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Maltese vs Shih Tzu

Both are silky-coated apartment dogs that need daily grooming; the Maltese is smaller and barks more, the Shih Tzu sturdier and better with children.

Maltese profileShih Tzu profile

Verdict

The Maltese and the Shih Tzu both live comfortably in apartments, have long silky coats that need brushing every day and shed little. Each is affectionate, content with a short daily walk and happiest with a person at home, and neither is a good choice for someone who dislikes grooming.

The Shih Tzu is the sturdier of the two at 9 to 16 pounds, rates better with children and for first-time owners, and barks less, though house training can take longer and heat is hard on its short face. The Maltese is tinier, at 4 to 7 pounds, more devoted and a more frequent barker, and it suits adults or seniors better than a household with small children.

Choose the Maltese if

  • Your household is adults or seniors in a small home
  • You want a devoted, gentle dog and enjoy daily brushing
  • You want the lowest shedding and the smallest size
  • You can tolerate a fairly vocal small dog

Choose the Shih Tzu if

  • You have children and want a friendly, outgoing small dog
  • You are a first-time owner willing to groom and to be patient with house training
  • You want a quieter dog
  • You can keep a short-faced dog out of the heat

Side by side

Maltese Shih Tzu
AKC group Toy Group Toy Group
Size class Small Small
Typical weight 4 to 7 lb 9 to 16 lb
Height 7 to 9 in at the shoulder 9 to 10.5 in at the shoulder
Typical lifespan 12 to 15 years 10 to 16 years
AKC popularity, 2025 37 of 202 21 of 202
Shedding Minimal Light
Grooming needs Very high Very high
Energy Moderate Low to moderate
Trainability Average Average
Barking Barks often Seldom barks
With children Fair Very good
Apartment living Excellent Excellent
First-time owners Manageable Good
Heat tolerance Average Poor
Cold tolerance Below average Average
Temperament
  • gentle
  • playful
  • charming
  • bold
  • attached
  • affectionate
  • outgoing
  • playful
  • cheerful
  • stubborn
Health concerns to know about
  • patellar luxation
  • dental disease
  • portosystemic shunt
  • tracheal collapse
  • white shaker syndrome
  • dry eye and corneal ulcers
  • ear infections
  • dental disease
  • brachycephalic airway syndrome
  • kidney and disc problems
Suits
  • apartment dwellers
  • adults and older families
  • people who enjoy daily grooming
  • families
  • apartment dwellers
  • first-time owners willing to groom

Facts and ratings come from each breed's profile. They describe a breed as a whole, and individual dogs vary, so meet the dog before you choose.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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