Thinking about getting a Maltese Shih Tzu into your home but not sure what to expect?
Not only are they extra cute, all fun-sized and fluffy, but their adaptable personality makes them suitable for any household. They are family-friendly with an outgoing temperament but can also be laid back and cuddly when they need some loving.
Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Maltese Shih Tzu’s temperament and personality traits. We’ll look at how they get along with other pets and their intellect and explore any behavioural issues. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll know whether or not a Malshi puppy is the right choice for your home.
Let’s start by looking at some of the Maltese Shih Tzu’s personality traits. Of course, each dog is different and has its own personality. But these are some of the most common traits associated with this toy breed.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is a social canine who makes the perfect little playmate for children and is pretty friendly towards strangers and animals. This makes them the ideal dog to add to your home if you have multiple pets and small children. People also love to approach smaller dogs when out in public, so it does help that they are sociable, especially if you live in a busy area.
The Maltese Shih Tzu breed is an adaptable dog that can be active and laid back. They are great at feeding off their family member’s energy and will quickly adapt accordingly.
If you are an active household who likes to go on long walks and have fun in the park, your little Maltese Shih Tzu will be right there with you. Or, if you are the type of household to spend your weekends on the couch catching up on your favourite series, your pup will be a couch potato with you.
Essentially, wherever you are and whatever you’re doing, they’ll want to be right there by your side!
The Maltese cross Shih Tzu is an intelligent dog that needs a lot of mental stimulation. One thing to know about this toy dog breed is that the way you treat them is how they will act toward you. This may seem obvious, but some dog owners get toy dog breeds to treat them like babies who must be carried everywhere.
The Maltese Shih Tzu will take this and run with it. If you want them to act like a dog, treat them like one.
Wondering if a Maltese Shih Tzu is the right choice for your family? Here’s everything you need to know about how they’ll fit in.
When bringing in a new pet, knowing if they will do well with dogs is always a good idea. The good news is that this Maltese Shih Tzu mix is super friendly towards other breeds. This is because it is naturally very sociable and will love nothing more than becoming part of a pack.
Small breeds can be pretty feisty, especially with their owners. Luckily the Maltese Shih Tzu is not the type and will much rather play with pets than be nasty towards them.
One thing about these little fluff balls is they get along well with children of all ages. They prefer more considerate children who know how to handle them but will be just as friendly towards little ones.
However, like all dogs, the Malshi breed needs early socialisation to avoid unwanted behaviour towards anyone, not only children. You should also teach your children to respect the Malshi and understand that it isn’t a cuddly toy to be thrown around.
Behavioural issues for all dog breeds are usually due to a lack of training. Maltese Shih Tzu puppies need obedience training and socialisation from a young age to ensure that they are well-mannered in public and around other animals, which is a must for all dogs.
They aren’t high-energy dogs but do need regular exercise. Most dogs will display disruptive behaviour due to pent-up energy, and the Maltese Shitzu is no different.
These issues can be worked on and are not of much concern for paw-rents looking to add this fun-sized hybrid breed to their home.
There should be no reason you want to leave these cute little pups alone for long periods at home. Doing so can cause stress for these hybrid dogs, leading to separation anxiety. However, there will be instances where this is unavoidable.
Make sure you spend as much time as possible with them before and after you leave. The number one rule here is never to make a big fuss about going, as they will likely react badly to this. Alternatively, you get them a friend to play with to keep them busy while you are gone. Having Maltese will allow them to socially interact and remain stimulated while you’re away.
Unfortunately, the Shih Tzu Maltese is known to bark more than usual. Their barking is often because they are alerting to danger or threat, although it can also be a sign of stress. And, as they do not do well with being left alone, they can use barking to express these feelings.
The Maltese and the Shih Tzu breeds are small breeds known to be excessive barkers, which may be the only bad thing this breed inherited from its parent breeds.
The Maltese Shih Tzu requires daily exercise but is not an active breed. You will see them running outside but they are also quite laid back. They only need 15-30 minutes of exercise daily. Getting enough exercise is essential for any dog and should be a priority, regardless of size or breed.
This designer breed has a well-rounded temperament. They are everything you want in a companion, which is why this is a popular family dog nowadays.
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