The Shih Tzu vs the Maltese
Are you searching for a loyal, Affectionate, and energetic furry friend? Look
no further than the Shih Tzu or Maltese! The Shih Tzu is a natural-born companion who revels
in cuddling up on laps. This regal and ancient Breed is full of liveliness and charm. Meanwhile,
the Maltese, with their long, flowing white hair, Are adored for their gentle, intelligent
personalities. For centuries, these irresistible Balls of fluff have captured hearts and remain
one of the most in-demand breeds today.
Although they are quite similar in
many ways, there are also quite a Few differences between these two breeds
that you will learn about in this video.
So let's take a look at the most important
things to know about these breeds!
Number 1: Their origins
Discover the regal charm and timeless Elegance of two of the world's most beloved
toy dog breeds – the Shih Tzu and the Maltese.
Let's start with a history lesson about the Shih
Tzu, also known as the "Lion Dog"! This cutest, Snuggliest breed comes from China and
has a rich history that goes all the way Back to the Tang Dynasty, where they were
kept as precious companions by royalty.
Think of learning about the Shih Tzu as taking
a mini-adventure through East Asian history. According to the Shih Tzu Club, this breed
has been around for at least 1,000 years And records show that they've been a part
of Chinese history since as early as 8,000 B.C.! It's believed they were first bred in
Tibet and were given to Chinese emperors as Gifts. It's thought that the Chinese then mixed
them with Pekingese, pugs, or Lhasa Apsos to Create the Shih Tzu we know and love today.
There are so many fascinating legends about The Shih Tzu's royal past. For example, in
the 13th century, Marco Polo reported that Mongolian Emperor Kublai Khan kept small
"lion" dogs, believed to be Shih Tzus, With trained hunting lions to keep them calm.
Shih Tzus were kept behind palace walls for a Long time and weren't introduced to Europe until
the late 1920s and early 1930s. The breed finally Made its way to the U.S. in the 1950s and was
officially recognized by the AKC in 1969.
It's no surprise that the Shih Tzu became a
big hit in Europe in the early 20th century and Still remains one of the most popular toy breeds
today. With their playful, loving personalities, Who wouldn't want a Shih Tzu by their side?!
The Maltese, as its name implies, originated from The archipelago of Malta located below Sicily.
The exact origins of the breed are not clear, But it is known that the Greeks and Romans who
once occupied Malta highly valued the small, White dogs, considering them to be status symbols.
With an ancestry dating back over 2,000 years, The Maltese has always been prized for its
luxurious coat and charming personality. In fact, The breed was so highly regarded by royalty
that they were often carried in sleeves as a Symbol of status. This breed can also
be seen depicted in ceramics from the
Golden Age. Aristotle even praised the Maltese,
referring to it as "perfect in its small size."
In 1888, the American Kennel Club officially
recognized the Maltese as a breed, and it Has since become increasingly popular among
American families and dog show enthusiasts. Although a Maltese has never won
the prestigious Best in Show award, The breed has won the Toy Group multiple times,
showcasing its grace and elegance.
Number 2: Their personality: The Shih Tzu is a friendly, affectionate, And playful breed that loves to be the center of
attention. These dogs are great with children and Make excellent family pets. They are also known
for their loyalty and devotion to their owners, And are eager to please. Shih Tzus are
generally social and get along well with Other dogs and pets, making them great
for families with other animals. Likewise, Maltese dogs are adorably loving,
and outgoing, making them ideal for seniors, And single individuals as well
as families. They are gentle, Intelligent, and always eager to please
their owners, which makes training a breeze. These dogs are also known for their courage and
boldness, which can sometimes lead to them being Fearless beyond their limits. This means
they can make quite effective watch dogs For those living alone. Number 3: Their appearance:
The Shih Tzu is a small dog under a foot tall but
with a compact and rather muscular body weighing 9 to 16 pounds. They have a round face and a
short snout, with a black nose and big, dark Eyes. Their coat is long and silky, and comes in
a variety of colors including black, white, brown, Gold, and brindle. Shih Tzus require regular
grooming to keep their coat looking its best, But many owners enjoy the process as it provides
an opportunity to bond with their pet.
Similarly, Maltese dogs are petite, with
an average weight of 6 to 9 pounds and a Height of 7 to 12 inches at the shoulder. They
have a distinctive appearance, with a long, Silky coat that is usually pure white. The hair is
often styled into a lion's mane or floor-length, Which requires regular grooming to maintain
its appearance. Maltese dogs also have dark, Round eyes, a black nose, and a cute, snub-nosed
face that makes them irresistible to everyone who Sees them.
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Number 4: Their trainability:
Looking for a furry friend who's eager to
learn and always up for a good time? Look no Further than the Shih Tzu and the Maltese! These
adorable breeds are not only smart, but they're Also passionate about pleasing their owners.
Shih Tzus may be quick learners, but don't let That fool you. They can also be a bit stubborn
at times, so training them requires a little bit
Of patience and persistence. But don't worry,
with a bit of effort, you can train your Shih Tzu to follow basic obedience commands and even
perform a variety of tricks! Just remember that Socialization is key for this breed, as they
can be shy around new people and animals.
When it comes to Maltese dogs, they are a delight
to train. They love making their owners happy, So they'll be more than willing to
follow your commands. Just be mindful That they can be sensitive, so it's best
to use positive reinforcement techniques, Like treats and praise, to keep them motivated.
And don't forget about socialization! Ensuring that your Maltese is comfortable with
new people, other dogs, and situations will make Them a well-rounded, confident companion.
So what are you waiting for? Whether you're Looking for a clever Shih
Tzu or a loveable Maltese, These breeds are sure to steal your heart!
Number 5: The time Investment needed:-
Shih Tzus are a low-energy breed and don't require
a lot of exercise, making them great for people With busy lifestyles. A short walk each day and a
play session in the yard should suffice. However, They do need to be groomed regularly to keep their
coat in good condition. This can take anywhere From 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the
length of the coat and the amount of tangles.
Maltese dogs can be equally as much,
if not more work as they require quite A lot of regular grooming to maintain the
appearance of their long, silky coat, which Can be time-consuming and expensive. They also
need daily exercise, such as a walk or playtime, To keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
Training and socialization are also important For this breed, so it's essential to set aside
time each day for these activities.
Number 6: The costs of ownership
The cost of owning a Shih Tzu can vary Quite a lot, with the average price of a Shih
Tzu puppy in the United States costing anywhere Between $750.00 to $3,000 depending on a lot of
factors including regular old supply and demand As well as pedigree. But it's also important
to factor in the cost of food, vet bills, And grooming supplies. On average, you can expect
to spend around $800 per year on a Shih Tzu. It's Also critical to remember that unexpected
vet bills can arise, so it's a good idea to Have a contingency fund set aside for this. In the same way, Maltese dogs are also not the Most affordable breed with the average Maltese
puppy costing about $600 to $2,000. The price Is largely dependent on the puppy’s pedigree
and the breeder’s experience. While these dogs Don’t actually cost much to breed due to their
small size, their high demand often drives up The price. When looking at general costs, they
can range to upwards of $1000 per year due to Professional grooming needs, veterinary care, and
food. It's important to factor in all these costs When considering a Maltese dog, as well as any
additional expenses that may arise in the future, Such as sudden veterinary bills.
So what do you think so far? Do you
Prefer the Shih Tzu or the Maltese?
Stay tuned for more and if you are Interested in other dog comparisons; check out
some of our playlists and discover even more Information about dogs!
Number 7: Their health:-
Shih Tzus are generally a healthy breed, but like
all dogs, they can be prone to certain health Problems which means their life expectancy can
vary a lot between 10 and 16 years. Some common Health issues in this breed include breathing
problems due to their short snouts, eye problems, Umbilical hernias, and a portosystemic liver
shunt, a congenital abnormality in which Blood vessels allow blood to bypass the liver.
Thankfully all of these issues are treatable, But Regular visits to the vet
and a balanced diet are a must To keep your Shih Tzu healthy and happy.
Maltese dogs are also usually pretty healthy, Often living 12 to 15 years. They can also be
afflicted with a few common health conditions, Such as dental issues, luxating patella, a
condition in which the knee cap dislodges, and Tear staining. As a tiny toy breed with potential
joint issues, this dog is quite fragile, so owners Must take care to not let them fall or jump from
heights, or they could be injured. Maltese owners Should ensure they speak with their vet early on
about health concerns and to find out if there are Preventive steps they can take to keep their
pup happy and healthy for years to come.
Number 8: The best home for them:
The Shih Tzu is a great choice for a variety Of homes, but they do best in those where they
will receive plenty of love and attention. They Are great for families with children and other
pets, as well as for seniors or individuals living Alone who are looking for a loyal and affectionate
companion. Shih Tzus are well-suited to apartment Living, as they don't require a lot of exercise
and are relatively low-maintenance. However, They do need regular grooming, so it's important
to consider the time and cost involved in Maintaining their coat before bringing one home.
Overall, the Shih Tzu is a delightful and charming Breed that will bring joy and love into any home.
With their playful and affectionate personalities, They are sure to become a cherished member of
your family. So, if you're looking for a compact, Happy and loving dog, the Shih
Tzu is the perfect choice.
When it comes to Maltese dogs, you will find they
are very adaptable and can do well in many types Of household, from apartments to large estates.
However, they do best in homes where they are the Center of attention and receive plenty of cuddles
and one on one care. They are also suitable for Families with children and other pets, as
they get along well with everyone. However, Because they are small, they are not ideal
for homes with large, boisterous dogs or young Children who may accidentally hurt them.
All in all, Maltese dogs are adorable, Affectionate, and playful companions that can
bring joy and happiness to your life. They are Perfect for families, seniors, and single
individuals who are looking for a small,
Low-maintenance companion. With their long,
silky coats, round eyes, and snub-nosed faces, These dogs are sure to turn heads wherever
they go. So, if you're looking for a Loyal and adorable companion, consider a
Maltese dog – you won't be disappointed!
