Shedding matchup
Maltese vs Shih Tzu: who sheds more?
Shed scores (1/5 very low vs 1/5 very low), coat reality, and allergy honesty—so you know what ends up on the couch.
Two long-coated, often low-shed companions—daily brushing or a puppy cut keeps either livable.
Shedding scores
- Maltese: 1/5 (very low) — long coat
- Shih Tzu: 1/5 (very low) — long coat
Published shed scores are close—season, diet, and individual coat still move the needle.
Allergy honesty
Maltese
Often listed among lower-shed / allergy-friendlier breeds—still not allergen-free.
Shih Tzu
Often listed among lower-shed / allergy-friendlier breeds—still not allergen-free.
No breed is 100% hypoallergenic. Spend time with adult dogs before you buy or adopt. See our hypoallergenic breeds guide.
Grooming trade-offs
- Maltese: High maintenance. Daily brushing and regular professional grooming required.
- Shih Tzu: High maintenance. Daily brushing and regular professional grooming required.
Lower visible shed often means more brushing or professional clips—not less work overall.
Planning verdict
Lean Maltese
Lean Maltese if you want very low shedding (1/5) with a long coat often discussed for allergy-conscious homes. Grooming: plan for regular brushing or professional clips.
Lean Shih Tzu
Lean Shih Tzu if you prefer very low shedding (1/5) and a long coat often discussed for allergy-conscious homes. Expect clip-and-comb maintenance as part of ownership.
FAQs
- Does a Maltese shed more than a Shih Tzu?
- Shedding scores are similar. Maltese rates 1/5 shedding (very low; long coat) versus Shih Tzu at 1/5 (very low; long coat). Published shed scores are close—individual dogs and seasons still vary. Both are often discussed as allergy-friendlier—still not allergen-free.
- Which sheds less, Maltese or Shih Tzu?
- Neither clearly wins—both land near 1/5. Lifestyle and grooming habits matter as much as the breed name.
- Are Maltese or Shih Tzu hypoallergenic?
- Both are often listed among lower-shedding / allergy-friendlier breeds—but no dog is 100% allergen-free. Spend time with adult dogs of each breed before you commit.
- What about grooming for Maltese vs Shih Tzu?
- Maltese: High maintenance. Daily brushing and regular professional grooming required. Shih Tzu: High maintenance. Daily brushing and regular professional grooming required. Low shed does not mean low maintenance.
- Can I reduce shedding with either breed?
- Regular brushing, a healthy diet, parasite control, and managing stress help. You can’t eliminate breed-typical shed with supplements alone. For allergies, talk with an allergist—breed choice is only one factor.
Related shedding matchups
References
- Are There Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds? — American Kennel Club (AKC)
- Pet Allergy — American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)
- Pet Allergies — Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)
- General Dog Care — ASPCA