Differences between a Shih Tzu and a Maltese
...e appearance of vigor and self-importance. The Maltese is a toy dog covered from head to foot with a mantle of long, silky, white hair. He is gentle-mannered and affectionate, eager and energetic. The ideal height for a Shih Tzu is 9 to 10 ½ inches but not less than 8 or more than 11 inches. The weight of mature Shih Tzu dogs is 9 to 16 pounds. Regardless of size, the Shih Tzu is always compact, solid and carries good weight and substance. The ideal weight for a Maltese is less than 7 pounds, with from 4 to 6 pounds preferred. Overall quality is to be favored over size. The coat on a Shih Tzu is luxurious, double-coated, dense, long, and flowing. Slight wave permissible. The hair on top of a Shih Tzu’s head is tied up. It can also be a sparse coat, single coat, or curly coat. A Shih Tzu needs excessive trimming. The coat of a Maltese is single, that is, without undercoat. It hangs long, flat, and silky over the sides of the body almost, if not quite, to the ground. The long head-hair may be tied up in a topknot or it may be left hanging. Any suggestion of kinkiness, curliness, or woolly texture is objectionable. The color is pure white with light tan or lemon on the ears. The Shih Tzu dogs can be difficult to housebreak. They tend to wheeze and snore. The Shih Tzu dogs are sensitive to the heat and do not require a lot of exercise. They are best with older children and love to bark. They are perfect for apartment dwellers. Maltese’s do not require tons of exercise but do enjoy walks outdoors. They are also perfect for apartment dwellers. They are e...