There are many dogs that look similar, such as Shih Tzu and Maltese, Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky, Shetland and Sumeru, etc. The strikingly similar appearance makes it difficult for people to tell them apart.

For Maltese dogs and Shih Tzus, both are dogs with extremely high reward value and breeding value. However, many people confuse the two. What is the difference between the Maltese and the Shih Tzu, and how should they be distinguished?

The editor concludes that the first step to correctly distinguish Maltese and Shih Tzu is to understand each other’s characteristics and appearance.

Shih Tzu:

Originally originated in Tibet, my country, the most unique thing about the Shih Tzu is that the whole body is covered with slender hair. The hair on the top of the head is also very thick and slender. The hair droops forward to cover the entire face. Therefore, we see many Shih Tzu dogs. , always wearing a small bun on the top of his head.

Many people call the Shih Tzu dog because it looks like a "beautiful girl" with long hair. The slender hair flows in the breeze, making it look very elegant and fairy-like.

The Shih Tzu’s eyes are large, clear, alert and focused, and its head is always held high, giving it an extraordinary temperament. The Shih Tzu has a very compact body and agile steps, but if you observe the Shih Tzu carefully, you will find that its steps are slightly wobbly.

Maltese Dog:

This is one of the oldest dog breeds in Europe, also known as the Maltese ear. Some people also call it the "Mother Angel". It was first produced on the island of Malta, a British territory in the Mediterranean. The birth of the Maltese dog is loved by many children and girls. The main reason for this is that Maltese has a gentle and comfortable personality, and his appearance is very elegant and beautiful.

Strictly speaking, the Maltese dog is a delicate small dog breed. Like the Shih Tzu, the whole body is covered with thick and slender hair, and the texture of the hair is silky, shiny and soft. This makes it look very elegant and noble. The Maltese dog's skull is relatively broad and round, and its entire body is strong and compact. Although it is small in size, it is very agile and clever.

The difference between Shih Tzu and Maltese dogs:

1. Mouth shape The Shih Tzu’s mouth is flat, somewhat similar to the Pekingese’s flat mouth; while the Maltese dog’s mouth is relatively pointed and has a pointed mouth. Although there are differences in the mouths of the two, they are very subtle, so you must distinguish them carefully.

2. Body shape,willComparing Shih Tzu and Maltese dogs of the same age together, you will be surprised to find that although both are small dogs, the Maltese dog is smaller than the Shih Tzu dog. The height of a pony is generally 20-25 cm and the weight is 2-3 kg; while the height of a Shih Tzu is generally 22.9-26.7 cm and the weight is about 4.08-7.26 kg.

3. Coat color,The Shih Tzu’s hair colors include brown, black, off-white, brown, golden yellow, blue-gray, etc.; while the Maltese dog’s hair color is only snow white or pure white. . Of course, it should be noted that the hair of an impure Maltese dog will also appear light yellow, but it will never have a hair color similar to that of a Shih Tzu.