Shih Tzu vs Maltese: Which Is Right for You in 2026?

The Shih Tzu and Maltese are two of the oldest companion breeds — both developed over millennia for the sole purpose of being beautiful, loving companions. Both have continuously growing, low-shedding coats requiring significant grooming. The key differences: Shih Tzus are slightly larger and have brachycephalic health concerns; Maltese are smaller with toy-breed-specific health risks. Both are excellent apartment companions and very long-lived.

Characteristic	Shih Tzu	Maltese
Size	Small (9–16 lbs)	Toy (under 7 lbs)
Lifespan	10–18 years	12–15 years
Energy Level	Low-Moderate	Moderate
Shedding	Very Low	Very Low
Trainability	Moderate — independent	Good — food-motivated
Good with Kids	Good — patient and adaptable	Best with older, gentle children
Barking Level	Moderate	Moderate
Grooming Needs	Very High (daily brushing; professional every 6–8 weeks)	Very High (daily brushing; professional every 6–8 weeks)
Major Health Issues	BOAS, eye conditions, hip dysplasia, dental disease	Tracheal collapse, patellar luxation, hypoglycemia, liver shunt, dental disease
Monthly Cost (est.)	$100–$225	$100–$225

Size & Appearance

Shih Tzus are slightly larger (9–16 lbs) than Maltese (under 7 lbs). Both have flowing, luxurious coats — Shih Tzus typically in parti-colors and various patterns; Maltese in pure white. Shih Tzus have the characteristic flat face (moderate brachycephalic); Maltese have a more refined, longer face. Both are beautiful breeds with expressions that are universally appealing.

Temperament & Personality

Shih Tzu: Gentle, adaptable, and calm. Shih Tzus are remarkably good-natured — they adapt to virtually any household, get along with everyone, and rarely display the feistiness of some toy breeds. They are less demanding than many companions and more tolerant of being alone for reasonable periods.

Maltese: Slightly more spirited and playful than Shih Tzus. Maltese are devoted and sweet but with a quick, curious intelligence. They are equally gentle but may be slightly more animated in their interactions. Both are excellent companion dogs with minimal aggression risk.

Health & Lifespan

Shih Tzu: BOAS (flat-faced health concerns including respiratory issues), large prominent eyes vulnerable to corneal injuries, hip dysplasia (~14.7%), renal dysplasia in some lines, dental disease.

Maltese: Tracheal collapse (harness essential — never collar), patellar luxation, hypoglycemia (especially as puppies), liver shunt (elevated prevalence), dental disease (severe crowding in tiny jaw).

Both are long-lived: Shih Tzus can reach 18 years; Maltese typically reach 14–15 years.

Exercise & Training

Both need minimal exercise: 15–30 minutes daily for Shih Tzus; 15–20 minutes for Maltese. Both can meet much of their activity need through indoor play. Housetraining is challenging for both — a common trait across the toy companion group. Consistent positive training works for both breeds.

Grooming

Both require very similar grooming commitment — daily brushing, professional grooming every 6–8 weeks, and ongoing cleaning around the eyes. Annual grooming cost: $600–$1,200 for both. Neither breed is low-maintenance for grooming.

Cost of Ownership

Shih Tzus: $500–$2,000 puppy; $1,000–$2,500 annual.

Maltese: $1,000–$4,000 puppy; $1,000–$2,500 annual.

Maltese typically cost more to purchase. Ongoing costs are similar between the breeds.

Which Is Right for You?

Choose a Shih Tzu if:

You want a slightly more robust toy companion
You appreciate the Shih Tzu’s ancient imperial Chinese heritage
You want a more adaptable, calmer temperament
You prefer a variety of coat color options

Choose a Maltese if:

You love the pure white coat and refined appearance
You want a slightly more animated, playful companion
You appreciate one of the most ancient recorded dog breeds
You are interested in showing (Maltese are highly competitive show dogs)

Both breeds are equally good for:

Apartment and city living
Seniors and low-activity owners
Allergy-sensitive households (both low-shedding)
Long-lived companionship

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which is easier to groom — Shih Tzu or Maltese?

A: Both require similar grooming commitment — daily brushing, professional grooming every 6–8 weeks. There is no meaningful difference between them. Both can be maintained in a short ‘puppy cut’ that reduces daily brushing demands, or a full-length coat that requires daily attention.

Q: Are Shih Tzus or Maltese better for allergy sufferers?

A: Both are good choices — both have continuously growing, low-shedding single or minimal-shedding coats. Neither is completely allergen-free, but both produce less airborne dander than double-coated breeds. Personal reaction testing with the specific breed is always recommended.

Q: Which is more family-friendly?

A: Shih Tzus are somewhat more adaptable and tolerant around children of various ages. Maltese are more fragile (smaller size) and best with older, gentle children. For households with young children, the Shih Tzu is the safer choice.

Q: Do both breeds bark a lot?

A: Both are moderate barkers — they alert to visitors and sounds but are not excessively vocal. Neither is as barky as Chihuahuas or Pomeranians. Training a quiet cue from puppyhood manages their natural alert behavior.

Q: Which lives longer?

A: Shih Tzus have a slight longevity edge — documented lifespans of 16–18 years are not uncommon. Maltese typically reach 14–15 years. Both are among the longer-lived toy breeds.

Shih Tzu — Complete Shih Tzu guide
Maltese — Complete Maltese guide
Shih Tzu — Best food for Shih Tzus
Maltese — Best food for Malteses
Shih Tzu — Pet insurance for Shih Tzus
Maltese — Pet insurance for Malteses

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Shih Tzu vs Maltese 2026