Maltese Shih Tzu: Your Complete Guide to the Lovable Malshi

The Maltese Shih Tzu, often affectionately called the Malshi, is a small, loving, and intelligent designer breed, perfect for families and singles alike. With its charming personality, adorable looks, and hypoallergenic qualities, the Malshi has rapidly become one of the most sought-after companion dogs worldwide. This in-depth guide covers every aspect of the breed’s background, temperament, health, care needs, grooming, and more, making it an essential read for anyone considering bringing a Maltese Shih Tzu into their home.

Breed Overview

• Breed Name: Maltese Shih Tzu (Malshi)
• Type: Designer Toy Breed
• Parent Breeds: Maltese and Shih Tzu
• Weight: 3–6 kg (6–13 lbs)
• Height: 20–30 cm (8–12 inches) at the shoulder
• Life Expectancy: 12–14 years
• Suitable For: Families, individuals, first-time dog owners, apartment dwellers

History and Origin of the Maltese Shih Tzu

The Maltese Shih Tzu is a modern hybrid, or “designer dog,” created by crossing the ancient Maltese and Shih Tzu breeds. The primary goal was to develop a small, affectionate companion dog with minimal shedding, ideal for allergy sufferers. The first Malshis were bred in Australia in the 1990s and gained popularity quickly due to their friendly temperament and suitability for various households.

• Maltese: Originating from the Mediterranean (particularly Malta), the Maltese is one of the oldest toy breeds, known for its luxurious white coat and elegant history as a companion to royalty.
• Shih Tzu: Hailing from China, the Shih Tzu was bred as a lap dog for imperial courts, distinguished by its noble demeanor and long, flowing hair.

This combination brings together the best traits of both breeds, resulting in an affectionate, playful, and low-shedding companion.

Appearance: What Does a Maltese Shih Tzu Look Like?

Since the Malshi is a crossbreed, individual appearance may vary, but most share the following traits:

• Size: Toy breed with a compact, sturdy body (20–30 cm tall, 3–6 kg weight)
• Head: Round with expressive, dark eyes and a short to medium muzzle
• Ears: Drop ears covered with wavy or straight hair
• Coat: Soft, dense, and medium to long; usually wavy and silky in texture
• Colors: White is most common, but can also present in shades of brown, black, cream, or apricot—often with various markings
• Tail: Well-plumed and carried over the back

Malshis are beloved for their “puppy-like” appearance, which they often retain well into adulthood.

Temperament and Personality

The Maltese Shih Tzu is celebrated for its joyful, social, and affectionate disposition. This breed thrives on human interaction and forms strong bonds with its family. Core personality traits include:

• Affectionate and loving—enjoys cuddling and attention
• Friendly toward children, adults, and other pets
• Highly social and dislikes being left alone for long periods
• Playful, alert, and energetic—loves games and interactive play
• Intelligent yet sometimes stubborn, calling for consistent, positive training
• Not typically a heavy barker, but vocal when excited or lonely
• Prone to separation anxiety if not gradually accustomed to alone time

Well-socialized Malshis are confident, outgoing, and adaptable, making them ideal for first-time dog owners and families.

Care and Exercise Needs

While the Maltese Shih Tzu may be small, they possess a moderate energy level and require physical and mental stimulation to remain happy and healthy.

• Exercise: Daily walks (20–30 minutes), active playtime, and puzzle toys are ideal. They adapt well to apartment living but enjoy safe yard romps.
• Training: Intelligent and eager to please, but may be a bit stubborn. Use positive reinforcement and patience for the best results.
• Socialization: Start early—expose your Malshi to various people, pets, and environments to build confidence and minimize anxiety or shyness.
• Alone Time: Not suited to being left alone for extended periods; separation anxiety is common. Make use of crate training and gradual alone-time practice.

Malshis excel in households where someone is often home, but with the right routine and enrichment, they can adjust to different lifestyles.

Grooming and Maintenance

This designer breed boasts a beautiful, low-shedding coat but does require regular maintenance to keep it healthy and mat-free:

• Brushing: Brush coat at least 3–4 times per week (ideally daily) to prevent tangling and mats
• Bathing: Bathe every 3–4 weeks or as needed—use a gentle, hypoallergenic dog shampoo
• Trimming: Regular professional grooming is recommended every 6–8 weeks to maintain coat length and hygiene
• Ear Cleaning: Check and clean ears weekly to prevent infections, as floppy ears can trap moisture and debris
• Dental Care: Brush teeth several times per week to prevent tartar buildup and dental disease
• Nail Care: Trim nails monthly or as needed to keep paws healthy and comfortable

While Malshis are often marketed as “hypoallergenic,” no dog is completely allergen-free. Their low-shedding coat may help reduce symptoms in allergy-prone households.

Health and Lifespan

Overall, Maltese Shih Tzus are a healthy crossbreed but, like all dogs, are prone to certain hereditary conditions. Responsible breeding and regular health checks are crucial for longevity and quality of life.

• Lifespan: 12–14 years is typical with proper care
• Common Health Concerns:
  • Patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps)
  • Respiratory issues due to short muzzles (brachycephalic syndrome)
  • Eye problems (tear staining, cataracts)
  • Dental disease
  • Allergies and skin sensitivities
  • Collapsed trachea

Ask breeders for health clearances on both parent breeds. Routine vet checkups, a balanced diet, dental hygiene, and appropriate exercise play key roles in ensuring long-term health.

Feeding and Nutrition

Proper nutrition is vital for the development and maintenance of a healthy Malshi. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Diet: High-quality commercial dog food for small or toy breeds, or a vet-approved homemade diet
• Portion Control: Monitor food intake to prevent overweight; these small dogs can easily gain excess weight if overfed
• Feeding Schedule: 2–3 small meals per day
• Fresh Water: Provide constant access to clean, fresh water

Consult with your veterinarian to tailor a plan that meets your dog’s unique age, weight, and activity needs.

Living with a Maltese Shih Tzu

The Malshi makes an excellent pet for a wide variety of owners. Here’s why they’re such a great match for many households:

• Compact size makes them well-suited for apartments, condos, and smaller homes
• Friendly nature and adaptability mean they can thrive with families, singles, and seniors
• Great with children and other pets when properly socialized
• Manageable exercise requirements—meet their needs with walks, play, and interactive toys
• Low-shedding coat beneficial for allergy sufferers (though still requires maintenance)

Their people-loving personality means Malshis excel as companion animals, but prospective owners should be prepared for their need for attention and company.

Training Tips for Maltese Shih Tzu Owners

• Use positive reinforcement (treats, praise, play) to encourage learning
• Begin obedience training and socialization early—first 3–4 months are critical
• Keep training sessions short and fun to maintain focus
• Be patient and consistent—this breed can be independently minded
• Crate training aids in housebreaking and promotes safe alone time

Early and ongoing training will help your Malshi become a confident and well-mannered family member.

Maltese Shih Tzu Pros and Cons

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are Maltese Shih Tzus good with children?

Yes, Malshis are generally great with children when properly socialized. Their playful and gentle nature makes them a favorite with families, but always supervise young kids around any small dog to prevent accidental injury.

Do Maltese Shih Tzus shed?

Malshis are considered low-shedding and may be suitable for some allergy sufferers. However, regular grooming is needed to keep their coat clean and mat-free.

How long do Maltese Shih Tzus live?

With proper care, regular veterinary checkups, and a balanced diet, Malshis typically live 12–14 years or more.

Are Maltese Shih Tzus easy to train?

They are intelligent and can learn quickly with positive reinforcement, but may occasionally be stubborn. Consistent, patient training is key.

How much exercise does a Maltese Shih Tzu need?

Moderate daily exercise—like brisk walks and playful activities—are sufficient to keep them happy and healthy.

Is a Maltese Shih Tzu right for me?

If you want a loving, loyal, and hypoallergenic companion who thrives on attention and fits well into family or apartment life, the Malshi may be the perfect breed for you!

Conclusion

The Maltese Shih Tzu is a delightful blend of the best qualities from both parent breeds. Their affectionate nature, intelligence, and adaptability make them an excellent choice for many different types of households, from singles in apartments to large, active families. While their grooming and attention needs are considerable, the rewards of companionship, love, and joy from a Malshi are second to none. Consider this charming designer dog if you seek a lively, cuddly, and loyal four-legged friend.

Author

Srija Burman

 

Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in writing and editing ranges across niches, including academics, sports, and human psychology.

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