Maltese vs Shih Tzu: Complete Comparison Guide 2026
Choosing between the Maltese and Shih Tzu is one of the most common dog selection questions for those focused on apartment living and urban life. Both breeds have passionate advocates — and for good reason. But they suit different owners, different homes, and different lifestyles in ways that matter.
This guide gives you an honest, side-by-side breakdown across every factor that matters, so you can make the right choice for your specific situation.
> Affiliate Disclosure: GetPetPros.com earns a commission from qualifying purchases through links on this page. This never affects our recommendations — all picks are independently chosen for quality and suitability.
Quick Verdict
Both breeds can thrive in apartments, but they suit different owners. The Maltese offers lively, playful, and fearless despite tiny size with 20–30 min/day of daily exercise needed. The Shih Tzu brings friendly, outgoing, and charming and requires 20–30 min/day. Your best match depends on your activity level, grooming tolerance, and noise sensitivity.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Trait | Maltese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Size | small (under 7 lbs) | small (9–16 lbs) |
| Energy Level | moderate | low-moderate |
| Daily Exercise | 20–30 min/day | 20–30 min/day |
| Trainability | moderate-high | moderate |
| Shedding | very low | low |
| Grooming | high — silky white coat requires daily care | high — long coat needs daily brushing or regular trims |
| Barking | moderate-high | moderate |
| Good With Kids | good (best with older children) | good |
| Apartment Friendly | excellent | excellent |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years | 10–16 years |
The Maltese: Profile and Strengths
The Maltese is lively, playful, and fearless despite tiny size — a true terrier spirit in a lap dog body. At small (under 7 lbs), they fit the role of singles, couples, apartment dwellers, experienced small dog owners exceptionally well.
What makes the Maltese stand out:
- Exercise: 20–30 min/day keeps this breed balanced and happy
- Trainability: Moderate-high — responds well to consistent, positive methods
- Grooming: High — silky white coat requires daily care — plan your grooming budget accordingly
- Health Watch: prone to patellar luxation, hypoglycemia, and dental disease due to small jaw
The Maltese is best described as lively, playful, and fearless despite tiny size — a true terrier spirit in a lap dog body. They thrive with singles, couples, apartment dwellers, experienced small dog owners and rarely disappoint in their intended role.
Visit our Maltese Guide for the complete breed profile.
The Shih Tzu: Profile and Strengths
The Shih Tzu is friendly, outgoing, and charming — bred for centuries as a royal companion. At small (9–16 lbs), they’re ideally suited for apartment dwellers, seniors, families with older children.
What makes the Shih Tzu stand out:
- Exercise: 20–30 min/day is required for peak physical and mental health
- Trainability: Moderate — rewards consistent handling with impressive results
- Grooming: High — long coat needs daily brushing or regular trims — a real consideration for budget and time
- Health Watch: prone to brachycephalic airway issues, eye problems, and hip dysplasia
The Shih Tzu is friendly, outgoing, and charming — bred for centuries as a royal companion. Best matched with apartment dwellers, seniors, families with older children.
Visit our Shih Tzu Guide for the complete breed profile.
Which Breed Fits Your Lifestyle?
Choose the Maltese if:
- You have 20–30 min/day per day available for exercise
- You can manage high — silky white coat requires daily care grooming demands
- You want lively, playful, and fearless despite tiny size
- Your household matches their profile: best for singles, couples, apartment dwellers, experienced small dog owners
Choose the Shih Tzu if:
- Your schedule accommodates 20–30 min/day of daily activity
- You’re prepared for high — long coat needs daily brushing or regular trims grooming requirements
- You’re drawn to a dog that is friendly, outgoing, and charming
- Your situation aligns with their ideal owner: apartment dwellers, seniors, families with older children
Health and Veterinary Costs
Maltese health considerations: prone to patellar luxation, hypoglycemia, and dental disease due to small jaw. Lifespan: 12–15 years.
Shih Tzu health considerations: prone to brachycephalic airway issues, eye problems, and hip dysplasia. Lifespan: 10–16 years.
Both breeds benefit from pet health insurance, particularly for orthopedic and breed-specific conditions. Annual wellness exams, age-appropriate blood panels, and breed-relevant screening (cardiac, ophthalmic, orthopedic) keep surprises to a minimum.
Budget $1,200–$3,000+ per year for comprehensive care of either breed. Health-tested breeding lines are the single most impactful factor in long-term veterinary costs.
Training and Socialization
Maltese: Moderate-high trainability means this breed responds well to structured positive reinforcement from puppyhood. Early socialization (puppy classes, diverse environments, positive stranger interactions) is critical.
Shih Tzu: Rated moderate for trainability. Consistent, patient training methods produce the best results. bred for centuries as a royal companion.
For both breeds: invest in a structured puppy class within the first three months of ownership. The investment of $150–$400 in early training prevents thousands of dollars in behavioral remediation later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for a small apartment — Maltese or Shih Tzu?
Both can work in apartments, but the key factors are noise and exercise. The Maltese needs 20–30 min/day and has moderate-high barking levels. The Shih Tzu requires 20–30 min/day with moderate barking tendency. If noise is a primary concern in your building, the quieter of the two will be a better neighbor.
Do Malteses or Shih Tzus have worse separation anxiety?
Both breeds bond closely with their owners, but the degree of separation anxiety varies by individual. The Maltese is known as lively, playful, and fearless despite tiny size, which can translate to velcro-dog behavior when left alone. The Shih Tzu, described as friendly, outgoing, and charming, may tolerate short absences better if well-exercised beforehand. Crate training and puzzle toys help both breeds manage alone time.
How much does it cost to own a Maltese vs Shih Tzu?
Initial purchase prices vary widely by breeder quality, but ongoing costs matter more over a dog’s lifetime. The Maltese typically costs more in grooming given their high — silky white coat requires daily care grooming needs. The Shih Tzu’s prone to brachycephalic airway issues, eye problems, and hip dysplasia can drive veterinary costs higher. Budget $1,500–$3,000/year for quality food, routine vet care, and grooming for either breed.
Can a Maltese and Shih Tzu live together?
Both breeds are generally good and good with other dogs respectively, making multi-dog households feasible with proper introductions. Introduce dogs on neutral territory, progress slowly, and supervise early interactions. Both breeds benefit from early socialization to ensure harmonious cohabitation.
Which breed is easier to train for a first-time owner?
The Maltese scores moderate-high on trainability — a true terrier spirit in a lap dog body. The Shih Tzu is rated moderate — bred for centuries as a royal companion. Both respond well to positive reinforcement. Short, reward-based sessions of 5–10 minutes work best for either breed.
*This page was last reviewed in 2026. Breed information is based on AKC standards, veterinary literature, and expert owner surveys. Individual dogs vary — meet the dog, not just the breed, before making your decision.*