Compare breeds
Burmese vs Siamese
Burmese
Short
Siamese
Short
Choose the Burmese if you want…
- a family with children
- a quieter companion
Choose the Siamese if you want…
Much the same on our scales — meet both and see which personality suits you.
Side by side
| Trait | Burmese | Siamese |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Weight | 3–6 kg (7–13 lb) | 3–5.5 kg (7–12 lb) |
| Height | 23–30 cm (9–12 in) | 20–30 cm (8–12 in) |
| Life span | 12–18 years | 12–20 years |
| Origin | Burma (developed in the US and UK) | Thailand |
| Energy | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Trainability | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Good with children | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Good with other pets | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Suits a flat | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Shedding | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Grooming needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Barking / vocal | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Quick answers
Which lives longer, the Burmese or the Siamese?
The Siamese, on average. Burmese: 12–18 years; Siamese: 12–20 years.
Is the Burmese or the Siamese better with children?
The Burmese scores higher in our profiles (5 vs 4 out of 5). Always supervise young children with any pet.
Other comparisons
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts