Home Breed Info Breed comparison

black and white bed linen

★★★★★

🎖️ Texas’s Top‑Rated Mal‑Shi Breeder 🎖️

Much More Wag

Way Less Bark!

Maltese vs. Shih‑Tzu vs. Mal‑Shi

A Complete Side‑by‑Side Breed Comparison

Choosing the right small‑breed companion is an exciting decision. This guide compares the Maltese, Shih‑Tzu, and Mal‑Shi to help families understand the differences in temperament, grooming, size, and lifestyle fit.

INTRODUCTION

🐾🐾

Breed Group: Designer (Maltese × Shih‑Tzu)

Adult Weight: 7–10 lbs

Adult Height: 8–11 inches

Coat Type: Soft, fluffy, low‑shedding

Shedding: Low

Temperament: Playful, affectionate, social, intelligent

Good For: Families, kids, first‑time owners, apartment living

Maltese Shih Tzu Mal-Shi comparison chart.
Maltese Shih Tzu Mal-Shi comparison chart.

QUICK BREED SNAPSHOT

Maltese

Sweet, gentle, and deeply affectionate. Ideal for calm homes and first‑time owners.

Shih‑Tzu

Calm, loyal, and people‑focused. Great with children and seniors.

Mal‑Shi

Playful, social, and sturdy. A perfect blend of Maltese sweetness and Shih‑Tzu charm.

Learn more about each breed:

Maltese Info:

Shih Tzu Info

Mal-Shi Info:

TEMPERAMENT COMPARISON

🐾🐾

Maltese

Small, elegant, and refined with a silky white coat.

Shih‑Tzu

Sturdy, compact, and expressive with a flowing double coat.

Mal‑Shi

Soft, fluffy, and balanced — often with expressive eyes and a teddy‑bear look.

SIZE & APPEARANCE

Maltese

Low‑shedding, hypoallergenic, requires regular brushing.

Shih‑Tzu

Low‑shedding but needs consistent grooming due to double coat.

Mal‑Shi

Low‑shedding, easier maintenance than a full Shih‑Tzu coat.

GROOMING & MAINTENANCE

All three breeds are long‑lived and generally healthy.

Health Guarantee:

HEALTH & LONGEVITY

🐾🐾

Maltese

Smart, eager to please, great for first‑time owners.

Shih‑Tzu

Calm and steady, responds well to gentle training.

Mal‑Shi

Highly trainable, playful, and energetic.

Reserving A Puppy:

TRAINING & ACTIVITY LEVEL

Featured Video

See Video Gallery

See Photo Gallery

🐾🐾

Choose the Maltese if you want:

• A gentle, elegant companion

• A hypoallergenic coat

• A calm, affectionate personality

Choose the Shih‑Tzu if you want:

• A loyal, steady companion

• A family‑friendly temperament

• A calm, low‑energy dog

Choose the Mal‑Shi if you want:

• A playful, sturdy companion

• A low‑shedding coat

• A mix of Maltese sweetness + Shih‑Tzu charm

Mal-Shi Puppy standing on brown couch.
Mal-Shi Puppy standing on brown couch.

WHICH BREED IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

We’re here to help you choose the perfect companion for your family.

See Available Puppies

Reserve Your Puppy

READY TO MEET YOUR PERFECT PUP?

🐾🐾

Quick Links

© 2026 Perfect Paw Pups — Breed Comparison Guide