Maltese vs Shih Tzu: Choosing Your Perfect Pup

Did you know that toy dog breeds like the Maltese and Shih Tzu are super popular? Millions of Americans have chosen these cute dogs as their new friends. There are over 60 million pet dogs in the U.S., and these small breeds are top picks for their friendly nature and size¹. When picking a new dog, the Maltese and Shih Tzu offer a great comparison. Each has its own history, traits, and needs for different lifestyles.

The Maltese is a bit smaller than the Shih Tzu, standing 8-10 inches tall and weighing 4-7 pounds¹²³. The Shih Tzu is a bit taller, reaching 9-11 inches and weighing 9-16 pounds²³. Both dogs have a beautiful, silky coat that needs regular grooming. This makes them perfect for owners who like to keep their pets looking great². But, they have different exercise needs, temperaments, and health issues. It’s important for potential owners to know this before choosing a dog².

In this article, we’ll look at the Maltese vs Shih Tzu in various areas. We’ll cover their looks, grooming, temperament, and health. By the end, you’ll know which pup is right for your home.

Key Takeaways

• The Maltese and Shih Tzu are two popular toy dog breeds with unique traits.
• Maltese typically stand at 8-10 inches tall, while Shih Tzus range from 9-11 inches.
• Both breeds have low exercise needs, requiring about 30 minutes of activity per day.
• The grooming needs for both breeds are high, necessitating regular care.
• Understanding the health concerns of each breed can aid in making an informed choice.
• Choose a Maltese if you want a friendly, affectionate companion; opt for a Shih Tzu if you prefer a playful, companionable dog.

Introduction to Maltese and Shih Tzu Breeds

The Maltese and Shih Tzu are two beloved small dog breeds. They are perfect examples of toy breeds known for their loving and playful nature. These dogs were bred mainly as companion animals. They are great friends for people and families.

The Maltese has a beautiful long, white coat and a gentle nature. It loves to sit in its owner’s lap for warmth. The Shih Tzu, on the other hand, has a flat face and a lively personality. It wins the hearts of dog lovers everywhere.

When comparing Maltese vs Shih Tzu, we see how different yet similar they are. This helps people choose the right breed for their lifestyle and preferences.

If you’re thinking of getting one of these breeds, it’s important to know what they need. You should consider their size, energy levels, and how they fit into different homes. Knowing these things helps create a happy life with these companion animals.

Owners should think about grooming, exercise, and health issues. This can help decide if a Maltese or Shih Tzu is right for your home. For more info on these breeds, click here for a detailed guide.

Understanding each breed’s unique traits leads to a rewarding experience.

Choosing the right pup starts with learning about these lovely breeds. This prepares future owners for the happiness and duties that come with having a Maltese or Shih Tzu⁴.

Breed Origins: Maltese vs Shih Tzu

The Maltese breed has a long history tied to the Mediterranean, possibly from Malta. They were loved for their beauty and company. Often, they sat in the laps of royalty, showing their special place in history⁵.

The Shih Tzu comes from ancient China, right from the Emperor’s palace. They were lapdogs for Chinese nobles, named “Lion Dog” in Mandarin. Their history shows they were valued pets, known for loyalty and love.

Both breeds were lapdogs, but their backgrounds make them different. Maltese are smaller, 7 to 9 inches tall. Shih Tzus are a bit bigger, 8 to 11 inches. Knowing their unique origins helps us appreciate the Maltese Shih Tzu hybrid more.

Physical Characteristics: Size and Appearance

Maltese and Shih Tzu dogs are favorites among those who love toy breeds. They stand out because of their unique sizes and looks. Knowing about their physical traits helps people pick the right pet for their home.

Maltese: Size and Weight

The maltese size is quite small, measuring from 7 to 9 inches tall. They usually weigh less than 7 pounds, making them perfect as toy dogs⁶. Their long, white coat is a key part of their look. It needs regular grooming to stay free of tangles.

They need to be brushed and bathed often to stay clean.

Shih Tzu: Size and Weight

The shih tzu size is a bit bigger, ranging from 9 to 10.5 inches tall. They weigh between 9 to 16 pounds⁷. Their sturdy build gives them a lion-like appearance, thanks to their double coat.

Keeping their coat clean is important. They need daily brushing and regular baths to avoid mats.

Temperament Differences

Maltese and Shih Tzu dogs are both known for being affectionate and great companions. Knowing their unique temperaments helps people choose the right dog for their family.

Maltese: Friendly and Affectionate

Maltese dogs are famous for being friendly and loving. They love to be part of the family and enjoy being around people. They are perfect for families who want a dog that will be a true companion.

But, they do need to be watched around young kids to keep everyone safe. Leaving them alone for too long can make them stressed and act out. This is because they can get anxious when separated from their owners.

Shih Tzu: Playful and Companionable

Shih Tzus are also great dogs, full of energy and joy. They are friendly, outgoing, and love to play with their owners. Their happy nature makes them a favorite in many homes.

Like the Maltese, Shih Tzus don’t like being left alone and can get anxious. They are not big barkers unless they need to alert someone. This makes them good for many living situations. They bring a lot of happiness and energy to any home.

Exercise Requirements of Maltese vs Shih Tzu

Maltese and Shih Tzu dogs have different exercise needs due to their unique traits. Both are low energy dogs but need varied amounts of activity. Maltese, being toy breeds, need about 30 minutes of exercise daily to stay healthy. They do well with short walks and indoor play to meet their needs.

Maltese: Low Exercise Needs

Maltese exercise is all about short, fun activities. Owners can keep them happy with daily walks of 15 minutes or indoor play. This suits people living in small spaces, making them great pets for city living. They have low energy, fitting perfectly with those wanting a calm companion.

Shih Tzu: Moderate Activity Levels

Shih Tzus need a bit more exercise than Maltese. They do best with at least two walks a day, each 20 to 30 minutes long. Playing with them regularly boosts their happiness. It’s important to watch them in hot weather and plan activities before 10 AM or after 5 PM to keep them healthy⁸⁹.

Grooming Needs for Maltese and Shih Tzu

Proper grooming is key for Maltese and Shih Tzu breeds to keep their coats beautiful and their health good. Knowing what grooming they need helps you take great care of your pets. This ensures they stay healthy and happy.

Maltese: High Grooming Requirements

Maltese need a lot of grooming because of their long, silky coat. They must be brushed every day to stop tangles and mats. Bathing them regularly keeps their coat soft and prevents dirt from causing skin problems.

Clipping their fur might be needed, but only every 6-9 weeks with regular grooming¹⁰. It’s important to watch their nails and trim them carefully to avoid hurting them. Cleaning their ears weekly is also a must to prevent infections, as their coat type makes them prone to ear issues.

Shih Tzu: Daily Grooming Essentials

Shih Tzus need grooming every day to keep their luxurious double coat in top shape. They should be brushed often to avoid mats and tangles. Getting them professionally groomed every six weeks helps keep their coat healthy¹¹.

Daily brushing not only looks good but also keeps their skin healthy by spreading natural oils. Just like Maltese, Shih Tzus should have their nails trimmed and their teeth brushed regularly. This keeps them from getting gum disease and other dental problems. Following these grooming tips will help your Shih Tzu live a happy and healthy life.

Health Concerns and Lifespan

It’s important for pet owners to know about the health concerns and lifespan of Maltese and Shih Tzu breeds. Maltese can live between 12 to 15 years, which is quite long for a small breed². They might have issues like luxating patellas and dental problems, but these can be managed with regular vet visits². Shih Tzus usually live 10 to 16 years, averaging about 13 or 14 years¹². Their short noses can lead to health problems due to their brachycephalic nature.Understanding the lifespan and health of Shih is key for potential owners.

Maltese: Common Health Issues

Maltese dogs are usually healthy but can face some health issues. Regular vet visits help prevent or catch problems early. This keeps your Maltese happy and healthy.

Shih Tzu: Brachycephalic Concerns

Shih Tzus have health problems mainly because of their short faces. They often have trouble breathing and can get dry eye and other eye issues¹³. They might also have hip dysplasia and patellar luxation, which affect their movement and health¹³. Owners should take steps to manage these issues and work with breeders who test for these problems.

Trainability and Intelligence

The Maltese and Shih Tzu have unique traits that affect how they learn. The Maltese is known for its great maltese trainability. They learn commands and tricks quickly with positive reinforcement. Regular training is key to keep them from being stubborn¹.

Shih Tzus, on the other hand, are intelligent but stubborn. They do best with positive reinforcement and need patience and consistency. Building a strong bond with them makes training easier and more effective. They understand human cues well, which helps in training here¹.

Both breeds are great for those who want a loving and trainable pet. Malteses need about 30 minutes of playtime daily, just like Shih Tzus. Good training not only improves their behavior but also helps them adapt to different homes².

Costs of Owning a Maltese or Shih Tzu

It’s important to know the costs of owning a Maltese or Shih Tzu before getting one. These costs include both the initial purchase and the ongoing care. You’ll need to plan your budget carefully.

Puppy Acquisition Costs

Buying a Maltese puppy can cost between $800 and $2,000. Mixed breeds might be cheaper, starting at $500¹⁴. Shih Tzu puppies can cost between $200 and $2,400¹⁵. The price depends on the breeder, the puppy’s parents, and where you live. Adopting a puppy can also be a cheaper option.

Ongoing Care and Grooming Expenses

Remember, owning a dog means ongoing costs. For a Maltese, monthly expenses can be from $31 to $375+¹⁴. This includes food, grooming, vet bills, and toys. Grooming is a big part of the cost, with professional services costing about $50 per visit.

Shih Tzus also have grooming costs, from $35 to $720 a year. On average, grooming costs about $60¹⁵. You should also think about vet visits, which can be $500 to $850 for Shih Tzus¹⁵. For a Maltese, monthly health care can be $26 to $300 or more¹⁴.

When planning for dog ownership, consider these costs. This will help you understand the financial commitment of having a new pet.

Suitable Environments for Each Breed

Finding the right home is key for Maltese and Shih Tzu breeds to be happy. Each breed has special needs that fit different lifestyles and homes.

Maltese: Families with Older Children

Maltese are great in homes with older kids. These kids know how to be gentle with small dogs, making a safe space. Maltese love being around people and fit well in calm homes. They don’t shed much, making them good for families worried about allergies¹⁶.

It’s important to socialize these dogs early to help them adjust. This makes them happy and well-rounded.

Shih Tzu: Ideal for Homebodies

Shih Tzus are perfect for people who are often at home. They love being with their owners and make great pets for those who can spend time with them. But, they should be careful around young kids because they are small and fragile.

Creating a good home for Shih Tzus means loving quiet time together. They do well in places where they can be with their people a lot¹⁷.

Maltese vs Shih Tzu: Which Breed Is Right for You?

When choosing the right dog, it’s key to know the unique traits of each breed. The Maltese is small, standing 8 to 10 inches tall and weighing 4 to 7 pounds. They are independent but love to be close, making them great for those wanting a smaller pet²¹. They live between 12 to 15 years and need about 30 minutes of exercise daily. They also need a lot of grooming, including regular brushing and haircuts². This makes them good for families with older kids who don’t play much².

The Shih Tzu is a bit bigger, measuring 9 to 11 inches tall and weighing 9 to 16 pounds. They are known for being very affectionate³. Their beautiful coats need daily care to prevent tangles¹. Shih Tzus live 10 to 16 years and also need about 30 minutes of exercise a day². They do well with people who are home often because they can get anxious if left alone too long².

The choice between a Maltese and a Shih Tzu depends on your lifestyle and how much you can care for a pet. If you want a low-maintenance pet, a Maltese might be right for you. But if you’re looking for a dog that will be very attached and need lots of attention, a Shih Tzu could be perfect.

Conclusion

When comparing Maltese and Shih Tzu, we see they are both great pets for the right home. Maltese dogs are known for their loving nature. Shih Tzus, on the other hand, are fun and very loyal. Choosing a dog breed means thinking about your lifestyle, how active you are, and how much you can groom.

It’s important for potential owners to think about the health issues each breed might have. For example, Shih Tzus can have breathing problems because of their short noses¹⁸. This makes it crucial to make sure they can breathe well in different situations.

In the end, both Maltese and Shih Tzu can be wonderful pets, giving lots of love and company. By understanding their special qualities, people can pick the breed that fits their life best. This way, they can have a happy and rewarding time with their new pet.