners away for long hours daily
- Those unwilling to budget for professional grooming
- Very hot climate regions (brachycephalic sensitivity)
Health watchlist
Maltese
Hypoglycaemia Elevated
Very small Maltese, particularly puppies, are vulnerable to low blood sugar. Regular small meals and monitoring are important. Consult your vet for guidance specific to your dog.
Dental disease Elevated
Small jaws lead to crowded teeth and a high rate of periodontal disease. Daily dental care or regular professional cleaning is strongly recommended. Consult your vet for guidance specific to your dog.
Luxating patella Watch
Patellar luxation is a common toy breed condition. Most cases are mild; regular check-ups allow monitoring and early intervention if needed. Consult your vet for guidance specific to your dog.
Tracheal collapse Watch
Common in toy breeds. Use a harness instead of a collar. Watch for honking cough. Consult your vet for guidance specific to your dog.
Liver shunt Watch
Portosystemic shunts occur at above-average rates. Watch for stunted growth or disorientation after meals. Consult your vet for guidance specific to your dog.
Shih Tzu
Brachycephalic airway syndrome Elevated
The flat face can restrict airflow, particularly in heat or during exercise. Avoid strenuous activity in warm weather. Consult your vet for guidance specific to your dog.
Eye conditions Elevated
Prominent eyes are prone to corneal ulcers and dry eye. Regular eye checks and prompt vet attention for any discharge or cloudiness are important. Consult your vet for guidance specific to your dog.
Hip dysplasia Watch
Less common than in larger breeds but does occur. OFA screening by reputable breeders is worthwhile. Consult your vet for guidance specific to your dog.
Dental disease Elevated
The small jaw and brachycephalic structure increase dental disease risk. Regular brushing and professional cleanings are essential. Consult your vet for guidance specific to your dog.
Ear infections Watch
Hair growth in the ear canal can trap moisture. Regular ear cleaning and hair plucking are important. Consult your vet for guidance specific to your dog.
Common questions
- Which is better for apartment living — Maltese or Shih Tzu?
- Both Maltese and Shih Tzu are comparable for apartment living (Very High vs Very High). Neither has a decisive advantage; both depend on meeting their exercise and mental stimulation needs. This is educational guidance — individual dogs vary.
- Which requires more grooming — Maltese or Shih Tzu?
- Maltese and Shih Tzu have similar grooming needs (Very High vs Very High). Both require regular brushing and routine coat care; the difference in grooming time is minor between the two breeds.
- Which is easier to train — Maltese or Shih Tzu?
- Maltese and Shih Tzu are broadly comparable in training difficulty. Both respond well to consistent, reward-based training. Neither has a significant advantage for first-time owners on this dimension alone — overall temperament and energy level matter just as much.
- Which is better with children — Maltese or Shih Tzu?
- The Shih Tzu is notably better rated for households with children compared to the Maltese. Socialisation, training, and supervision remain important for both breeds regardless of breed-level averages.
Explore further
Health information is educational only. Always consult your veterinarian.
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