Breed comparison
Maltese or Shih Tzu: Which breed should you choose?
Maltese and Shih Tzu are two dog breeds often compared by prospective owners. Here’s a point-by-point comparison to help you decide: size, temperament, purchase price, monthly budget, and compatibility with your lifestyle.
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Key takeaways
- Shih Tzu is larger: 4–8 kg compared with 3–4 kg for Maltese.
- Maltese costs less to buy: €800 – €1,500 compared with €1,000 – €1,800 for Shih Tzu.
- The monthly budget is similar for both breeds: about €86 per month.
- Shih Tzu needs less daily activity (2/5 compared with 3/5 for Maltese).
- Maltese scores higher for “Families and children”: 5/5 compared with 4/5 for Shih Tzu.
- For “Apartment living,” both breeds are tied (5/5).
- For “First-time owners,” both breeds are tied (5/5).
- Both breeds have a similar life expectancy: 12–15 years.
Our verdict
Choose Maltese if you’re looking for…
- People often at home: He thrives with available owners who appreciate a very close dog.
- Apartment living: He adapts well to small spaces if his exercise needs are met.
- Families with respectful children: He makes a playful and gentle companion when interactions remain calm.
- First-time owners: His training is accessible with consistency and early socialization.
Choose Shih Tzu if you’re looking for…
- Apartment living: The Shih Tzu adapts very well to small spaces if its outings and human contact are ensured.
- Calm families: It is suited to a gentle household capable of respecting its small size and need for companionship.
- Seniors with plenty of time: Its moderate activity level and attachment to humans make it a pleasant everyday companion.
- Committed first-time adopters: It can be suitable as a first dog if one accepts coat maintenance and regular training.
Detailed comparison
| General information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Italy | Tibet |
| FCI group | 9 | 9 |
| Build | Small | Small |
| Height at the withers | 20–25 cm | 20–27 cm |
| Weight | 3–4 kg | 4–8 kg |
| Coat | Long, silky, dense | Long, silky |
| Life expectancy | 12–15 years | 11–14 years |
| Average price | €800 – €1,500 | €1,000 – €1,800 |
| Monthly budget | ≈ €86 | ≈ €86 |
| Compatibility | ||
| Families and children | Excellent | Very good |
| Daily exercise needs | Moderate | Low |
| Apartment living | Excellent | Excellent |
| First-time owners | Excellent | Excellent |
| Other pets | Very good | Good |
| Tolerance of being alone | Limited | Limited |
| Guarding instinct | Limited | Limited |
| Strengths and weaknesses | ||
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