Maltese vs Shih Tzu: Breed Comparison and Guide

If you're considering bringing a new furry friend into your family, you're probably weighing the pros and cons of different breeds. Two popular options are the Maltese and the Shih Tzu, both of which are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities.

The Maltese is a small dog that typically weighs between 4-8 pounds and stands about 8-10 inches tall. They have a silky, white coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting.

One key difference between the Maltese and the Shih Tzu is their exercise needs. The Maltese is generally a low-maintenance dog that requires short, gentle walks, while the Shih Tzu needs more frequent and longer walks to stay happy and healthy.

The Maltese is also known for being a relatively quiet dog, with a high-pitched yodel-like bark that's not too loud or obtrusive.

The Maltese Shih Tzu is a small dog with a unique appearance. They have a small, rounded head and a short muzzle.

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Their weight range is quite small, between 3 to 6 kg. This is one of the reasons why they make great companions for people living in small spaces.

The height range of the Maltese Shih Tzu is between 20 to 30 cm. This is another reason why they're perfect for apartment living.

Their coat is medium in length, thick, soft, and silky in texture. It should have some wave to it, but never be curly.

Here are some key physical characteristics of the Maltese Shih Tzu:

Maltese and Shih Tzus are generally healthy breeds, but they can be prone to certain health issues. A Maltese's lifespan is about 12-15 years.

Both breeds are susceptible to patella luxation, a condition where the kneecap moves out of place. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is another potential issue.

A portosystemic liver shunt, where the liver doesn't detoxify the blood properly, can also affect these breeds. Dog shaker syndrome, which causes a dog's entire body to shake, is another condition to be aware of.

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Collapsed trachea, which can cause severe coughing, is also a possibility. To prevent health issues, regular exercise and a balanced diet are crucial.

Here are some recommended feeding guidelines for Maltese and Shih Tzus:

Regular grooming is also essential for these breeds, including daily brushing and regular bathing.

The Maltese is a generally healthy breed, but like all breeds, they are prone to specific health issues. They have an average lifespan of 12-15 years, which is a relatively long lifespan for a small dog.

One common condition in Maltese is Patella Luxation, also known as a dislocated kneecap, which occurs when the kneecap moves sideways, away from its normal position at the front of the knee. This can be painful for your dog and may require surgery.

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is another condition that can affect Maltese. This occurs when your dog's body does not have enough energy to function, and can be caused by skipping meals or eating too much sugar.

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To prevent your Maltese from becoming overweight, it's essential to measure their food and feed them twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. A good starting point is to provide 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food per day, divided into two meals.

Here are some common health issues that can affect Maltese:

Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to detect any potential health issues early on. It's recommended to have a complete physical check-up at least once per year to ensure your Maltese stays healthy and happy.

Feeding your Maltese the right way is crucial for their overall health and happiness. A good quality dog food is essential, and it's best to choose one that's suitable for their age, size, and activity level.

Maltese can become overweight easily, so it's vital to monitor their weight and calorie consumption. A common mistake is overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and related health issues.

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To prevent overfeeding, feed your Maltese twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. This will help maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity. A good rule of thumb is to provide 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food per day, divided into two meals.

As a small breed, Maltese should not be overfed, and a ½ cup of dry food per day split into two equal meals is a good starting point. However, it's essential to consult with your veterinarian to ensure your Maltese is getting all the necessary nutrients for a healthy and happy life.

Here's a rough guide to help you estimate your Maltese's daily calorie needs:

Keep in mind that these are rough estimates, and your veterinarian can provide a more accurate assessment of your Maltese's calorie needs based on their individual characteristics and lifestyle.

The Maltese breed requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. A daily walk or playdate outside is a great way to keep them entertained.

To prevent health issues, it's essential to feed your Maltese the right amount of food. Divide their daily ration into two meals, and aim for 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food per day. Overfeeding can lead to weight gain and obesity, which can cause future medical problems.

A quiet, reserved home will produce a calm Maltese, while an active home will result in a high-energy dog. However, this breed can adapt to various living environments, including small apartments.

Maltese are prone to breathing problems due to humidity and heat, so a home with central air conditioning is ideal for hot temperatures. Regular grooming is also crucial to prevent their coat from getting dirty quickly.

Here are some exercise requirements for Maltese:

Remember, training is critical to your Maltese's safety and well-being. They respond well to positive reinforcement, such as tasty rewards, praise, and cuddles. With clear and straightforward training from an early age, your Maltese will learn good behavior and become a well-rounded dog.

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Reproducibility is an essential aspect of responsible dog ownership. Breeding should be done once a year to ensure the health of both the mother and the puppies.

More frequent breeding is not healthy for the mother, so it's best to space out breeding sessions.

A litter of puppies can range from 2 to 8, depending on the breed. For example, Mal-Shi litters typically have 4-8 puppies, while Maltese litters usually have 3-5 puppies, and Shih Tzu litters can have 2-5 puppies.

Here's a comparison of the average litter sizes for these breeds:

The gestation period for all three breeds is between 60-64 days, which is a relatively standard range for most dogs.

The Maltese and Shih Tzu are both low-shedding breeds, but they do require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

Daily brushing is a must for both breeds, even if they're cut short, to keep their fur clean and prevent matting. A quick daily brush will keep their beautiful coats looking their best.

They can get dirty easily, so frequent baths are necessary to keep their coats clean. If your Maltese or Shih Tzu has a long coat, you may need to bathe them more often.

Their nails need to be trimmed regularly, usually once or twice a month, to prevent them from getting too long. If you can hear their nails tapping on the floor, it's time for a trim.

Ear and face staining is a common issue with both breeds, especially when they're around 4 to 5 months old. To avoid or reduce tear staining, clean their eyes with warm water every day and wash their beard after eating.

Both breeds can have problems with tear stains under their eyes, which may require commercial tear stain removers. Keeping the area around their eye clean can help reduce staining.

Regular grooming is necessary to prevent mats and tangles in their coats, and weekly grooming is a must. Daily brushing can keep their coat shiny and smooth.

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Training a Maltese or Shih Tzu requires early socialization to ensure they develop into well-rounded dogs. Both breeds respond well to training and positive reinforcements like tasty rewards, praise, and cuddles.

They are relatively easy to train, with Mal-Shi dogs being quite easy to train, and Maltese dogs also being quite easy to train. Shih Tzu dogs are similarly easy to train, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners.

Maltese and Shih Tzu dogs are people-oriented and love to please their owners, which makes them highly trainable. However, they can be prone to bad behavioral habits if not properly trained, such as barking and snappiness.

Their energy level is medium, and they require regular walks, but they're also happy to exercise themselves in the backyard. Clear and straightforward training from an early age, paired with fair and consistent discipline, is essential for good behavior.

Here's a comparison of the breeds' temperament and behavior:

Mal-Shi dogs are a social breed and tend to escape less than other breeds. Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction and are not the biggest explorers. Shih Tzu dogs also need a lot of social interaction and tend to escape less than other breeds.

Maltese and Shih Tzu dogs are prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods without owner interaction, which can lead to problematic and destructive canine behaviors.

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The Maltese and Shih Tzu are both low-maintenance breeds that don't require a lot of exercise. They are happy with short walks and playtime indoors.

Their energy levels are relatively low, making them suitable for apartment living. According to one source, the Maltese has an average energy level, while the Shih Tzu has a lower energy level than other dogs.

While they may not be high-energy breeds, they still need daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. A daily walk or playtime in the backyard is sufficient to keep them entertained.

Here's a comparison of their energy levels and exercise needs:

As you can see, the Maltese and Shih Tzu have similar exercise needs, requiring only short periods of activity each day. They are not high-energy breeds and can adapt to a quiet home environment.

Their playful nature is another aspect to consider. According to one comparison, the Mal-Shi and Maltese have an average playfulness level, while the Shih Tzu is not the most playful breed.

Overall, the Maltese and Shih Tzu are both suitable for owners who want a low-maintenance pet that doesn't require a lot of exercise.

Both Maltese and Shih Tzu breeds can be quite expensive, with initial costs ranging from $600 to $1,200.

The Maltese is known to be a relatively low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming, requiring only occasional brushing and bathing.

On the other hand, Shih Tzus require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their long coats.

As both breeds are prone to dental issues, regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet are essential to maintain their oral health.

Ultimately, the decision between a Maltese and a Shih Tzu comes down to your personal preferences and lifestyle.

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Both the Maltese and the Shih Tzu make great companions, suitable for apartment living and ideal for first-time owners.

They don't require a lot of exercise, which is perfect for busy people or those living in small spaces.

The Maltese is a better choice for those with limited time for grooming due to its single coat.

The Shih Tzu, on the other hand, has a double coat that needs regular attention.

The Shih Tzu is more robust and suitable for families with children, but it's essential to teach kids proper care toward pets.

The Maltese is less sturdy and weighs less, making it unsuitable for families with young toddlers.

The price of a Mal-Shi, Maltese, or Shih Tzu can vary significantly. The Mal-Shi typically costs between $800-$1000, while the Maltese is generally priced between $600-$800.

If you're looking for a Mal-Shi, you'll find that they're a commonly available dog breed. The Maltese and Shih Tzu are also relatively easy to get, with both breeds being quite frequent in terms of availability.

Here's a rough idea of what you can expect to pay for a Mal-Shi, Maltese, or Shih Tzu:

Some breeders may charge more for their puppies, but this is often because they're including additional services like premium dog food, vaccinations, and grooming.

The Maltese and Shih Tzu are both small, friendly dogs that make great companions. They are both members of the toy dog group and have a similar size range, weighing between 8-16 pounds.

One of the main differences between the two breeds is their grooming needs. The Maltese requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their long, silky coat, while the Shih Tzu has a longer, more flowing coat that requires regular brushing but can be trimmed to reduce the need for daily grooming.

The Maltese Shih Tzu has a rich and fascinating breed history that spans thousands of years.

The Maltese dog first appeared in Europe as far back as 500 BCE, and it's believed to have originated in Asia even earlier.

The Maltese was a favorite pet among European royalty in the Middle Ages, and its popularity continues to this day.

One of the oldest known breeds of domesticated dogs, the Shih Tzu has been kept as a pet since 1000 BCE and was particularly popular with Chinese royalty and nobility.

The Shih Tzu was first introduced to Europe as late as the 1930s and to the USA only after the Second World War.

Despite being a relatively recent breed, the Maltese Shih Tzu has quickly gained popularity in Australia and is now becoming a popular dog in North America.

The breed's friendly, sweet nature, and high level of trainability have made it a favorite among many dog owners.

The Maltese Shih Tzu was developed in the 1990s by cross-breeding a Maltese and a Shih Tzu to produce a small, low-shedding companion dog.

The Maltese Shih Tzu is a unique breed with a rich history. Its parent breeds, the Shih Tzu and Maltese, are among the oldest known breeds of domesticated dog.

The Maltese Shih Tzu sheds very little, making it a great choice for people with allergies or who prefer a low-maintenance coat.

The Mal-Shi, Maltese, and Shih Tzu are three distinct dog breeds that have been recognized by various kennel clubs and organizations. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the Shih Tzu in 1888 and the Mal-Shi is not recognized by the AKC.

The FCI recognized the Maltese in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section. The Shih Tzu is recognized by the FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.

Many other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these breeds, including the American Canine Registry, American Kennel Club, and Federation Cynologique Internationale.

Here is a list of some of the organizations that recognize these breeds: