How to differentiate a Shih Tzu from a Maltese

The difference between Shih Tzu and Maltese: 1. Mouth shape: The mouth of Shih Tzu is flat, somewhat similar to the flat mouth of the Pekingese; while the mouth of the Maltese is more pointed and belongs to the pointed mouth. The two mouths are different but very subtle, so you must be careful to distinguish them. 2. Body size: When you compare Shih Tzu and Maltese dogs of the same age together, you will be surprised to find that although both are small dogs, the Maltese is smaller than the Shih Tzu. The pony is generally 20-25 cm tall and weighs 2-3 kg; while the Shih Tzu is generally 22.9-26.7 cm tall and weighs around 4.08-7.26 kg. 3. Coat color: The Shih Tzu’s coat colors are brown, black, gray, brown, golden and blue-gray, etc.; while the Maltese’s coat color is only snow white or called pure white. Of course, it should be noted that impure Maltese will also have a light yellow coat, but will never have a coat color similar to that of a Shih Tzu. To sum up the Maltese is pure white, the Shih Tzu has other colors. The Maltese is smaller and the Shih Tzu is bigger. The Maltese has a single coat and the Shih Tzu has a double coat. The Maltese has a narrower head and the Shih Tzu has a wider head.