Quick answer: Both are affectionate lap dogs, but the Maltese is smaller, lighter-shedding, and generally healthier, while the Shih Tzu is sturdier, calmer around kids, and needs a bit less coat maintenance day to day. There’s no universal “winner” — it comes down to which traits below matter more for your home.
Stand a Shih Tzu and a Maltese side by side and, at a glance, you might mix them up — both are small, both have flowing coats, both look like they belong on a cushion. But once you actually live with one, the differences show up fast: in how much they shed, how they handle kids and other pets, how healthy they tend to stay, and even what they’ll cost you at the vet over the years.
We looked at what the top breed-comparison sites say and pulled it together here in plain language, without the fluff. Here’s everything you need to actually decide.
Shih Tzu vs Maltese: At a Glance
| Shih Tzu | Maltese | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 9–10.5 in | 7–9 in |
| Weight | 9–16 lbs | 4–7 lbs |
| Coat | Thick double coat | Silky single coat |
| Shedding | Minimal | Very minimal |
| Lifespan | 10–16 years | 12–15 years |
| Energy level | Low-moderate | Moderate |
| Best for | Families, calm households | Singles, apartment living |
Size and Appearance
The Shih Tzu is the sturdier of the two. A full-grown Shih Tzu stands around 9 to 10.5 inches and weighs anywhere from 9 to 16 pounds, giving it a solid, compact build. The Maltese is noticeably more delicate — usually 7 to 9 inches tall and often under 7 pounds. If you’ve ever picked one up, you’ll notice the difference immediately: the Maltese feels almost weightless, while a Shih Tzu has real heft for its size.
That sturdiness matters more than it sounds. Because the Maltese is so light and fine-boned, it’s more prone to injury from rough handling, jumps off furniture, or accidental falls — something to think about if you have young kids or a boisterous household.
Coat and Grooming Needs
Both breeds are famous for their long, flowing coats, and both are considered low-shedding — a big reason both are popular with allergy-sensitive owners. But the coats themselves are different:
- Maltese: a single-layer, silky coat that tangles easily and needs daily brushing. Their pure white fur also stains easily around the eyes and mouth, so tear-stain maintenance is basically part of the routine.
- Shih Tzu: a thicker double coat that mats faster if skipped for even a few days, but tends to hide dirt and staining better. Many owners keep Shih Tzus in a shorter “puppy cut” specifically to cut down on the grooming workload.
Realistically, neither breed is “low maintenance” in the coat department. Budget for a professional groomer every 4–6 weeks either way, plus regular at-home brushing in between.
Temperament and Personality
This is where the two breeds start to feel genuinely different, not just cosmetically different.
The Shih Tzu was bred purely to be a companion, and it shows — they’re famously easygoing, affectionate, and happy just following you from room to room. They tend to be quieter and less prone to excessive barking, and they’re generally considered one of the more patient toy breeds around kids.
The Maltese is also deeply affectionate, but with a bit more spark — more alert, quicker to bark at strangers or noises, and slightly more independent-minded despite loving attention. Maltese also tend to bond very closely with one or two people rather than spreading affection evenly across the household.
Neither breed does well being left alone for long stretches — both are prone to separation anxiety, so this isn’t a “leave them home all day” kind of dog either way.
Good With Kids, Other Pets, and Allergies?
- Kids: Shih Tzus generally handle boisterous kids better thanks to their sturdier build and patient nature. Maltese are better suited to homes with older, gentler children — their small, delicate frame makes them easier to accidentally injure.
- Other pets: Both breeds typically do fine with other calm dogs and cats, especially with early socialization.
- Allergies: Both are marketed as “hypoallergenic,” which really just means lower shedding and less loose dander in the air, not allergy-proof. If allergies are a serious concern, spend time with each breed before committing.
Exercise and Training
Neither breed needs much exercise — a short daily walk plus some indoor play covers both. The Shih Tzu in particular should avoid strenuous exercise in hot or humid weather, since its short muzzle makes it prone to overheating. The Maltese is a touch more playful and food-motivated, which can actually make it slightly easier to train with positive reinforcement, though both breeds can be a bit stubborn about house-training and need consistent, patient routines.
Health and Lifespan
This is one of the clearest differences between the two breeds. The Maltese is generally the healthier of the pair. The Shih Tzu is a brachycephalic breed (short, flat muzzle), which brings a higher risk of breathing difficulties, heat intolerance, and dental crowding. Decades of high demand and inconsistent breeding standards have also made the Shih Tzu more prone to inherited health issues overall.
Conditions to watch for in both breeds include patellar luxation (loose kneecaps), hypoglycemia in puppies, and dental disease due to their small mouths. Average lifespan sits around 10–16 years for the Shih Tzu and 12–15 years for the Maltese, though individual dogs vary a lot based on weight, diet, and vet care.
What Each Breed Costs to Own
Costs vary a lot by region and breeder, so treat these as rough planning numbers rather than exact quotes:
| Cost item | Shih Tzu | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy price (reputable breeder) | $800 – $2,500 | $1,000 – $3,000+ |
| Professional grooming | $45 – $75 / visit | $45 – $75 / visit |
| Food (monthly, small-breed formula) | $25 – $40 | $20 – $35 |
| Routine vet care (annual) | $300 – $600+ | $250 – $500 |
Prices shown are general market ranges as of 2026 and will vary by location and breeder — always confirm current pricing directly.
So, Which One Is Right for You?
- Choose a Shih Tzu if: you have young kids, want a calmer and quieter lap dog, and don’t mind daily brushing to prevent mats.
- Choose a Maltese if: you live alone or as a couple, want the smallest possible companion, and are comfortable with a more delicate dog that needs gentle handling.
- Pick based on health tolerance: if avoiding breathing-related health issues is a priority, the Maltese has the edge.
- Pick based on grooming style: if you’d rather deal with tear stains than daily double-coat brushing, go Maltese; if the reverse, go Shih Tzu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Shih Tzu or Maltese better for first-time owners?
Both work well for first-time owners since neither needs intense training or exercise. The Shih Tzu’s calmer, more forgiving temperament often makes it slightly easier for beginners.
Which sheds less, Shih Tzu or Maltese?
Both shed very little compared to most breeds. The Maltese sheds marginally less thanks to its single-layer coat, but the difference is small in everyday life.
Are Shih Tzus or Maltese healthier?
The Maltese is generally considered the healthier breed, mainly because Shih Tzus are brachycephalic and more prone to breathing and dental issues.
Can you crossbreed a Shih Tzu and a Maltese?
Yes — this mix is commonly called a “Malshi” and combines traits from both parent breeds, often with a slightly easier-to-maintain coat.
Which is more expensive, a Shih Tzu or a Maltese?
Maltese puppies typically cost a bit more upfront than Shih Tzus from a reputable breeder, though ongoing costs like food and grooming are fairly similar between the two.
Conclusion
There’s no objectively “better” breed here — the Shih Tzu and Maltese are both loving, low-shedding companions built for a life on the couch next to you. The real decision comes down to your household: go Shih Tzu for a sturdier, calmer dog that handles kids well, or go Maltese for the smallest, silkiest lap dog with a slightly healthier track record. Either way, you’re getting a dog whose entire job description is loving you back.
