This adorable small dog is a mix of the Maltese and the Shih Tzu, giving us the Maltese Shih Tzus. They are one of the most popular dog breeds as their size, and cute features make them the perfect companion dog for any pet parent!
These designer dogs have been bred specifically to shed less than their parent breeds, making them great for those who suffer from allergies.
The Maltese cross Shih Tzu dog is a hypoallergenic dog breed. This does not mean that they do not shed but rather shed significantly less than many dogs.
Follow for all you need to know about these Maltese Shih Tzu’s shedding habits.
Despite having long hair, the Maltese Shih Tzu is not the type of dog breed to shed often. With a double coat, their loose or dead hair often gets trapped within the outer layer, so brushing them regularly is so important.
So, it is safe to say that they do not shed much, and you would not have to worry about having too much hair all over your home and clothes!
Although the Maltese Shih Tzu is not known to shed as much as other dogs, you will notice that they shed their hair more often during Spring and Fall seasons.
This is so that they can protect themselves from warm or cooler temperatures.
The Maltese Shih Tzu mix inherits this from both the Maltese parent and the Shih Tzu parent.
A Maltese Shih Tzu puppy does not necessarily shed more than an adult for this breed. This is because this hybrid breed does not have an undercoat and has hair, not fur, like other dog breeds, which is inherited from the Maltese and Shih Tzu breeds.
Maltese Shih Tzu puppies, like their Maltese parent breed, have a period in which they shed their puppy coat. This is when they shed the most, which will happen when they are around ten weeks old.
The Maltese Shih Tzu breed has long soft hair and does not have an undercoat, which is silky in texture. It can have a bit of a wave or be completely straight but should not be curly.
As a mixed breed, they can be several colours: solid colours like black, white and brown, or assorted colours like black and brown, white and brown or white with tan markings.
Brushing your dog regularly is essential as their coat stores loose and dead hair in the outer layer. Give them a thorough brush at least once a week. Brushing gets rid of loose and dead hair as well as prevents matting and tangling.
Clip their hair every six to nine months to keep maintenance of their coat to a minimum. The less hair they have, the less they will shed.
Bathing your dog regularly will keep the hair and skin in good shape! It will also ensure your designer dog is washing out all the dead hair trapped within its outer layer.
Both the Shih Tzu and the Maltese are considered hypoallergenic dogs, so it is only normal that the designer breed is too.
Being hypoallergenic does not mean they do not shed at all, but rather that they shed significantly less than other pets. This makes them less likely to trigger allergies in their human family members.
Less hair all over your home and clothes will always be ideal for any pet parent, which adds to their appeal of being the perfect companion dog!
There is no doubt this Maltese mix is cute, but adding that they are low-maintenance makes them even more appealing!
This toy dog breed is always a good option as they are compatible with many households. Whether you live in a large home, an apartment with a big family, or just one person, them shedding as little as they do means less dog hair all over the place and no allergies.
So, if you are thinking about getting Shih Tzu mixes and worrying whether they will be shed all over the place because of their long hair, you do not need to!
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