When it comes to the shih tzu vs Maltese, it can be hard to decide which one to welcome into your family. After all, they're both toy dog breeds that look very similar, so it's easy to get them confused!
Both dogs were bred to be companion animals, so both the shih tzu or the Maltese is a great choice if you're looking for a lovable lap dog who's very people-oriented and will be happiest spending the day by your side. Both dogs make our list of the best dogs for companionship.
To help you learn more about these two breeds and decide which one is right for you, we turned to expert vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan. She shares everything you need to know about the shih tzu and the Maltese, including how intelligent and trainable they are and what health concerns you need to be aware of.
Size: Maltese vs shih tzu
Both the shih tzu and the Maltese are toy breeds, so there isn't a lot of difference when it comes to their height. The shih tzu is the slightly larger of the two, measuring between nine and 10.5 inches, whereas the Maltese is a little bit smaller at seven to nine inches.
Where these two breeds do differ more is in their weight, with the shih tzu weighing anywhere between nine and 16 pounds and the petite Maltese coming in much smaller at under seven pounds.
Appearance: Maltese vs shih tzu
The shih tzu is a surprisingly solid dog given their small size, whereas the Maltese is much more delicate and less sturdy. Shih tzus are known for their long, silky double coats that sport different color mixes, including black, gold, white, and grey.
Many shih tzus spot the highly prized 'Star of Buddha' on their forehead, which legend says marks the spot where Buddha kissed the shih tzu and transformed him into a courageous lion.
Thanks to their undershot bite (the lower jaw is just wider than the upper jaw), the shih tzu wears an adorable smile on their face, and they tend to walk with a confident gait, holding their head high and their tail curved over their back.
Like the shih tzu, the Maltese also has a long, silky coat that comes in just one shade – pure white (although some will have a touch of lemon or tan in the mix). They have beautiful dark eyes, a sweet button nose, and a sprightly walk.
Their ears are what's known as drop ears, meaning that they fall very close to the face, so close in fact that if a Maltese has a long coat, their ears blend right in. They have a naturally long tail that they hold over their back, and their head is rounded with a medium-length muzzle.
Trainability: Maltese vs shih tzu
For many of us, how easy a breed typically is to train is an important consideration when selecting a new dog to add to the family. After all, you may not have tons of time and energy to invest in teaching your pup particular commands and behaviors.
Both the shih tzu and the Maltese have a reputation for having below-average intelligence, something Dr MacMillan believes is unfair when you consider the main reason these two dogs were bred in the first place.
"These dogs are bred for companionship, so their main interests lie in staying close to their owners," she explains. "In fact, they would score higher on the emotional intelligence front than many other breeds. This makes both dogs relatively easy to train, as they are loyal and want to please their owners."
When it comes to training your dog on your own, you'll find that both the shih tzu and the Maltese respond really well to positive reinforcement, so be sure to use plenty of praise – and a few of the best dog treats won't go amiss either!
Exercise: Maltese vs shih tzu
The lifestyle you like to lead will likely have a big influence on the breed of dog you choose. If you're someone who likes to go on long runs and hikes and are looking for a canine companion to accompany you, then neither the shih tzu or the Maltese would be the right breed for you (look instead at some high-energy dog breeds). However, if shorter strolls and play sessions sound right up your street, you're in luck because they are both low-energy breeds.
"Both the Shih Tzu and the Maltese have very similar exercise requirements," says Dr. MacMillan. "Around 30–60 minutes of activity per day should suit them both, depending on their age and health status. This includes walking and playtime.
“The Maltese is perhaps the more energetic of the two, so would be better suited for owners who want to do a bit of agility or other activities with their pet."
While neither of these breeds will want to do anything too strenuous, there are plenty of ways to workout with your pet that would pair nicely with these pups – doggy yoga, anyone?
Grooming: Maltese vs shih tzu
According to Dr MacMillan, the shih tzu and the Maltese are very similar when it comes to grooming, however, the exact grooming needs of both dogs will depend on what length you want to keep their coat at.
"Some owners will have their Maltese and shih tzus regularly clipped short by a groomer, which means you might only need to brush them once or twice a week," she explains. "If you prefer a longer look, then your dog will need daily brushing to prevent tangles with a trip to the groomer every six weeks or so for a trim to neaten things up. You can trim and clip your dogs at home, but always speak to a professional if you are a novice.
Both breeds can be prone to matted or tangled fur, so their coats must be well maintained (and investing in one of the best dog brushes will help with that).
"The Maltese has characteristically white fur, which can mean regular baths and gentle, dog-whitening shampoo are also needed to keep this dog looking its best," Dr MacMillan advises.
Health considerations: Maltese vs shih tzu
Maltese and shih tzus are often healthy little dogs, but Dr MacMillan says that like many small dog breeds, they are prone to a condition called patellar luxation.
"This is where the patella, or kneecap, slides out of its normal position," she explains. This condition can affect dogs to varying degrees but may cause limping and the early onset of osteoarthritis."
The main health difference between the two dogs is that shih tzus are brachycephalic breed, meaning they have flattened faces.
"This means they can suffer from dental abnormalities, narrowed nostrils, and airways," says Dr. MacMillan. "Their flattened faces and slightly protruding eyes can also put them at greater risk of corneal ulcers, cherry eye, and dry eye, in my experience."
However, it should also be noted that Maltese can be prone to a heart condition known as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and an inherited heart condition that may need to be repaired surgically."
Owner suitability: Maltese vs shih tzu
Now that you know a little bit more about the shih tzu and the Maltese, you may be wondering which of these dogs would be the best fit for you and your family. Here's what Dr MacMillan had to say when we asked her what sort of home these breeds would be the happiest in:
"Both little dogs are versatile and would be happy living in the town or countryside. They would both be best suited to an owner who has a moderately active lifestyle – but don’t expect these little dogs to go jogging or hiking with you! They love companionship and people’s laps, so they would suit an owner who is at home much of the time."
Read next: Maltipoo breed profile (which is a cross between the Maltese and the poodle)
Rebecca is a veterinary surgeon who graduated in 2009 from the Royal Veterinary College in London. She has a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties and managerial roles over the years. Rebecca enjoys medicine in particular and she is proud to have recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation).
Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis de Leaver.
Recent updates
This feature was last updated in April 2025.
