Is the Maltese or the Shih Tzu better for families with children?

The Shih Tzu tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialisation.

Which sheds more, the Maltese or the Shih Tzu?

The Shih Tzu sheds more than the Maltese. If shedding is a concern, the Maltese is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Maltese or the Shih Tzu?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Maltese or Shih Tzu bigger?

Shih Tzu is the larger breed; Maltese is smaller and more compact.

Which barks more, Maltese or Shih Tzu?

Maltese tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Shih Tzu is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Maltese or Shih Tzu?

For apartment or flat living, Maltese and Shih Tzu are an even match — either can work well.

Maltese vs Shih Tzu: Which Sheds Less?

Maltese vs Shih Tzu: full comparison

Trait	Maltese	Shih Tzu
Size	Very Small	Small
Energy level	Medium	Medium
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	Very High
Good with children	Medium	High
Grooming needs	Very High	Very High
Shedding	Very Low	Low
Barking	High	Medium
Protectiveness	Medium	Low
Adaptability	High	Very High
Typical lifespan	14 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	Yes

Key differences at a glance

The Shih Tzu is a larger dog than the Maltese, which affects space, food and exercise needs.

Size and living space

The Maltese is one of the smallest breeds you can own that slots into a studio flat without trouble and travels almost anywhere with you. By comparison, the Shih Tzu is a small but sturdy breed that lives comfortably in a flat and asks for very little space. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.

Exercise and energy needs

The Maltese wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. The Shih Tzu wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Maltese demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and sheds almost nothing, so your sofa stays clear. The Shih Tzu demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and drops very little hair. Both are considered hypoallergenic, so either works well for allergy-conscious homes. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Maltese picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily and is generally good with children when socialised and supervised. The Shih Tzu picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, Maltese will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive, whereas Shih Tzu is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly.

Which is better for…

For apartment or flat living, Maltese and Shih Tzu are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Shih Tzu has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Shih Tzu has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Shih Tzu has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Maltese has the edge, as it is hypoallergenic and lower-shedding.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Maltese if you want a more protective, watchful guardian, you want less shedding around the home, or you want a smaller, more apartment-friendly dog.

Choose the Shih Tzu if you want the more child-friendly companion, you want a more outgoing, sociable dog, or you want a more adaptable dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Maltese or the Shih Tzu better for families with children?: The Shih Tzu tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialisation.
Which sheds more, the Maltese or the Shih Tzu?: The Shih Tzu sheds more than the Maltese. If shedding is a concern, the Maltese is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Maltese or the Shih Tzu?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Maltese or Shih Tzu bigger?: Shih Tzu is the larger breed; Maltese is smaller and more compact.
Which barks more, Maltese or Shih Tzu?: Maltese tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Shih Tzu is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Maltese or Shih Tzu?: For apartment or flat living, Maltese and Shih Tzu are an even match — either can work well.

Maltese vs Shih Tzu