The beautiful Maltese and Shih Tzu crossbreed is a toy-sized canine variety that is a cozy and comforting friend. This tiny little dog is also known as a Malshi.

The Malshi is produced by mating a Maltese dog with a Shih Tzu dog to create a fluffy and lovable pup that can adapt to various circumstances.

The Malshi breed is considered a designer breed and stands less than 12 feet tall due to celebrity status.

History of The Malshi

A Maltese and a Shih Tzu are the ancestors that created the Malshi breed. Shih Tzus are intelligent and energetic, whereas Malteses are petite and hypoallergenic dogs.

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Also, as a result, the Maltese Shih Tzu inherits a combination of these beautiful qualities at birth, developing into a loving yet lively small breed that is both cute and entertaining.

Maltese And Shih Tzu Origin

The Maltese Shih Tzu’s parents come from diverse regions of the world. Although the Maltese and Shih Tzu are native to the Mediterranean and Asia, the US developed the Maltese Shih Tzu for the first time in the 1990s.

However, while breeding the Maltese Shih Tzu, the goal was to produce a dog that shed less, much like the Shorkie dog.

Furthermore, it made no difference if the Maltese or the Shih Tzu was the Sire or the dame because both parent dogs are tiny. And the result was a cute little designer puppy you could carry about in your purse.

Characteristics Of The Maltese And Shih Tzu

maltese and shih tzu
malshis trixie and reyna – image by malshilovers from instagram

It can be challenging to predict precisely which traits your Maltese Shih Tzu will inherit from either parent, as with many other hybrid dogs. However, Maltese Shih Tzus typically have litters of six to eight puppies, which is a sizable litter given their miniature stature.

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Brief Overview Of The Maltese  Shih Tzu

Height 10 – 12 inches
Weight 6 – 12 pounds
Lifespan 12 – 14 years
Coat Straight or wavy hypoallergenic coats
Colour Black, brown, red, silver, white, tan
Temperament Friendly, tolerant, sociable, loyal, adaptable
Cost $400 – $800

 

Health Issues Of A Maltese And Shih Tzu

Brachycephalic Respiratory Syndrome

Usually, dogs with short, flattened heads and faces will exhibit this problem. If they become too exhausted, it may cause breathing problems and lack of breath. Unfortunately, the Malshi is genetically prone to this disease in both parent breeds.

White Shaker Syndrome

Smaller dogs frequently experience this syndrome, which makes their entire body tremble. An idiopathic inflammation of the brain brings it on. Some owners think their dog is cold, but you should take them to the clinic if you think they have white shaker syndrome.

Patellar Luxation

Smaller dogs are more prone to this ailment, which develops when the patella is out of place. It may result in lameness in the affected leg or an unusual gait similar to a skip or hop.

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You can prevent any of these problems from becoming irreversible by having regular examinations with your veterinarian and monitoring your dog.

Food  And Diet

The Maltese Shih Tzu mix does not require much food due to its small size. When they are puppies, you should feed them 55 calories per pound of body weight and 45 calories per pound of body weight when they are adults.

This equates to roughly half a cup of dry dog food daily for an adult. Your dog should eat high-quality food, and you should always check the back of the food packet to ensure you are feeding them the recommended amount of food for their size.

However, it would help if you feed them kibble for tiny or Toy dog breeds. Also, feeding your dog twice a day is something you should attempt to accomplish. Thankfully, this breed does not have an obesity problem. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t give them a balanced diet!

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Exercise

It is not surprising that the Maltese mix does not require a lot of exercises. However, just because they don’t need a huge yard to run around doesn’t mean they don’t require any activity.

Therefore, you should expect to spend 15 to 30 minutes walking your Maltese Shih Tzu daily. And they will be amused by mental stimulation, which includes spending time with you playing and demonstrating your love for them. Due to their high level of intelligence, Malshi enjoys discovering new things.

Family Compatability

A great family dog is the Maltese Shih Tzu. Given adequate love, these dogs thrive in large homes in the countryside and little apartments in urban areas. If they receive enough attention, they will thrive in a setting with a couple or just one person.

Furthermore, it would help if you did not worry about taking these puppies on long walks daily. They aren’t the most active dog breed; however, they may be incredibly cuddly and will willingly curl up next to you on the couch for a hug. However, they can also be playful and adore spending time with kids, so this puppy offers the best of both worlds!

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Training A Maltese And Shih Tzu

It is not difficult to train a Maltese Shih Tzu, but it will take persistence. Therefore, utilize strategies for positive reinforcement at all times. This covers verbal compliments and rewards. However, don’t spoil your dog excessively since this might result in undesirable behaviors like destructive behavior and excessive barking.

They’ll perform better if you treat Malshi’s training like a game. They are clever dogs who benefit from mental stimulation. It might be as simple as them spending time with you and receiving attention in return for their devotion. Additionally, they enjoy fetching and activities like hide and seek.

Socializing Maltese And Shih Tzu

The Maltese Shih Tzu breed can be aggressive with people they don’t know. Early socialization guarantees they get along with all people, including adults, kids, and other pets.

Therefore, taking children to various locations should be the main socialization component. By doing so, kids will experience novel sights, sounds, and odors and discover what it’s like to be with others.

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Grooming Of Maltese And Shih Tzu

The ability to visit the groomer for a distinctive haircut is one of the owners’ favorite aspects of their Maltese Shih Tzu! These puppies, typical designer dogs, will gain from a haircut, particularly in the summer when it is warmer.

Don’t worry, though, if you don’t want to give your Malshi a new haircut. To remove any other fur and dander, you will still need to brush them, but you only have to do this twice weekly. Additionally advised is a twice-yearly bath to keep your dog’s hair glossy.

You must trim their nails and brush their teeth frequently to prevent tooth decay. Their parent breed, the Maltese, can be prone to tear staining, so keep an eye out for any stains in their eyes and wipe as often as necessary.

References: animalcorner.org, dogtime.com

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