The Maltese Shih Tzu Mix, also known as the Malshi, is a cross between the Maltese and the Shih Tzu, two famous toy breeds. The Maltese is an elegant long-haired breed whose origins may be traced back thousands of years to the ancient world when the Greeks and Romans adored them. On the other side of the planet, the Shih Tzu, whose origins extend back thousands of years, was prized by the Chinese gentry. These two breeds complement one other nicely, resulting in a unique composite dog.
The breed was created in the 1990s. Breeders of Maltese Shih Tzu Mix intended for a tiny, low-shedding companion dog with a friendly, outgoing personality. While these pups are is hyped as non-shedding dog, this is not totally accurate. Although they don’t shed as much hair as many other breeds, they do shed some hair and require care.
Read on to learn more about this unique crossbreed and discover whether it’s the ideal dog for you.
Maltese Shih Tzu Mix: Appearance
Height: 6-10 inches
Weight: 6-12 pounds
The Maltese Shih Tzu has no official breed standard because it is not recognized by any of the major kennel associations throughout the world. As a result, each pup’s look might differ.
In general, the Maltese cross Shih Tzu will take on the Shih Tzu’s protruding eyes and stubby snout, as well as the Maltese’s long hair. Although some shedding may occur, these puppies do not have an undercoat and were bred intentionally to eliminate it.
Puppies of Maltese Shih Tzus are available in a range of colors and markings. They are usually white, black, or brown, but they can also be a combination of colors, giving you a very distinctive dog! The markings on the puppies differ as well, making it simpler to distinguish your Maltese Shih Tzu from others.
Personality/Temperament
The Maltese Shih Tzu is an extremely affectionate dog. In fact, they yearn for affection and want to know how much you adore them just like the Morkie, another Maltese mix. They have a modest degree of energy and an outgoing demeanor. This laid-back dog has no trouble socializing because all they want to do is be a terrific companion for everyone they meet.
Because of the breed’s adaptability, these are the ideal tiny puppies for an active household with whom they may run and play. They have a wonderful disposition and are appropriate for both youngsters and the elderly. Malshies are lively enough to keep your youngsters occupied, but they can also be placid and cozy, making them excellent friends for the elderly.
However, they may have separation anxiety if left alone for lengthy periods of time since they love their family so much. If your family is frequently away from home, the Maltese Shih Tzu mix may not be the best dog for you.
Exercise Needs
One of the best things about Maltese Shih Tzu Mix dogs is that they will modify their habits to match yours. They’ll keep up with you if you’re active. They’ll also be pleased to hang out with you if you’re more laid-back. These dogs like to go with the flow and live their lives like their humans.
However, regardless of your lifestyle, your Malshi will require some exercise. You must allow them to run around for at least 15 minutes every day. Although these aren’t the most adventurous dogs, they will enjoy some time in the sun. A daily stroll or an exciting game of catch should also suffice.
Mentally stimulating games, such as dog puzzles, will also help keep them occupied. Because these dogs are so bright, they will enjoy exploring and learning new things.
Are Malshies Good Family Dogs?
The Malshi is a wonderful family dog. These dogs are highly flexible and perform well in both small city flats and huge country estates if given enough attention. They’ll do well in a couple’s home or with just one person, as long as they get enough care!
These puppies aren’t particularly energetic, so you won’t have to take them for extensive exercise sessions every day. They are incredibly loving and would happily curl up on the sofa with you for a cuddle! They may, however, be lively and like being around youngsters, so you have the best of both worlds with this pooch!
Maltese Shih Tzu Mix dogs are also easy to teach and social, and they get along with both humans and animals. They might be a little aggressive with strangers, but this can be improved with proper socialization beginning at a young age.
Training
The Mal-Shi is a joyful and clever puppy who are fairly easy to train. They will learn basic obedience in no time, so you can sign up for advanced training when they’re ready to progress to something more difficult. This makes the Maltese Shih Tzu mix a wonderful choice for first-time dog owners too.
Your Malshi may be stubborn at times, but with positive reinforcement and regular training, this difficulty will be resolved. Housetraining can also be a problem, so start crate training as soon as possible. Your puppy will be an obedient and well-behaved companion in no time if you start early and use positive reinforcement.
Remember, you should treat your Malshi like a dog rather than a child. Otherwise, these can turn out to be spoilt little pups in no time. Like any other dog breed, Maltese Shih Tzu mix requires a strong and forceful pack leader. If your Malshi pup is going to behave, he or she needs clear and consistent teaching from a young age, as well as fair and consistent discipline. Make sure you treat them like genuine dogs by allowing them to walk rather than carrying them around all the time.
Shedding And Grooming
Malshies will demand some attention, much like their parent breeds. They will usually have long, silky, straight hair, but they may have somewhat wavy hair in rare circumstances. To avoid tangles and matting, they’ll need to be combed every day. Of course, some owners want their Mal-Shi to be clipped into shorter, easier-to-manage locks. They’ll need to be brushed every day, anyway. The Malshi is considered hypoallergenic, which means they won’t shed much.
Because Malshies are prone to tear stains, you will need to clean the region around their eyes daily. Every two to three weeks, make sure clip their nails; in fact, if you hear their nails clicking on the tile floor, it’s time to trim them. Brush their teeth twice or three times a week to avoid tartar build-up and every day to avoid tooth decay.
Health
The Maltese Shih Tzu mix is at risk of acquiring the most prevalent health problems from their parent breeds, such as hypothyroidism, glaucoma and other eye abnormalities, white shaker syndrome, and patellar luxation.
1. Patellar Luxation:
Patellar Luxation is a condition that affects a wide range of tiny breeds. The kneecap becomes displaced from the joint, causing discomfort and sometimes lameness. While many dogs can lead normal lives, some may require surgery to treat the issue.
2. White Shaker Syndrome:
This is an illness that affects Shih Tzus, Malteses, and their crossbreeds. Young or middle-aged dogs may experience periods in which they shake uncontrollably and are unable to move. Steroids are normally administered for a few months, while severe instances may require daily doses for the rest of one’s life.
3. Hypothyroidism:
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which a dog’s thyroid does not generate enough hormones. Your dog may gain weight, have dry skin, lose fur, or become sedentary. Medication is usually effective in treating it.
With proper care, your Maltese Shih Tzu may have a long and happy life with an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years.
If you’re getting a Malshi puppy from a breeder, be sure they’re trustworthy and ready to offer health clearances from both parents. When the pups were bred, those health certificates verified that the parents had been examined for particular medical issues and had returned negative findings.
Maltese Shih Tzu Mix Cost:
While Malshi pups can be found for less than $400, you’ll most likely have to pay between $500 and $800.
Their price depends on the breeder’s location, the popularity of the kennel, the purebred parents’ lineage or pedigree, and the number of puppies available in a litter.
Conclusion
Maltese Shih Tzu Mixes are adoring, clever, and playful pups and are the ideal companion for any family or person, regardless of living conditions. Just remember to give your Maltese Shih Tzu plenty of love and attention, as well as plenty of time.
It is important to remember that not every breed of dog is suitable for every family and situation. This is why it’s important to research the breed you’re interested in before bringing one into your home.
To know more, check out other articles on the Maltese and the Shih Tzu.
If you have a Malshi or know of someone with this friendly and outgoing pup, please share your story in the comments below.