Maltese Shih Tzu Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

2.7-5.4 kg

Height

20-30 cm

Lifespan

12-14 years

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About the Maltese Shih Tzu

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

Affectionately known as the Malshi, this pup has risen to designer dog prominence over the last 30 years. One of the most popular dog breeds in Australia, the Maltese Shih Tzu may be small, but it has grown a big reputation for being cute, loyal, and even brave!

They’re pretty versatile, too, and can fit into various living conditions and family situations. They’re very easy to please and only ask for some lap time, a decent walk, and some nutritious meals to keep them happy and thriving.

Malshis are a very in-demand pup, but should you give in to the hype and adopt one? Here’s all you need to know about this literally irresistible crossbreed pup.

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 intended to create a lap dog that shed 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.

What is a Maltese Shih Tzu breed?

The Malshi is a toy dog breed that comes with a medium-length silky coat that lightly curls. These coats can either be left to grow out naturally, but, being a designer breed, it’s very common for their owners to get their hair groomed in unique and stylish fashions.

The coat most commonly comes in white with tan markings but has been known to develop other colour schemes, including such combinations as black and brown and brown and white.

They are very small with a rounded head, short muzzle, and bulging eyes that tend to be of an amber or hazel hue.

They are known for being extremely loyal, confident, and caring.

Learn more about: Maltese Shih Tzu Colours

Who is a Maltese Shih Tzu 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.

Maltese Shih Tzu Grooming & Shedding

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!

Learn more about: Maltese Shih Tzu Grooming Tips & Styles

Do Maltese Shih Tzus bark a lot?

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.

What is the average weight & height of a Maltese Shih Tzu?

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

Learn more about: Maltese Shih Tzu Size & Weight Chart

Are Maltese Shih Tzus easy to train?

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.

Learn more about: Maltese Shih Tzu Training Guide – Crate, Toilet & More Tips!

How do Maltese Shih Tzus behave? A look at their temperament and personality

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 dog 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.

Learn more about: Maltese Shih Tzu Temperament & Personality Traits

Does the Maltese Shih Tzu have any common health issues?

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.

Learn more about: Common Maltese Shih Tzu Health Issues

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 does a Maltese Shih Tzu need to be fed?

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.

Learn more about: What to Feed a Maltese Shih Tzu? Diet & Feeding Chart

How much can you expect to pay for 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.

Learn more about: Maltese Shih Tzu Prices In Australia

Maltese Shih Tzu FAQs

Is a Malshi dog hypoallergenic?

Malshis are considered hypoallergenic as they do not feature an undercoat, which limits the amount of hair they shed.

Are Maltese Shih Tzu Mix dogs an indoor breed?

Malshis are an indoor breed and can’t be left outside on their own. They can be left to wander around the house on their own or be limited to a few rooms – it’s up to the owner! Ideally, they prefer someone else to be at home at all times.

Are Malshis good for first-time dog owners?

Malshis don’t require as much training and exercise as other dogs, so yes, they’d be a good first-time dog for both young couples and the elderly.

Are Malshis good with children?

This toy breed can be quite delicate, so a Maltese Shih Tzu puppy may not be a great idea for small children. They do get along with kids, though, and can serve as loyal companion dogs to bigger kids who know how to treat them with care.