--- title: "Maltese or Shih Tzu: Which breed should you choose? | Pedibase" description: "Maltese or Shih Tzu? Compare size, temperament, price, monthly budget, apartment living, and compatibility with children to choose your future dog." canonical_url: "https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare/maltese-vs-shih-tzu" meta: "og:description": "Maltese or Shih Tzu? Compare size, temperament, price, monthly budget, apartment living, and compatibility with children to choose your future dog." "og:image": "https://www.pedibase.com/og.png" "og:image:alt": "Dog and cat breeders near you" "og:image:height": "630" "og:image:width": "1200" "og:title": "Maltese or Shih Tzu: Which breed should you choose?" "twitter:description": "Maltese or Shih Tzu? Compare size, temperament, price, monthly budget, apartment living, and compatibility with children to choose your future dog." "twitter:image": "https://www.pedibase.com/og.png" "twitter:title": "Maltese or Shih Tzu: Which breed should you choose?" --- > Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt) 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. [![Maltese](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:120/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4910/pexels-photo-23542118.jpeg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/maltese) ## [Maltese](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/maltese) Small3–4 kg€800 – €1,500 [Full listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/maltese) [Find a breeder](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-maltese) ![Maltese - Photo 2](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:160:160/el:1/q:70/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4910/pexels-photo-23542118.jpeg) ![Maltese - Photo 3](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:160:160/el:1/q:70/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4905/pexels-photo-31004026.jpeg) ![Maltese - Photo 4](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:160:160/el:1/q:70/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4906/pexels-photo-29267587.jpeg) ![Maltese - Photo 5](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:160:160/el:1/q:70/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4907/pexels-photo-35387589.jpeg) +6 [![Shih Tzu](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:120/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/6663/pexels-photo-32269523.jpeg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/shih-tzu) ## [Shih Tzu](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/shih-tzu) Small4–8 kg€1,000 – €1,800 [Full listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/shih-tzu) [Find a breeder](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-shih-tzu) ![Shih Tzu - Photo 3](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:160:160/el:1/q:70/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/6663/pexels-photo-32269523.jpeg) ![Shih Tzu - Photo 4](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:160:160/el:1/q:70/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/6664/pexels-photo-37376749.jpeg) ![Shih Tzu - Photo 5](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:160:160/el:1/q:70/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/6665/pexels-photo-35611441.jpeg) +8 ## 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 | | [![Maltese](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:240:240/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4910/pexels-photo-23542118.jpeg)

Maltese

](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/maltese) | [![Shih Tzu](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:240:240/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/6663/pexels-photo-32269523.jpeg)

Shih Tzu

](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/shih-tzu) | | --- | --- | --- | | 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 | | | | | | | [Add a third breed](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds?races=maltese,shih-tzu) [Which dog should you choose?](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog) ## Other popular dog comparisons - 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