Compare breeds
Maltese vs Shih Tzu
Maltese
Long
Shih Tzu
Long
Choose the Maltese if you want…
Much the same on our scales — meet both and see which personality suits you.
Choose the Shih Tzu if you want…
- a family with children
- a quieter companion
Side by side
| Trait | Maltese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Toy |
| Weight | 2–4 kg (4–9 lb) | 4–7.5 kg (9–17 lb) |
| Height | 20–25 cm (8–10 in) | 20–28 cm (8–11 in) |
| Life span | 12–15 years | 10–16 years |
| Origin | Malta (Mediterranean) | China and Tibet |
| Energy | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Trainability | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Good with children | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Good with other pets | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Suits a flat | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Shedding | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Grooming needs | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Barking / vocal | 3/5 | 2/5 |
Quick answers
Which is bigger, the Maltese or the Shih Tzu?
The Shih Tzu — typically about 1.9 times the weight. Maltese: 2–4 kg (4–9 lb); Shih Tzu: 4–7.5 kg (9–17 lb).
Which lives longer, the Maltese or the Shih Tzu?
Their typical life spans are about the same. Maltese: 12–15 years; Shih Tzu: 10–16 years.
Is the Maltese or the Shih Tzu better with children?
The Shih Tzu scores higher in our profiles (4 vs 3 out of 5). Always supervise young children with any pet.
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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