Maltese vs. Shih Tzu: A Comparison
Health Considerations
When you stack up Maltese and Shih Tzu dogs, each comes with its set of health quirks. The little Maltese furballs usually come out on top with fewer health complaints than their Shih Tzu buddies. They’re not weighed down by loads of inherited illnesses but might have to tussle with knee cap slippage and dodgy hearts (as Dogster tells it).
Now for the Shih Tzus—they often battle a list of issues. We’re talking eye troubles, ear woes, and sore backs (Petco). Despite these hiccups, they have a heart full of love and make sweet family pets.
Lifespan and Health Issues
Thinking about whether to bring home a Maltese or a Shih Tzu? Consider how long you’ll be best pals. Maltese can strut their stuff for up to 15 years, with some hitting the big two-zero. The gals often outlive the guys by about a year.
| Breed | Average Lifespan | Common Health Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Maltese | 12-15 years | Knee cap slippage, Dodgy hearts, Dental dilemmas |
| Shih Tzu | 10-16 years | Eye troubles, Ear woes, Aching backs |
Shih Tzus often enjoy their days for 10 to 16 years. But, they’re more likely to hit a bump or two along the way, with eye and ear issues, plus aching backs being common, so regular vet visits are a must (Petco).
Maltese pups are usually clear of inherited troubles, but keeping an eye on their health is crucial to hit those golden years in stride. Both breeds can make for lovely household members when showered with love and care. For a closer look at Shih Tzu health, have peek at our Shih Tzu health guide.
Maltese: Characteristics and Traits
Let’s chat about what makes a Maltese tick and why folks are always weighing them against the Shih Tzu. We’ll get into their charm, temper, those fabulous coats, and what it takes to keep ’em looking sharp.
Popularity and Temperament
The Maltese isn’t your average toy dog—this little pup packs a ton of love and kindness in its petite frame. While they might not have the fan club size of the Shih Tzu. Maltese dogs connect the dots real fast between commands and treats, turning training into a bonding spree.
| Characteristic | Maltese |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | Average 15 years (Country Living) |
| Temperament | Lovable, Sweet |
| Trainability | High (Dog Time) |
Grooming and Maintenance
Got a Maltese? Get ready for some serious hair care. Their long, silky locks are more high-maintenance than a Shih Tzu’s thick fur. We’re talking human-hair-level attention—daily brushing to dodge those nasty knots. You’ll wanna lather them up every two weeks to keep that coat in tip-top shape.
| Grooming Aspect | Maltese Requirements |
|---|---|
| Brushing Frequency | Daily |
| Bathing Frequency | Every 2 weeks |
| Shedding | Can hardly tell |
Besides the coat, you’ve got the full spa treatment on repeat: nail trims, ear cleaning, and regular tooth brushing to keep cavities at bay. For the nitty-gritty on keeping a Maltese looking fab, you might check out shih tzu grooming.
Health-wise, Maltese pups sometimes deal with stuff like wobbly kneecaps and heart issues. But, with generally fewer medical hiccups than the Shih Tzu, they usually stick around a little longer.
For those eyeing a Maltese, getting a handle on this fluffball’s care and personality can make stacking them up against a Shih Tzu a whole lot easier. Anyone curious about mix breeds might dig into details about a shih tzu maltese mix and see what shakes out.
Shih Tzu: Characteristics and Traits
Brachycephalic Concerns
Shih Tzus rock that snub-nosed look, thanks to their flat face and short snout! But with those cute smooshed faces come a few health quirks. If you have a Shih Tzu, keep an eye out for heat troubles, tricky anesthesia, and eye issues due to those big, expressive peepers (Dogster).
| Health Problem | What’s the Deal? |
|---|---|
| Heat Stroke | Hard time cooling off in the sun—be sure to keep ’em chill. |
| Anesthesia Snags | Their airway structure makes anesthesia a bit of a challenge. |
| Pigmentary Keratitis | Corneal inflammation that could lead to ulcers or even blindness. |
| Epiphora | Tear stains and irritated skin from excess tears. |
| Ocular Proptosis | Bulging eyes that risk sight—yikes!. |
Regular vet visits and good ol’ TLC can help keep your little furball in tip-top shape.
Social Behavior and Compatibility
These pups love a good cuddle and have a knack for making friends, whether it’s with the neighbor’s cat or the kiddos (as long as the kids are gentle and sweet!) (DogTime). Shih Tzus adapt to different households like champs, from bustling families to solo city dwellers.
Shih Tzus aren’t just about being cute couch buddies—they’re showing off in dog sports and obedience battles too. With smarts and a desire to make you proud, they pick up tricks fast, though they might throw in a little sass now and then. Curious about their brainpower? Check out our guide on shih tzu intelligence.
Your Shih Tzu may love cozying up, but their locks need some pampering too. Routine grooming keeps their coat dazzling and tangle-free. Need some grooming tips? Swing by our shih tzu grooming page for all the deets.
Thinking a Shih Tzu could be your new furry family member? Great choice! There’s even more to explore with mixed breeds like the shih tzu bichon mix or the shih tzu cocker spaniel mix, merging the best features from each breed into one fantastic pup!
Choosing the Right Pup for Your Pack
Picking out a dog for your family can feel like a big decision. You want a furry pal that’s going to slide right into your crew, getting along with kids and any other animals hanging around the house.
Family Mojo
When matching your family’s vibe, Maltese and Shih Tzus have their own special quirks that make them great for different kinds of families.
Maltese pups are like little bundles of joy. They’re smart, eager to please, and super affectionate. These pups are great for families living in apartments or places without a sprawling backyard. They don’t need a ton of exercise and fit right in with older kids who know how to play nice (Dog Time). Maltese aren’t rough-and-tumble types, so they vibe best with kids who have already learned to handle pets gently.
Shih Tzus are the kind of dogs who’ll help keep the love flowing at home. They’re all about snuggles and hanging out with their humans. Perfect for families where somebody’s usually home to keep them company. However, if your house is buzzing with constant activity and you’ve got little kids running around, maybe rethink the Shih Tzu route.
Bonding with Kids and Furry Friends
Figuring out whether a Maltese or a Shih Tzu is better with the kiddos and other pets is a vital part of the decision-making process.
Maltese dogs are pretty chill with older kids who won’t go crazy around them. Their build is on the fragile side, so households with tiny tots might not be ideal. Get them acclimated with good behavior and they can get along well with other animals.
For Shih Tzus, they generally play nice with other pets, but the very littlest humans might overwhelm them. They’re perfect for families with more mature kids or adults who thrive on the companionship these pooches offer.
A combo of these breeds — the Maltese Shih Tzu mix — inherits a bit from both sides. They’re a joy for families with kids of all sizes, known for their friendly demeanor. With proper training, they usually get on quite nicely with other animals too. Curious for more? Peek into the shih tzu maltese mix world for more nuggets of wisdom.
Lay out the scene at your household with family dynamics and the existing menagerie in mind to see if a Maltese or Shih Tzu is the right fit. For more tidbits on handling these adorable pets, wander over to our pieces on shih tzu temperament and shih tzu grooming.