This cute toy dog breed is a mix of Maltese and Shih Tzu that makes a cuddly and relaxing companion. These tiny little puppies, also called Malshis, are created by breeding Maltese with Shih Tzus. They are soft and loving animals that are able to adapt to various situations.

Maltese Shih Tzu mixed breeds are considered designer breeds due to their celebrity status and their small stature. Check out the next few paragraphs to learn more about the history, characteristics, and day-to-day life of a Malshi.

History Of The Maltese Shih Tzu

A Maltese is bred with a Shih Tzu to create the Malshi breed. In comparison to the Maltese, the Shih Tzu is clever and spunky, while the Maltese are small and hypoallergenic. Therefore, the Maltese Shih Tzu inherits the traits of both, producing an adorable and fun little breed with a lot of affection and playfulness.

Breed Origin of Full-Grown Maltese Shih Tzu

There is a significant difference in the origin of both parents of the Maltese Shih Tzu. Maltese are from the Mediterranean, while Shih Tzu comes from Asia. United States breeders first began breeding Maltese Shih Tzu in the 1990s.

A Maltese Shih Tzu was bred to have a low shedding rate, much like the Shorkie. Due to the small size of both parents, it didn’t matter which dog was sire or dam. Small enough to fit in a purse, the dog was designed by a designer.

Due to their hybrid nature, the Maltese Shih Tzu is not recognized by any kennel club, including the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Characteristics of Full-Grown Maltese Shih Tzu

When you have a Maltese Shih Tzu, you can’t be sure perfectly which characteristics it will inherit from each parent. There are usually six to eight Maltese Shih Tzu puppies in a litter, which is a relatively large litter for a small dog.

Breeders typically charge between $400 – $800 per Maltese Shih Tzu puppy. There will be a slight variation in the appearance and coloration of each litter.

Appearance

This dog breed belongs to the Toy category, so it is very small. It doesn’t matter who is the sire or who is the dam when breeding since we’ve established that both parents are of equal size. A Maltese Shih Tzu puppy measures approximately 7 inches tall and weighs around 4 pounds.

A baby will end up being of adult height and weight by the time he or she is two months of age. They are usually 10 inches tall and 6-12 lbs for this animal.

Malshis are sometimes compared to pom. It is important to note that their head is proportionately larger compared to their bodies. Hazel or amber-colored eyes are usually big and bulgy.

Coat

Owners are able to give the Maltese Shih Tzu wonderful haircuts because the coat is normally long. Straight or wavy coats are both possible. In spite of the lack of an undercoat, some shedding still occurs in these pups. The hypoallergenic nature of their coats makes them perfect for people with allergies and a dislike of dog hair!

After we discuss grooming your Malshi in more detail, we will move on to other topics.

Color of Full-Grown Maltese Shih Tzu

Maltese Shih Tzu mixes vary in color from litter to litter. There are three main colors of these dogs: white, black, and brown, although they can come in a variety of colors for a really unique dog! You can distinguish your Maltese Shih Tzu from others based on the markings on its pups.

Temperament

There is nothing more loving than the Maltese Shih Tzu, the breed that just wants to love and be loved! Adaptable to any environment, this pooch will fit in a family home, a couple’s home, or even a home alone. As long as you give them plenty of love, they don’t care where you live, no matter how small or large your apartment is in the city or country.

Known for their energy, these puppies are also very affectionate and cuddly. They will happily snuggle up on the couch like lapdogs when they want to. Insufficient attention can lead to boredom and depression for them. Unwanted and undesirable behaviors can result from this.

As long as they are socialized properly, the Malshi will get along with everyone, including other dogs. It is important to socialize them from a young age since they can become a bit feisty if not introduced properly. For them, cuddles and attention are sufficient mental stimulation, and they don’t require much exercise.

Lifespan of Full-Grown Maltese Shih Tzu

Life expectancy for Malshi is relatively high. The lifespan of these puppies ranges from 12 to 14 years.

Known Health Issues of Full-Grown Maltese Shih Tzu

• A dog with a flattened or short head and face is usually diagnosed with Brachycephalic Respiratory Syndrome. They can become breathless and overexerted if they are overexerted. There is a genetic predisposition to this syndrome in both parent breeds of the Malshi.
• It causes the whole body to shake and is commonly found in a small dog. Brain inflammation caused by an idiopathic cause causes this condition. If you suspect your dog has white shaker syndrome, you should take him to the veterinarian. Some owners assume his condition is simply being cold, but you should take him to the vet if you suspect it is a more serious condition.
• When the patella is not aligned properly, it can cause Patellar Luxation in smaller dogs. Consequently, the leg can become lame or the gait abnormal, like hopping or skipping.

You can prevent these issues from becoming untreatable by keeping an eye on your dog and scheduling regular vet checkups.

Daily Life

It is now time to take a closer look at how Maltese Shih Tzu lives and what it’s like living with one. They need to get enough food and exercise, as well as take care of their grooming needs.

Food And Diet

They only require a small amount of food, since they are so small. During their puppyhood, you should provide them with 55 calories per pound of body weight, and once they reach adulthood, 45 calories per pound. Since your Malshi puppy is still growing, he or she will need more food.

The amount of dry dog food an adult dog should consume per day is approximately half a cup. To make sure your pup gets the right amount of food based on their weight, always check the back of the food packet. Toy or small dog breeds should be fed kibble formulated for small dogs.

Two meals per day are recommended for your dog. There is no risk of obesity in this breed. We should still feed them a healthy diet, though!

You can feed your Maltese Shih Tzu this Nutro dry dog food. You can easily chew and swallow the small kibble pieces of this food, which is specially formulated for small and toy-breed dogs.

Chicken, lamb, and salmon are all included in this food, providing your dog with lean and strong muscles throughout his or her lifetime. Fruits and vegetables also enhance the health and appearance of your pup’s coat and aid digestion. It contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives to make it even better.

Exercise

Unlike other breeds, Maltese mixes do not require a great deal of exercise. It doesn’t mean they don’t need exercise, though, as they are not necessitated by a large yard.

Your Maltese Shih Tzu should be walked daily for 15 to 30 minutes. By playing with them and showing that you love them, you can keep them entertained mentally. As intelligent dogs, they will also enjoy exploring and learning new things.

Family Compatibility

An excellent family dog, the Maltese Shih Tzu will be an excellent addition to your home. As long as you give them enough love, these dogs can live happily in small apartments in the city and in large houses in the countryside. Depending on how much attention they receive, they can also thrive in an environment with a couple or an individual.

Dogs like these don’t have to be taken for long walks every day, as they aren’t very active. They can be quite affectionate and will happily snuggle up with you on the couch! The best part is that this pup is playful and loves to be around children!

Dogs like these are easily trained and social, making them ideal for households with humans and animals alike. When they’re young, you can easily fix this by socializing them from a young age so that they don’t become feisty around people they don’t know.

Your Malshi needs your full attention, so make sure you can provide it. Having said that, you should play with your little ones and show them how much you love them when you are with them.

In the absence of this affection, they can exhibit destructive behaviors and become bored and depressed. They may develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long, so they are not the best pup if you are gone all day at work.

Training of Maltese Shih Tzu

Maltese Shih Tzu training does not require much effort, but patience is needed. Using positive reinforcement techniques is always a good idea. This includes verbal praise and treats. You should also avoid spoiling your puppy excessively, as this can result in destructive behavior and barking.

The most effective way to train your Malshi is to present it to him as a game. Their intelligence makes them thrive when they are mentally stimulated. The best way to show them that you love them is to spend time with them and show them affection. They will also love playing fetch and hide and seek.

Socializing

Maltese Shih Tzus can be feisty around strangers they don’t know, as we mentioned above. As long as they are socialized properly from a young age, they will be able to get along with all humans, including adults and children, as well as other pets. Traveling to different places should be part of their socialization. In this way, they will get a chance to see and hear new things, smell new things, and let them learn what it’s like to be around other people.

Grooming

The Maltese Shih Tzu is a popular breed with owners because they can get a unique haircut at the groomer! A haircut will make them look like your typical designer dog, especially in the summer when it gets hotter.

It’s fine if you don’t want to give your Malshi a new look. If you brush them twice a week, you will be able to remove any excess fur and dander. Keep your dog’s hair silky smooth by bathing him twice a year.

Keep their dental decay at bay by clipping their nails and brushing their teeth as well. It is important to keep your eyes clean and watch out for tear stains – their parent breed the Maltese can be prone to tear staining.

Conclusion

Almost everyone can find a home for a Maltese Shih Tzu. The breed makes a perfect toy dog. The pups are extremely adaptable, able to live both in small apartments in the city and in large country homes without a problem. You will be able to spend hours cuddling with the Malshi, the dog who just wants to be loved.

This small dog is also playful and is the perfect companion for children, although it does not require a great deal of exercise. In spite of the fact that this hypoallergenic dog requires a little grooming, it is low maintenance and a wonderful companion who you can easily depend on.

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