Maltese Shih Tzu Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Maltese Shih Tzu?

The history of the Maltese Shih Tzu is very small (just like them!) compared to the origin stories of their two parent breeds. The Malshi was first bred sometime in the 1990s by - you guessed it! - crossbreeding a Maltese and a Shih Tzu! The name chosen is unusually on the nose compared to the likes of Cavoodle or Puggle.

This cross-breeding is intended to create a lap dog that sheds minimally. These results were met, and the Maltese Shih Tzu mix has risen to prominence in America, Britain, and Australia. Being so new, a breeding guide is yet to be established for this dog.

The history of the hybrid's parents is far more interesting than that of the Malshi itself. The Maltese dog breed is not only considered one of the oldest dog breeds, but it is also one of the longest-surviving dog breeds. It has existed on the Mediterranean coast for thousands of years and is thought to be Maltese in origin.

The Shih Tzu, on the other hand, comes from Tibet and is another ancient dog breed.

Who are Maltese Shih Tzu dogs best for?

Malshis are best for all looking for a relatively low-maintenance pup. By low maintenance, we mean that they don't require that much exercise; however, they do require a significant amount of grooming (more on this later!).

These pups also require plenty of care and affection. However, take one look into their bulging eyes, and you'll want to spend all your free time with your Shih Tzu!

Due to their small size, Maltese Shih Tzus can thrive in both small city apartments and big country homes - as long as you give them enough attention, they don't care where they live.

Exercise-wise, they don't require nearly as much as a herding dog, but they do need their daily walk. Two 15-minute daily walks will suffice, alongside some indoor play. For this reason, these dogs are a great choice for those who don't have a lot of time on their hands, as well as retirees who are looking for an easy-going dog.

These tiny dogs suffer from separation anxiety, so they should not be left alone for long periods of time. If you work away from home, make sure to head home at lunch to visit your little friend or schedule a family member to check in on them while you're away.

How much grooming does a Maltese Shih Tzu need?

The amount of grooming you have to do depends on how long you let your Malshi's hair grow. Those with shorter styles can obviously go longer without brushing, but those with long, curly locks require frequent grooming.

Malshis do not come with an undercoat, which majorly reduces the amount of shedding they do. This is good as it requires you to do less cleaning up during shedding season. However, their coats still require daily grooming in order to stay silky and soft - mats and tangles easily form if you don't brush them every day!

Do Maltese Shih Tzu bark much?

The Maltese Shih Tzu breed is known to make good guard dogs and will bark whenever they see a stranger approaching them. They enjoy looking out the window and alert their owners whenever another dog passes by. This can be tedious for some, but all they need is a light pat to get them to calm down.

Do Maltese Shih Tzu bite?

Nipping is a natural habit formed by Maltese Shih Tzu puppies that they normally grow out of naturally. This is normally due to the pain they feel while teething and can easily be resolved by buying them good-quality chew toys. If they continue to play nip into adulthood, you should develop a command word to get them to stop it.

They have tiny, sharp teeth, so it would be best to supervise your kids as they interact with the pup and stop them from doing anything that might provoke a bite from the dog.

What is the temperament & personality of a Maltese Shih Tzu?

Both the Maltese and the Shih Tzu are extremely loyal and caring companion dogs, and the Maltese x Shih Tzu hybrid breed takes these traits to the next level. They are far better-natured than each of their parent breeds and tend to be more protective than them, too. They become very quickly attached to their human parents and like to protect them as much as they can.

They enjoy pleasing their owners and being praised even more, so they are definitely one of the easier dogs breeds to train.

The Maltese Shih Tzu temperament allows these pups to get on great with kids, as long as they are treated kindly and affectionately.

Their personality is often a reflection of the setting they find themselves in. In a quiet home, they can grow reserved and laid back. While in a busy home, they can grow highly energetic and outgoing.

What is the weight & size of a Maltese Shih Tzu?

Both male and female Malshi dogs reach roughly the same size, with full-grown pups, each measuring around 30 cm in height. If well-fed and taken for their daily walks, the Maltese-cross-Shih Tzu adult will weigh somewhere between 2.7 kg and 5.4 kg.

How much training does a Maltese Shih Tzu need?

A Malshi requires plenty of socialisation and fair discipline to grow into a mature and well-behaved pup. They need to be told off as soon as they've done something wrong as soon as possible - before it develops into a nasty habit. You should aim to be firm yet fair with them, using affection and positive reinforcement to steer them right.

As easy as it would be to treat this cute little pup as you would a baby, you cannot give in to their cuteness all the time, particularly when you're training them. Spoiling them with treats every time they complete a task successfully may bring out disobedience and bad characteristics in them.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Maltese Shih Tzu?

This Maltese Shih Tzu mix can inherit a lot of the health issues that their parent breeds suffer from, including patellar luxation, brachycephalic respiratory syndrome, and white shaker syndrome.

Generally, you can pick up cheap insurance for a Shih Tzu Maltese, as they only have a medium risk of developing such health conditions. These are good odds compared to other toy dog breeds.

What is the lifespan of a Maltese Shih Tzu?

A well-looked-after Malshi that doesn't develop any serious health issues will live somewhere between 12 and 14 years.

How much should you feed a Maltese Shih Tzu?

The best food option for this Maltese mix dog is dry dog food. They should be fed two meals per day, with portion sizes determined by the size of the dog.

What is the price of a Maltese Shih Tzu in Australia?

You'll be able to find a Shih Tzu Maltese in Australia with a price tag between $2,500 and $3,000.