Breed comparison

Shih Tzu
vs Maltese.

Both are small, long-coated companion breeds bred for one purpose, being a devoted lap dog, and both excel at it. Neither is a working or sporting dog; both want to be with you. The differences are subtle: the Shih Tzu is a bit sturdier and more independent, the Maltese is smaller, more delicate, and often more attached and sensitive.

The choice usually comes down to size, sturdiness, and temperament: the Shih Tzu for a slightly more robust, easygoing companion, the Maltese for a tinier, more sensitive one.

Shih Tzu

Trainability
6/10
Energy
Low
Training difficulty
47/100
Group
Toy

Maltese

Trainability
6/10
Energy
Medium
Training difficulty
57/100
Group
Toy

Scores from the TailorPup Dog Training Difficulty Index.

Key differences

Size and sturdiness

The Maltese is tiny and delicate (usually under 7 lbs), while the Shih Tzu is a bit larger and stockier (9 to 16 lbs). For homes with young children or a preference for a sturdier small dog, the Shih Tzu is the more robust pick; the Maltese needs gentler handling.

Temperament

The Shih Tzu is famously easygoing, friendly, and a touch more independent, it wears its palace-companion heritage as calm confidence. The Maltese is affectionate and lively but often more sensitive and prone to attachment and separation anxiety.

Grooming

Both have long, high-maintenance coats that need daily brushing or a regular short clip. The Maltese single white coat mats easily and shows stains; the Shih Tzu double coat is also demanding. Grooming commitment is high for both, most owners keep both in a "puppy cut".

Health

Both are brachycephalic to a degree and prone to dental and eye issues. The Shih Tzu shorter face brings mild breathing and heat considerations; the Maltese is prone to dental problems and fragility. Both are long-lived with good care.

Which is easier to train?

Both are moderately trainable (6/10) and both do best with gentle, short, reward-based sessions, they are sensitive companion breeds that shut down under pressure. House training takes patience with either, as with most toy breeds. The Shih Tzu is a touch more easygoing; the Maltese more sensitive and attached. Neither is an obedience star, and neither needs to be; they are lap companions first.

Which one is right for you?

Choose the Shih Tzu

Owners who want a sturdier, more easygoing, slightly more independent lap companion and can commit to serious grooming. A good calm-family small dog.

Shih Tzu training guide →

Choose the Maltese

Owners who want a tinier, more delicate, more sensitive companion and will provide gentle handling, independence training, and the same high grooming commitment.

Maltese training guide →

The verdict

Both are devoted lap companions with demanding coats. Choose the Shih Tzu for a sturdier, more easygoing, slightly more independent dog; choose the Maltese for a tinier, more sensitive, more attached one. Both need gentle training, patient house training, and serious grooming, and both reward it with total devotion.

Frequently asked questions

Which is calmer, a Shih Tzu or a Maltese?

The Shih Tzu is often the more easygoing and independent of the two. The Maltese is affectionate and lively but tends to be more sensitive and more prone to attachment and separation anxiety. Both are devoted lap companions.

Which needs less grooming?

Neither is low-maintenance, both have long coats that mat and need daily brushing or a regular clip. The Maltese white coat shows stains and mats easily; the Shih Tzu double coat is equally demanding. Most owners keep both in a short "puppy cut".

Which is better with children?

The Shih Tzu is the sturdier of the two and often the better fit for homes with children. The Maltese is tiny and delicate and needs gentle handling, making it better suited to calmer, adult-focused households.

Whichever you pick, train it right

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More: all breed comparisons · training difficulty index · all 240 breed guides