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What is the difference between Maltese and Shih Tzu?

Author

William Jenkins

Published Mar 21, 2026

What is the difference between Maltese and Shih Tzu?

The difference between Maltese and Shih Tzu dogs
The Shih Tzu's coat is double-layered, whereas the Maltese have a single-layered coat. The Maltese have larger eyes than the Shih Tzu's deep-set ones. The Shih Tzu is known to bark less than many other toy breeds.

Similarly one may ask, is a Maltese or Shih Tzu better?

Maltese temperament is lively, friendly, calm and loving towards the owners. The difference in Shih Tzu and Maltese temperaments is that the Maltese are more timid than Shih Tzu around strangers. The difference in temperaments between the two breeds is that Shih Tzu is more placid than the Maltese.

Similarly, how much is a Maltese Shih Tzu? A maltese shih tzu price tag ranges from between $400 – $800 USD, with variations dependent upon which breeder you purchase from.

Similarly, what is a Shih Tzu and Maltese mix called?

Mal-Shih , also known as MalShih, Malt-tzu, Maltzu, and Malti-zu, are a type of designer dog resulting from a cross between a purebred Maltese and a purebred Shih Tzu. Most Mal-Shihs are F1 crosses, as there has been little interest in developing the dog as a breed. They are not recognized by any major kennel club.

Can a Maltese Shih Tzu be left alone?

He's an affectionate companion who loves being with his family. He's not recommended for homes where he'd be left alone for long periods at a time, since he can suffer from separation anxiety, like most companion breeds. The Maltese Shih Tzu can be active, but he can also adapt to quieter living.

What is the life expectancy of a Shih Tzu Maltese?

14-16 years

How do I know if my Maltese is purebred?

A Maltese dog should have a slightly rounded head on top with drop ears and a medium length snout.
  1. The dog should have a black nose, with its eyes a deep brown or black.
  2. The skin around the eyes should be dark.
  3. The jaw should be lined up in a scissor bite. A parrot or sow bite is considered not desirable for this breed.

What dog is smaller than a Shih Tzu?

The Maltese

Are Maltese good watch dogs?

While these dogs are very affectionate with their owners, they can be a little shy around strangers. They make good watchdogs; they are always alert and will definitely notify you when someone is at the door. Despite their diminutive size and innocent appearance, Maltese can be quite feisty and bold.

Which dog is better Shih Tzu or Yorkie?

Yorkies are smaller and more fragile than Shih Tzus. While Yorkies can weigh up to 7 pounds, Shih Tzus are heavier can weigh up to 16 pounds when full grown. Compare Shih Tzu and Yorkie sizes.

How much should I pay for a Maltese puppy?

You should expect to pay a premium for a puppy with breeding rights or even for a puppy advertised as show quality with papers. You should budget anywhere from $4,300 upwards to $10,000 or even more for a Maltese with top breed lines and a superior pedigree. The average cost for all Malteses sold is $1,100.

Which is better poodle or shih tzu?

Shih Tzu dogs are more stubborn than Poodles, which makes them more difficult to train. They are more quiet than Poodles and very affectionate with their owners. Both breeds require lots of attention and time from the owners but Poodles are more active and need more daily exercise than Shih Tzus.

Which is better Pomeranian or Shih Tzu?

With that said, the Pomeranian is far smaller than the Shih Tzu. This is one of the biggest differences to consider; the Pom is usually 3 to 7 pounds, while the Shih Tzu is 9 to 16 pounds. Both are obviously small breeds, but the Pomeranian is one of the smallest in the world.

How often should I bathe my Maltese Shih Tzu?

Under normal circumstances, a Shih Tzu should be given a bath once every 3 weeks. If baths are given less frequently, accumulated body oil can start to smell bad and a Shih Tzu's skin and coat will not be receiving the bathing benefits (as listed previously) as often as they should.

Why is my Shih Tzu whining?

Whining – This is a dog's vocalization of being in emotional distress. In other words, your Shih Tzu is sad. When a dog whines, they are saying “I don't want to be alone”. Whining can also indicate that a dog is in pain, this would be in conjunction with wanting to lay alone or not wanting others near.

What health problems do Shih Tzus have?

Shih Tzu Health Problems and Issues
  • Proptosis. Another eye-related disorder, this occurs when the eyeball actually dislodges from the socket and the eyelid shuts behind it.
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
  • Hip Dysplasia.
  • Allergies.
  • Ear Infections.
  • Collapsing Trachea.
  • Intervertebral Disk Disease.
  • Patellar Luxation.

Can Maltese be left alone?

Maltese puppies shouldn't be left at home for extended periods without you but older dogs can be left for a much longer extended period without supervision. A Maltese puppy can be left at home alone for around two hours up till the age of six months. Adult Maltese dogs shouldn't be left alone for more than eight hours.

How many times a day should you feed a Shih Tzu?

Do not provide the access of food to your dog for all day to make sure that your dog doesn't get obese. To be specific on frequency of meals, a Shih Tzu should be fed four times in a day for the first six months. After six months, two meals per day will work best.

Do Shih Tzus like to cuddle?

Shih Tzus were (and are!) prized for their companionship, and these adorable, plush canines are deeply loyal, affectionate, and always down to cuddle, which is why they're widely loved across class lines today. The Shih Tzu is family-friendly and adaptable, and their gorgeous locks are enchanting.

How do I train my Shih Tzu Maltese?

Here are ten steps to train your Shih Tzu puppy:
  1. Establish Rules.
  2. Prepare Treats.
  3. Housetrain Your Shih Tzu.
  4. Issue Praise.
  5. Use Time Outs.
  6. Teach Basic Commands.
  7. Limit Food Availability.
  8. Practice Noise Control.

Do Shih Tzus bark a lot?

A lot of barking can come from this little dog. Shih Tzus are alert and lively little watchdogs; they can be a joyful addition to any family. All dogs bark from time to time, but these cute little yappers can be quite an earful without proper training and leadership from the human pack.

Do Maltese shih tzus shed?

While marketed as the dog that doesn't shed, this is not entirely true. The Maltese Shih Tzu mix does not shed a lot of hair like many other breeds, it does still shed some hair so grooming is still required. The breed will tolerate other pets, but early socialisation of the Maltese Shih Tzu puppy will be necessary.

Can Shih Tzus stay home alone?

The anxiety must be dealt with and you need to be confident the dog doesn't do anything silly while you are away. The good news is that you can train your Shih Tzu to stay home alone and it isn't going to be too difficult. Here is how you can train your Shih Tzu to stay home alone safely and confidently.

Do Maltese dogs bark a lot?

The highly affectionate Maltese is prone to excessive barking if deprived of attention and exercise. Some Maltese dogs tend to bark more than others, and it is impossible to completely eliminate barking. However, with proper training, you can eliminate excessive and obnoxious barking. Teach your dog a "quiet" command.

How much exercise does a Maltese need?

The Maltese don't require excessive exercise. By providing a short walk each day of between 20 to 30 minutes, some free play and moderate purposeful activity, and mental enrichment you will have a happy, healthy and well behaved little dog.

How do you potty train a dog?

Steps for Housetraining Your Puppy
  1. Keep the puppy on a regular feeding schedule and take away his food between meals.
  2. Take puppy out to eliminate first thing in the morning and then once every 30 minutes to an hour.
  3. Take puppy to the same spot each time to do his business.

Are Malshis easy to train?

Mal-Shi Basics
Also known as Malti Tzu, Mal-Tzu, Shih-tese and Shima, this hybrid is easy-to-train and a delight to have around your family. He will grow very attached to his family and want to spend every second around them. Ideal if you want a loyal and loving companion!

How far can you walk a Shih Tzu?

A daily walk of 20 to 25 minutes per day good is the minimum requirement and two 20 minute walks per day is best for this breed. You'll want to walk at a pace that is brisk for your Shih Tzu; whether he is a puppy, adult or senior dog.

Does a Shih Tzu shed?

Although Shih Tzus are said to be a hypoallergenic breed, they will still shed their coat as they are made up of hair, rather than fur. They shed hair every now and again, just as humans do, so it is impossible to keep it completely contained. Shedding can increase if the dog's skin and coat are drier than normal.

Can Shih Tzu live outside?

Shih Tzus are happy in even a small apartment, as long as they get plenty of affection and have enough room to run around. What they can't do is live outside. The Shih Tzu is too small, too human-oriented, and too heat-sensitive to survive living outdoors. He may not need a palace, but he definitely needs a home.

Are Maltese Shih Tzu good with cats?

How Shih Tzu Dogs Get Along with Cats. Statistically speaking, the majority of Shih Tzu puppies and dogs do not come into contact with cats, let alone live in the same household. In the U.S, roughly 17% of pet owners have both a dog and a cat. Each Shih Tzu will have varied reactions, ranging from 'not well' to 'well'.

How long can Shih Tzus hold their bladder?

Your Shih Tzu puppy should be able to hold his bladder only about one hour for each month he is old. This means if your dog is three months old, he can hold it for about three hours. Avoid making him wait any longer to go outside.

Why do Shih Tzus eat poop?

The body, lacking what it needs, will cause a Shih Tzu to seek out other food sources; and many times, this will be feces. Since certain fillers pass through the body partially or completely undigested, the stools contain these food ingredients, which makes eating the poop all that more tempting.

Do Shih Tzus sleep a lot?

The total amount of sleep a Shih Tzu gets generally depends on his age bracket. When your Shih Tzu is a young and lively puppy, you can expect him to sleep roughly 14 hours per day. When he reaches adulthood, he'll probably sleep 12 hours a day. When he reaches his golden years, he may sleep upward of 20 hours.

Do Maltese Shih Tzus bark a lot?

The Maltese Shih Tzu is a "designer breed," a cross between a Maltese and Shih Tzu. Some bark, but they don't seem to be as noisy as other small breeds, including the parent breeds. They will alert bark, however, so they can make good watchdogs.

How do you know if your Shih Tzu loves you?

If your dog shows any of the following behaviors, signs point to his or her unwavering love for you:
  1. He Goes Crazy When You Come Home. We've all seen it.
  2. Specific Facial Expressions. A dog's love isn't all about tail wagging, it's also about facial expressions.
  3. She Really Looks at You.
  4. He Yawns With You.
  5. True Love.

How much should a Maltese Shih Tzu eat?

An adult Maltese Shih Tzu requires round ½ a cup of high quality dry dog food per day. A good option is to feed your Malshi kibble specialized for small and toy dog breeds. You should split feedings into two servings throughout the day. This will ensure your dog remains satisfied all day and night.

What is the average lifespan of a Maltese Shih Tzu?

Maltese dogs have a life expectancy of 14-16 years. Some live even longer. The average lifespan of a Maltese can reach fifteen years. The Maltese Shih Tzu is a “designer breed,” a cross between a Maltese and Shih Tzu.

How long can Shih Tzu be left alone?

So, at what age can you leave a Shih Tzu alone? In a perfect world, it wouldn't be until the Tzu was 8 or 9 months old. However, since you most likely need to work/go to school/run errands, a puppy of any age can be left for the day 7, 8 or 9 hours.

How often should you bathe a Shih Tzu?

It is recommended to bathe a Shih Tzu every three weeks. However, puppies may need to be bathed more frequently, since they can soil their bottoms when they defecate. Using high-quality shampoo and conditioner will help ensure that your puppy's coat and skin will be clean and remain healthy.

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What is the difference between Maltese and Shih Tzu?