When I was choosing between a Shih Tzu and a Maltese, I did what every overthinking dog person does — I read everything, watched endless videos, and still felt confused. I ended up with Bonnie and Bellina, my two Maltese siblings, and I've never looked back. But the Shih Tzu question never left me. They're everywhere. They're charming. And they have a history that most people don't know about. This guide is everything I wish I'd had: a deep look at the Shih Tzu — who they really are, the different types, the grooming reality, the health stuff nobody warns you about — plus an honest side-by-side comparison with the Maltese, from someone who lives with one every day.
The Shih Tzu: A Thousand Years of Being Adored
Before we get into grooming and vet bills, here's the thing that makes the Shih Tzu genuinely fascinating: this breed was developed in ancient China, likely from Tibetan dogs gifted to the Chinese imperial court. For centuries, they lived exclusively in the palace. Commoners couldn't own one. They weren't bred to hunt or herd or guard — their one job was to be a companion, and they've been doing it flawlessly for a very long time.
That history shows up in their personality. Shih Tzus aren't anxious or needy the way some small breeds can be. They're confident. They're calm. They'll follow you around the house because they genuinely want to be near you, not because they're nervous. They also tend to be less barky than Maltese, which is either a selling point or irrelevant depending on your household.
The breed nearly went extinct in the 20th century — during the Communist Revolution in China, the imperial breeding program collapsed, and only a handful of dogs survived outside the country. Every Shih Tzu alive today traces back to roughly 14 dogs. That narrow gene pool is worth knowing about when we get to health.
Worth knowing: the Shih Tzu was only recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969. For a breed this ancient, that's remarkably recent. They came to the West through England and Scandinavia, where breeders worked to stabilize the lines we know today.
The Sub-Breeds: Imperial, Teacup, and the Mixes
When you start looking at Shih Tzus online, you'll run into terms like "Imperial," "Teacup," and "American vs European" pretty quickly. Here's what each actually means — and where to be careful.
Imperial Shih Tzu — this is a marketing term, not an AKC-recognized variety. "Imperial" typically means a Shih Tzu that weighs under 9 lbs as an adult, smaller than the breed standard. Some are just naturally small dogs from small parents. Others have been bred down selectively in ways that can cause health problems. If a breeder is charging a premium for "Imperial" status, ask a lot of questions about the parents' health history.
Teacup Shih Tzu — same situation, more extreme. A "Teacup" typically refers to dogs under 4–5 lbs, and this is where things get genuinely concerning from a health standpoint. Very small Shih Tzus are prone to hypoglycemia, fragile bones, heart defects, and organ problems that standard-sized dogs don't face. They're undeniably adorable, but the ethical breeding community is largely critical of intentionally breeding for extreme miniaturization. Proceed with real caution here.
American vs European lines — this is a legitimate distinction. American-line Shih Tzus tend to be slightly heavier-boned with a rounder face. European lines are often a bit longer in the leg and have a slightly less extreme flat face, which can actually be better for breathing. If brachycephalic (flat-face) health concerns matter to you, it's worth asking breeders which line they breed from.
Shih Tzu mixes — the most popular are the Shih-Poo (Shih Tzu + Poodle), the Mal-Shi (Maltese + Shih Tzu), and the Zuchon (Shih Tzu + Bichon Frise). These are genuine crossbreeds, not sub-breeds. They can inherit the best of both parents — or the worst. If you're considering a mix, research both parent breeds thoroughly, not just the cute name.
Temperament: What It's Actually Like to Live With One
Shih Tzus have a reputation for being lap dogs, and they earn it — but they're more interesting than that label suggests. They're playful without being hyperactive. They're affectionate without being clingy. They tend to get along with everyone: kids, elderly owners, other dogs, cats. They're one of the breeds I'd recommend without hesitation to someone who wants a genuinely easy-going companion.
They don't need a yard. They don't need long hikes. A couple of short walks a day and some playtime indoors keeps them happy. This makes them ideal for apartments and for people whose lifestyle doesn't involve lots of outdoor time. They do enjoy a walk — they're not couch-only dogs — but they won't fall apart if the weather keeps you inside for a day.
One thing worth knowing: Shih Tzus can be stubborn. Not mean, not aggressive — just selectively motivated. They'll learn commands if you make it worth their while, but they're not going to perform for nothing. Treat-based training works well. Sessions should be short and positive. This is actually very similar to the Maltese experience — both breeds respond to incentives rather than authority.
The Shih Tzu Up Close
Grooming: The Real Commitment
Here's what nobody tells you before you fall in love with a Shih Tzu photo: that coat is high maintenance. Not impossible, not even that hard once you have a routine — but you can't ignore it. Their double coat grows continuously and mats fast, especially around the ears, armpits, and legs. A mat that gets ignored becomes a painful tangle that has to be shaved out.
Most pet owners go for a shorter "puppy cut" — about 1–2 inches all over — which is much easier to manage than the flowing show coat you see in photos. With a puppy cut, you're brushing every 2–3 days and going to a groomer every 6–8 weeks. With a long coat, you're brushing daily, minimum. There's no shame in the puppy cut. Most Shih Tzus seem happier in it honestly — less coat pulling when they move, cooler in summer, and you can actually see their face properly.
The face area needs special attention regardless of cut length. Shih Tzus have prominent eyes and a flat face with skin folds, which can trap moisture and debris. A gentle daily wipe around the eyes and muzzle goes a long way toward preventing irritation and the reddish "tear staining" that's common in light-colored dogs.
For at-home brushing, the tool that made the biggest difference for me — and that I'd recommend for any Shih Tzu owner — is a proper grooming comb with fine and wide teeth in one. The PETHROOM professional grooming comb works through the topcoat and catches tangles at the undercoat without pulling — which matters a lot when your dog is on your lap and has opinions about being tugged (see disclosure above).
Health: What You Need to Know Before You Commit
Shih Tzus are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of 10–16 years. But there are a few health areas specific to the breed that every owner should understand going in — not to scare you, but so nothing comes as a surprise.
Brachycephalic airway issues. That flat face is adorable, but it comes with a compressed airway. Most Shih Tzus breathe fine in normal conditions, but they're sensitive to heat and strenuous exercise. Never leave them in a hot car. Keep walks shorter on very warm days. Watch for excessive snoring, labored breathing after mild activity, or blue-tinged gums — those are vet calls, not wait-and-see situations.
Eye problems. Those large, prominent eyes are one of the breed's most endearing features — and one of their vulnerabilities. Shih Tzus are prone to eye infections, corneal ulcers (from scratches or debris), and a condition called dry eye. Regular cleaning, keeping hair trimmed away from the eyes, and annual vet eye checks are non-negotiable for this breed.
Hip dysplasia and joint issues. Despite their small size, Shih Tzus can develop hip and elbow dysplasia. Good breeders screen for this. If you're buying from a breeder (rather than rescuing), ask for the parents' OFA or PennHIP certification.
Dental crowding. Small dogs, small mouths — teeth often crowd and overlap, making periodontal disease a real risk. Daily tooth brushing isn't optional with this breed; it's genuinely important preventive care.
Watch our full Shih Tzu guide on the Balanced Ben Pets YouTube channel.
Shih Tzu vs Maltese — The Real Differences
I live with Maltese, so I can give you this comparison from actual daily experience rather than just reading off a chart. Both are small, both are affectionate companion dogs, both do well in apartments, and both have high-maintenance coats. The differences are real but subtler than most comparison articles make them sound.
Shih Tzu vs Maltese — Side by Side
Both breeds are excellent companions. The main practical difference is the Shih Tzu's flat-face health considerations and slightly calmer temperament vs the Maltese's more alert, vocal personality.
If I'm being direct: the Shih Tzu is probably the easier daily companion. Calmer, less vocal, less reactive to noises and strangers. Bonnie and Bellina are wonderful but they have opinions about everything — delivery drivers, birds, the neighbor's cat. A Shih Tzu would probably just look up from their nap and go back to sleep.
Where the Maltese has an edge is health. No flat-face concerns, slightly better breathing, generally fewer eye issues. Grooming is comparable — both need regular brushing and professional cuts.
The honest answer is that if you like a calm, deeply affectionate dog who just wants to be near you and isn't too fussed about the world — the Shih Tzu might actually be the better fit. If you want a slightly more alert, spirited little dog with a big personality in a small body — the Maltese delivers that every single day.
Is a Shih Tzu Right for You?
Before you fall completely in love with one (it will happen fast), here's a quick honest checklist.
Shih Tzu will thrive with you if:
You live in an apartment or smaller home. You want a calm, low-energy companion. You have time to brush regularly and budget for a groomer. You have kids or other pets. You prefer a dog that doesn't bark constantly.
Think carefully if:
You live in a very hot climate (heat sensitivity is real). You travel frequently and need a very independent dog. You want minimal grooming commitment. You're away from home for long hours — they do want company.
Feeding a Shih Tzu: What Actually Matters
Shih Tzus do best on small-breed food that accounts for their compact jaw, smaller stomach, and tendency toward weight gain. Free-feeding — leaving a bowl out all day — is a bad idea for this breed. They'll overeat, and obesity puts extra strain on those already-compressed airways and small joints.
Two measured meals a day is the standard recommendation. Avoid fillers and high-grain formulas, which some Shih Tzus don't digest well. Many owners and breeders also recommend breed-specific food when possible, since it accounts for the known nutritional needs and sensitivities of the breed.
Royal Canin makes a Shih Tzu-specific dry food formulated for the breed's jaw shape and nutritional profile (see disclosure above). It's one of the few breed-specific foods where the formulation differences are actually meaningful — the kibble shape is designed for a flat-faced dog's bite, which makes a real practical difference at mealtime.
Finding a Shih Tzu: Breeder vs Rescue
If you're going the breeder route, do the homework. Ask for health clearances on both parents — specifically for hip dysplasia (OFA certification), eye conditions (CAER exam), and cardiac health. A reputable breeder will have these documents ready and will ask you questions too. If a breeder only talks price and availability, walk away.
Shih Tzu rescues exist and are worth checking. This breed ends up in shelters more than you'd expect — often because owners underestimated the grooming commitment or because of owner health or life changes rather than anything the dog did wrong. A rescue Shih Tzu is typically already house-trained and past the puppy chaos, which is genuinely appealing.
Either way, the dog you're bringing home will be with you for potentially 15 years. The time you spend finding the right one is worth it.
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