🐶 Maltese
Temperament
Affectionate, fearless, bonded, sometimes barky. Maltese form intense bonds with one or two people and can suffer separation anxiety.
Exercise
20–30 minutes of gentle walking plus indoor play. Easy to over-exercise.
Grooming
Daily brushing if kept long — the coat tangles and mats easily. Most pet owners choose a "puppy cut" every 6 weeks. Tear staining around eyes is very common.
Health
Patellar luxation. Liver shunts. Hypoglycaemia (puppies). Dental disease. Tracheal collapse — always use a harness, never a collar.
Full Maltese profile →
🐶 Shih Tzu
Temperament
Gentle, friendly, slightly aloof, content. Shih Tzus thrive on company and dislike being left alone. They're playful but not high-energy, and generally good with children, other dogs and cats.
Exercise
30 minutes of daily walking plus indoor play is plenty. Brachycephalic features mean they overheat easily — avoid hot weather and strenuous exercise.
Grooming
Long double coat. Daily brushing if kept long; most owners choose a "puppy cut" every 4–6 weeks for ease. Hair around eyes needs daily wiping (eye discharge collects). Top-knot to keep hair out of eyes.
Health
Brachycephalic airway syndrome (mild). Eye issues (proptosis — eye popping out — in trauma). Patellar luxation. Hip dysplasia. Dental disease (small crowded mouths). Generally long-lived for a brachycephalic breed.
Full Shih Tzu profile →
