At a Glance #
| Trait | Maltese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 4–7 lbs | 9–16 lbs |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years | 10–16 years |
| Coat | Single silky white | Double, long, flowing |
| Shedding | Very low | Low |
| Energy | Moderate | Low to moderate |
| Trainability | Eager to please | Moderate (independent) |
| Good w/ Kids | Older kids only | Good when supervised |
| Good w/ Strangers | Loves everyone | Friendly, outgoing |
| Barking | Alert barker | Moderate |
| Cost | $1,500–$3,500 | $1,200–$3,000 |
The Question Everyone Asks #
Both are ancient, long-haired white toy breeds from aristocratic bloodlines. Both need serious grooming. Both will sit in your lap for hours. They look similar enough that people mix them up constantly. But underneath the flowing coats, these are very different dogs.
The Key Difference: Attachment Style #
Maltese are Velcro dogs. They bond to one person intensely and want to be touching that person at all times. If you’re sitting, a Maltese is on your lap. If you’re walking, it’s following your heels. If you leave for three hours, it acts like you’ve been gone for three years. Separation anxiety is not just possible — it’s likely.
Shih Tzus are friendly but independent. They were bred to be palace companions in Tibet and China — their job was to sit regally and accept admiration from everyone who passed. They’re affectionate, but they’re also content to curl up on a cushion across the room. They’re less likely to develop separation anxiety and more likely to greet strangers with equal enthusiasm.
Practical implication: If you want a dog who’s obsessed with you specifically → Maltese. If you want a friendly dog who loves everyone equally → Shih Tzu.
Where They Differ #
Grooming: Both Are Work, But Different Work #
| Maltese | Shih Tzu | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Brushing | Daily | Daily | |
| Coat type | Single coat, silky | Double coat, denser | |
| Tear stains | Common | Common | |
| Professional grooming | Every 4–6 weeks | Every 4–6 weeks | |
| Puppy cut option | Yes (recommended) | Yes (recommended) |
The Maltese single coat mats less aggressively. The Shih Tzu double coat tangles faster and needs more thorough brushing. Both are high-maintenance — if you’re not willing to brush daily or pay a groomer, get a short-haired breed.
Fragility: Maltese Are More Delicate #
At 4–7 pounds, a Maltese is genuinely fragile. A fall from a couch can break a bone. Toddlers who don’t understand gentle handling can cause serious injury. Shih Tzus at 9–16 pounds are sturdier — better suited to homes with children, though supervision is still required with very young kids.
Personality: People-Pleaser vs Court Jester #
Maltese are eager to please — they genuinely want to make you happy and respond well to training. Shih Tzus are more independent thinkers with a playful, slightly mischievous streak. A Shih Tzu will learn commands, then decide whether it feels like performing them today.
Which Should You Get? #
Get a Maltese if: you want a devoted shadow who lives for your attention, you’re okay with serious attachment, and you prefer a slightly easier coat (single vs double).
Get a Shih Tzu if: you want a sturdier dog who’s better with kids, you prefer a more easygoing companion who loves everyone, and you don’t mind a dog with a mind of its own.
The Truth #
Both are wonderful companions with 1,000+ years of making humans happy. Read our full guides: Maltese and Shih Tzu.
Sources #
- AKC Maltese Breed Standard | AKC Shih Tzu Breed Standard
- McMillan et al. (2024), Scientific Reports — small-breed lifespan data
- Puppy pricing based on 2025–2026 US breeder market data