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Maltese Shih Tzu: A Small Dog with a Big Personality!

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Maltese shih tzu

The Maltese Shih Tzu is one of the best hybrid breeds around; they have a small heart and a big personality. Cute and caring, this little-sized dog has become popular with those who love canines but would like to have one that is smaller yet full of energy and charm.  

Their fluffy hypoallergenic coats or their funny and outgoing nature will surely win everyone’s hearts.  

All there is to know about the Maltese Shih Tzu is personality and size, grooming needs, and potential illnesses. Reading through this, at the end of this article, you shall decide if this little ball of fur shall get a warm, welcoming home!!!  

The Maltese Shih Tzu, popularly known as the Mal-Shi, it’s an interbreeding of the two lovely breeds: a cross of Maltese with a Shih Tzu, so a result could always be only this perfect intercombination.  

Indeed, the love in these parental breeds is outstanding in its expression, making them amazing companions, the pets that all need love to have to hand and cherish constantly.  

Characteristic Details 
Size Small 
Weight 6-12 pounds 
Height 9-10 inches 
Coat Long, silky and fluffy 
Life Expectancy 12-14 years 
Temperament Affectionate, playful, confident and friendly 
Exercise Needs Moderate (regular walks and playtime) 
Grooming Requirements High (regular brushing and trimming) 
Training Level Moderate (Intelligent but can be stubborn) 

Since it is a crossbreed, the Maltese Shih Tzu takes the best from both worlds from the Maltese and Shih Tzu. This creates a friendly, intelligent, and social dog adapted to all household types.  

However, these lovable qualities provide specific care, especially for grooming, training, and health issues.  

Is a Maltese Shih Tzu a Good Mix?

Is a Maltese Shih Tzu a Good Mix

One of the best mixes is the Maltese Shih Tzu, which combines the best features of two favorite breeds. Some reasons why a Maltese Shih Tzu will be great for any dog lover:  

1. Sweet Companions

With parent breeds that include Maltese and Shih Tzu, one of the lovable attributes of Maltese Shih Tzu is how it highly tends to bond with people of its family by searching for constant care and love; thus, companions for one that desires to have a cuddly and faithful canine companion.  

2. Apartment Life-Friendly

Small Living spaces suit the Maltese Shih Tzu well because it is a small dog breed that requires minimal space to stay around. It does not require large spaces but, as a small breed, does require regular exercise and playtime every day.  

3. Low Shedding and Hypoallergenic 

The Maltese and the Shih Tzu have long hair types that do not shed much. The Maltese Shih Tzu should inherit such a coat from the parent breeds, though no dog breed can be 100% hypoallergenic. Still, this breed tends to cause fewer allergens compared to most others.  

4. Intelligent and Trainable

Maltese and Shih Tzu are intelligent dogs, and according to that, the Maltese Shih Tzu is also not different. They pick new commands and tricks relatively fast but also tend to be independent. This breed requires patience and consistency to train them.  

No breed of dog is perfect. And there are some considerations to remember while choosing the Maltese Shih Tzu.  

Why the Maltese Shih Tzu May Not the Dog for You?

1. Very Long Silky Coat Requires Much Grooming 

The beautiful, long, silky coat of the Maltese Shih Tzu does require much grooming. Brushing and professional grooming must be performed to develop mats and tangles in the fur. It may call for much time and attention, not ideal for one not well-prepared for grooming commitments.  

2. Sometimes Stubborn, Intelligent 

Maltese Shih Tzus can be obstinate while training. If they want something, then things go on their terms. That’s where positive reinforcement and patience play important roles. 

3. Separation Anxiety 

Attachment-loving dogs like the Maltese Shih Tzus have separation anxiety if kept away for long periods. They love staying with their companions and do not like being separated, so the dog shouldn’t stay away for that long of a duration in a day.  

Does the Maltese Shih Tzu Bark Much?

Maltese Shih Tzus, of course, are noisy barking dogs and may bark more often than other dogs sometimes. That is from the alert and guard nature toward home and family.  

They will also bark at the presence of new people or animals, besides making a noise around noises. There’s no strong impression that these dogs overbark-there are some occasional exceptions.  

How to Keep the Barking in Check:  

  • Socialization: Early socialization will help ease the excess barking. Introduce your Maltese Shih Tzu to the environment, people, and things that will expose them to it, and perhaps it may teach them to be calm and refrain from unnecessary barking.  
  • Training: Such training, when there is proper reinforcement, can work well to try controlling the over-barking by rewarding the dog when he keeps silent as the master commands instead of rewarding in attention to this over-barking case.  
  • Exercise: Sufficient exercise and mental stimulation may prevent or reduce excessive barking, a result of boredom and unused energy, to be utilized.  

Does Maltese Shih Tzus have health problems?

Does Maltese Shih Tzus have health problems

All breeds of dogs suffer from one kind of health issue or another. The Maltese Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but then there are the usual health problems inherent to this breed.  

1. Dental issues 

Because they are so small, the Maltese Shih Tzu easily succumbs to dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease. Hence good oral hygiene by brushing and professional cleaning must be a norm.  

2. Eye problems 

The common problems in Maltese Shih Tzu’s eyes are cataracts, dry eyes, and tear stains. The eyes must be checked sometimes, and the face should be washed every time so that the chances of these conditions developing become minimal.  

3. Patellar luxation 

The kneecap is displaced from the normal position. It is common in smaller breeds, causing lameness or unwillingness to walk. A veterinarian must scrutinize every limping and favor.  

4. Respiratory Disorder

Maltese Shih Tzus are prone to breathing disorders since they have small noses, one of which would lead to brachycephalic syndrome. He will breathe drastically, especially in warm seasons or extreme workouts.  

5. Hypoglycemia 

It is a low blood sugar disorder and may even occur in smaller breeds. This condition makes the dog look lethargic, weak, and even shaking. Feeding your dog a great diet will avoid hypoglycemia.  

How To Keep Your Maltese Shih Tzu Healthy

How To Keep Your Maltese Shih Tzu Healthy
  • Regular vet checkups: It will allow for catching any arising health issues beforehand.  
  • Healthy nutrition: Feeding these dogs a well-balanced diet helps prevent many problems.  
  • Grooming: Done more for scanning purposes than aesthetics. It checks for diseases or defects in your skin.  
  • Exercise: Keeping the body of your Maltese Shih Tzu’s body fit means avoiding becoming obese due to frequent exercising.  

Maltese Shih Tzu dogs may be petite, but more of them usually weigh from as low as 6 to 12 pounds and typically stand at an average of around 9-10 inches of height.  

So genetic factors alone, to a smaller extent, will determine the sizing variation in size of this type of dog breed.

Generally, it is purer, perfect breeding for one, or rather, one who aspires to maintain a relatively less massive and manageable dog to cater care from.

Growth Developmental Stages

There are different growth development stages, let’s go through them to learn more about these cute small dogs, Maltese Shih Tzu. Let me share with you the developmental stages to understand how they grow together! 

  • Puppy Stage: Maltese Shih Tzu puppies weigh very few ounces at birth. They will jump up several pounds for the rest of the months and weigh approximately 4 to 5 pounds by six months.  
  • Adult Size: Most Maltese Shih Tzus will have reached their adult size by one year of age. 

Can a Maltese Shih Tzu Be Left Alone?

Friendly and sociable, the Maltese Shih Tzus are not fond of being left for too long. Separation anxiety may result if they are left for such extended periods.  

Barking, destructive chewing, and drooling in excess may manifest as anxiety by the dog.  

If you need to leave your Maltese Shih Tzu for an extended period:  

  • Mental Stimulation: Leave some toys or a puzzle feeder for your dog to keep busy.  
  • Crate Training: Some Maltese Shih Tzus will be perfectly content in a crate if left alone, as it is a safe, familiar place.  
  • Pet Sitter or Dog Walker: If available, have a friend, family member, or professional care for your dog while you are away.  

How Much Does a Maltese Shih Tzu Cost?  

How Much Does a Maltese Shih Tzu Cost

The price of a Maltese Shih Tzu is quite wide-ranging, depending on the reputation and location of a breeder, pedigree, etc.  

You’ll spend around $500 to $1,500 for a puppy of this breed. You will be spending a lot more if it’s a show-quality dog or with champion bloodlines.  

Several expenses accompany getting a Maltese Shih Tzu:  

  • Grooming: Professional grooming will run around $50-$100, depending on your location and groomer.  
  • Veterinary Care: Routine vet visits, vaccination, and healthcare will be ongoing, too. 
  • Food and Supplies: Fine quality dog food and toys, in addition to the bedding supplies, would be another expense of dog owning, as well.  

How Hard Is It to Train a Shih Tzu

How Hard Is It to Train a Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus, and by extension, the Maltese Shih Tzu, are extremely intelligent dogs but can be stubborn sometimes.  

Maltese Shih Tzus should be trained slowly and consistently with positive reinforcement. They love treats, praise, and gentle encouragement but are not always quick to please, as with other breeds.  

Training Tips:  

  • Early Start: Socialize and train early so good habits of behavior can be learned.  
  • Train for Short Sessions with Positivity: Maltese Shih Tzus has a short attention span, so the training must be short and fun.  
  • Positive Reinforcement: Treats, Praise, Affection, etc., with good behavior.  

What Does a Maltese Shih Tzu Eat?  

What Does a Maltese Shih Tzu Eat

They are the type with extremely small mouth openings; feeding on food prepared especially for small-breed dogs would be great.  

Ideally, it must provide all nutritional requirements of the perfect recipe in adequate quantity; adequate protein, fat, and fiber levels.  

Feeding over may cause the most common outcome of obesity for small Maltese Shih Tzu.  

Feeding Recommendations

  • Good Dog Food: Main meat items.  
  • Dish Size: Feed ration portions throughout the day rather than one heavy meal. Do not feed Maltese Shih Tzus human foods since it easily leads to indigestion or disease.  

Is a Shih Tzu a High-Maintenance Breed?  

Is a Shih Tzu a High-Maintenance Breed

The Maltese Shih Tzu is pretty laid back and friendly; however, its needs are not too low when it comes to grooming. It has a long, silky coat that must be brushed constantly, preventing mats from coming up.  

This breed may also need to visit the professionals regularly every few months. The Shih Tzu might be a little more stubborn and difficult to train in that sense.  

But good care and attention can get the best results, and a Maltese Shih Tzu can indeed be a stunning and fulfilling pet.  

Wrapping Up! 

The Maltese Shih Tzu is an excellent companion dog because, even though small, it carries itself with the largest personality possible.  

This breed carries a very affectionate nature and playful spirit. Their irresistible cuteness would make them perfect to mate with any family; however, one is ready for all grooming and training requirements, along with the breed’s health problems.  

If you’re ready to provide the love and attention a Maltese Shih Tzu needs, you’ll be rewarded with a loyal, loving friend for many years. 

Additional Reading:

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Nabamita Sinha

Meet Nabamita, a first-time pet sibling of a beautiful 3-year old Indian breed pup named Bruno. Her love for dogs can be seen all over her social media accounts and also over the fact that she can't even walk a mile without petting every single dog she comes across. She is a walking talking encyclopedia when it comes to health and wellness for your fur babies, so she is a on e stop destination for all your queries.

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