Maltese vs Shih Tzu
A detailed pet insurance comparison between these two popular breeds. See which one costs less to insure and has fewer health risks.
Maltese
VS
Shih Tzu
Side-by-Side Comparison
Maltese
Winner VS
Shih Tzu
small
Size
small
4--7 lbs
Weight
9--16 lbs
12--15 yrs
Lifespan
10--18 yrs
Better
4/10
Better
Health Risk Score
5/10
$15--$35
Better
Monthly Insurance
$18--$38
$550
Better
Annual Claims
$650
low
Exercise Needs
low
high
Grooming
high
moderate
Trainability
moderate
No
Good with Kids
Yes
Better
Yes
Apartment Friendly
Yes
Overall Verdict
Maltese edges ahead with 3 wins vs 2.
VS
Size
small
small
Weight
4--7 lbs
9--16 lbs
Lifespan
12--15 yrs
10--18 yrs
Health Risk Score
4/10
5/10
Monthly Insurance
$15--$35
$18--$38
Annual Claims
$550
$650
Exercise Needs
low
low
Grooming
high
high
Trainability
moderate
moderate
Good with Kids
No
Yes
Apartment Friendly
Yes
Yes
Verdict
Maltese wins with 3 advantages
Key Verdicts
Insurance Cost
Maltese — Maltese has lower average annual insurance claims, making it the more affordable breed to insure.
Health Risk
Maltese — Maltese has a lower health risk score, indicating fewer breed-specific health concerns.
Lifespan
Shih Tzu — Shih Tzu tends to live longer, providing more years of companionship.
Breed Summaries
Maltese
small · Toy
- Monthly Insurance
- $15–$35
- Health Risk
- 4/10
- Lifespan
- 12–15 yrs
- Avg. Annual Claim
- $550
Shih Tzu
small · Toy
- Monthly Insurance
- $18–$38
- Health Risk
- 5/10
- Lifespan
- 10–18 yrs
- Avg. Annual Claim
- $650
