A side-by-side comparison of the Maltese and Shih Tzu across size, temperament, grooming, family fit, and more.
Maltese
Shih Tzu
Overall, Maltese wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs.
Maltese
3 wins
Shih Tzu
1 win
More family-friendly
Maltese edges ahead on kid-friendliness, affection, and trainability.
Lower maintenance
These breeds require similar grooming effort.
Longer-lived
Maltese typically lives longer on average.
Calmer
Shih Tzu is generally more relaxed and lower-energy.
Quieter
These breeds bark about as much as each other.
More trainable
Maltese picks up commands and new behaviors more readily.
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The Maltese and Shih Tzu are both popular breeds, but they differ meaningfully in day-to-day life. The verdict above scores them on six key dimensions — use it as a starting point, then factor in your specific home, activity level, and family situation.
Overall, Maltese wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs.