Natural Temperaments of Shih Tzu Compared to Maltese Dogs

Shih Tzu Temperaments

Like thousands of dog lovers worldwide, do you adore the Shih Tzu? Yes, this tiny, pint-sized dog is adorable, lively, beautiful, friendly, and charming. No wonder, it is generally described as a sweet-tempered friend who reserves a special love for visitors.

The Shih Tzu is considered to have a royal Chinese origin; for more than one millennium, these adorable tiny lapdogs were apparently kept as beloved household pets by succeeding members of the royal family.

Indeed, the name Shih Tzu is thought to have its root in the Chinese Mandarin word meaning “lion dog”. The Shih Tzu finally made its way to the US sometime in the 20th century when the veterans of the Second World War arrived home.

Currently, the Shih Tzu occupies a lofty pedestal, ranking among the most popular breed of dogs in the US. Interestingly, how does the Shih Tzu’s natural temperament compare with the equally loved Maltese?

Let’s quickly discover.

Dissecting the Maltese Temperament

The Maltese dog, as described by the authoritative American Kennel Club, is described as a charming, playful, and gentle toy dog. The Shih Tzu, on the other hand, is recognized as playful, affectionate, and wildly outgoing.

Moreover, the Maltese dog is quite intelligent and adept at athletic actions that call for agility and swiftness. By and large, the Maltese dog is a highly energetic breed that enjoys playing lots of games as well as walking exercises.

The Maltese are typically good-tempered in interactions with strangers as well as other dogs. Take note that keeping the Maltese will mean you have to give it some rigorous training right from the outset. This is because the breed is given to excessive, noisy barking; be prepared to tame this.

Happily, the Maltese dog is entirely defensive, behaving more like a tiny guard dog. Due to its friendly, amicable manner, the Maltese will, likely, alert you when the visitor arrives at the doorstep. You are advised to love the Maltese dog sparingly. Why? It is somewhat prone to anxiety when isolated from the familiar spot. This can, however, be dealt with by avoiding excessive pampering.

Examining the Shih Tzu Traits

The Shih Tzu is regarded as a natural companion who displays an affectionate and loving temperament. In fact, the Shih Tzu is considered as a dog breed that is less yappy and less demanding when compared to most other breeds of dogs.

The Shih Tzu has a jovial, child-friendly nature that makes it the darling of the young and the elderly in good measure. It is a breed that is more robust, and that enjoys some moderate exercise and lots of cuddling from people.

Yes, the Shih Tzu is a social creature that enjoys being around everyone, including strangers and a variety of household pets.

Regardless, the Shih Tzu can be quite stubborn and would do with a measure of discipline and a check-list of rules to keep. All in all, the Shih Tzu is regarded as being more naturally inclined to live in the family setting, whereas the Maltese leads in the playful and athletic realm.

Of course, there are variations, and you may find that these dogs' general temperament and personality traits can differ significantly. The truth of the matter will usually be evident when these dogs are fully grown and, hence, the inherent characteristics are openly displayed.

The Maltese is Robust

The Maltese dog generally displays a higher level of energy compared to the Shih Tzu. Hence, this tiny dog usually loves to have more activity featured on the cards. Moreover, the Maltese loves plenty of training focused on agility. This dog also enjoys jumping up and running around.

You are likely to find the Maltese surprisingly fast for its small size. Interestingly, because the Maltese is usually more active than its cousin the Shih Tzu, it needs about 45 calories, on average, per pound. In comparison, the Shi Tzu needs just 35 calories. 

Notably, the Maltese is generally more challenging to house-train even though it responds well to agility and inducement training. Thus, with both dog breeds, you should be prepared to display plenty of determination and patience if you want to take them through an effective training regimen successfully.

The Obstinate Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu can easily be compared to a teddy bear; indeed, the dog can be just as stubborn. It is wise to start training this stubborn dog as early as possible. One great tip is to train the dog while occasionally giving out some treats. This is because the Shih Tzu typically displays a charismatic attitude that can, however, be laced with a mindset that silently implores the master with a give-me-something-to-motivate message.

Yes, since the Shih Tzu is primarily a lapdog, always keep in mind that it has lower energy levels and, therefore, does better with inducement-based training.

Despite this, the Shih Tzu still needs to follow a proper exercise schedule. This will keep it from over-fattening. Hence, it is not up to the creature to follow the set routine or not; it must. You may need to train the dog for slightly more than eight months. This means you must factor in the sensitive issue of potty training as well as design a urine management strategy.

You need to be ready for these challenges, particularly if you have to do the training with a puppy. Moreover, it would be best if you kept the same routine with your Shih Tzu; one recommendation is to train the small dog to visit the same spot every time it is ready to pee.

As noted, keep in mind that toy dogs are not naturally gifted with intelligence. Moreover, they are not naturally given to obeying orders, like other ‘ordinary’ dogs. The good news is that it is possible to train them successfully. You just need to do a little research on the best way to do this, and voila! You will soon have a well-behaved new family member- in the name of a little Shi Tzu - at home.

** Maltese vs Shih Tzu; Make Your Choice**

The Maltese and the Shih Tzu are wildly popular dog breeds with a bright history. In fact, both of these breeds at one time reigned as either a royal pet or a cherished status symbol. If you want a breed that will feel more at home with all the family members, go for a Shi Tzu.

These differences notwithstanding, both of these dog breeds are generally healthy and pleasant to have around. Indeed, to some, the only difference between them is their colour; the Maltese is white while the Shih Tzu comes in several colour choices.

Take your pick!