Maltese Shih Tzu Mix
Maltese Shih Tzu: The Ultimate Loving Companion
The Maltese Shih Tzu, also known as the Shih Tzu Maltese Mix or Malshi, is a charming, affectionate, and intelligent hybrid that combines the loyalty of the Maltese with the friendly personality of the Shih Tzu. This breed is known for being playful, affectionate, and social, making them a great companion dog for families, singles, and seniors.
A Full-Grown Maltese Shih Tzu typically weighs between 7 to 12 pounds, with a soft, fluffy, hypoallergenic coat that requires regular grooming. These dog types love being around their owners and are well-suited for apartment living and small homes.
The Maltese and Shih Tzu Mix is a fast learner, highly adaptable, and enjoys playtime and cuddles. With the right training, socialization, and care, this hybrid makes for an affectionate and devoted family pet.
A Maltese Shih Tzu Mix puppy is a tiny, playful, and loving bundle of joy. These puppies love to explore, interact, and cuddle, making them ideal companions for individuals and families.
Early training and socialization ensure they develop good behavior and confidence. Their fluffy, hypoallergenic coat requires regular grooming from a young age.
Due to their strong attachment to their owners, they may develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. With proper training, playtime, and companionship, a Shih Tzu Maltese puppy will grow into a friendly, well-behaved, and loving pet.
Breed Traits
Small-sized, affectionate, and social Loves human companionship and dislikes being alone Highly intelligent and eager to please Moderate grooming needs due to soft coat Playful yet relaxed, great for apartment living
The Shih Tzu Maltese Mix has a lifespan of 12-15 years, with proper nutrition, exercise, and routine vet care contributing to their long and healthy life.
A Full-Grown Maltese Shih Tzu Mix typically stands between 8 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder, making them a perfect small-sized companion dog.
This breed generally weighs 7 to 12 pounds, with proper diet and regular exercise helping maintain a healthy weight.
- Perfect for apartment and small home living
- Thrives in homes where they get attention
- Requires moderate daily exercise and mental stimulation
- Best suited for families, singles, and seniors
Breed Characteristics
Soft, hypoallergenic coat requiring regular grooming Bright, round eyes full of love and curiosity Small, sturdy frame with a cheerful stance Highly social and loves being around other pets
Yes! The Shih Tzu Maltese Mix is a gentle, loving, and playful companion that is great with children, seniors, and other pets, making them an ideal family dog.
- Small, well-proportioned body with a fluffy coat
- Silky, slightly wavy fur that requires frequent brushing
- Bright, round eyes filled with warmth and affection
- Comes in colors like white, cream, or light brown
The Maltese Shih Tzu is a highly social dog that enjoys being with family and meeting new people. They thrive on companionship and may develop separation anxiety if left alone.
- Affectionate and loving, enjoys human interaction
- Playful and energetic, loves playtime and attention
- Highly intelligent and quick to learn new tricks
- Loyal and social, gets along with kids and other pets
Training a Maltese Shih Tzu is easy due to their intelligence and eagerness to please. They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats, praise, and short training sessions.
🔹 Key Training Tips:
- Begin obedience training early for best results.
- Use consistent commands and rewards to reinforce learning.
- Socialize them with different people, pets, and environments.
- Keep training sessions short and engaging to maintain their attention.
With patience and consistency, the Maltese and Shih Tzu Mix will become a well-mannered and affectionate companion.
Maltese Shih Tzu History & Facts
The Maltese Shih Tzu, or Malshi, is a designer hybrid breed that blends two ancient companion breeds—the Maltese and the Shih Tzu.
The Maltese, known for its royal history, was cherished by nobility for centuries as a lap dog. The Shih Tzu, originally bred for Chinese emperors, is known for its friendly, affectionate nature.
By combining these two breeds, the Maltese and Shih Tzu Mix inherits loyalty, intelligence, and charm, making them an ideal pet for companionship and love.
They are great for allergy sufferers due to their low-shedding coat.
They thrive on attention and form strong bonds with their owners.
They enjoy short walks and playtime, making them ideal for small spaces.
They quickly learn new tricks and commands, making training enjoyable.
They love cuddling and relaxing with their owners.
The Maltese breed is commonly mixed with other small breeds to create adorable hybrid dogs. Popular Maltese Mixes include:
- Maltese x Poodle (Maltipoo) – A hypoallergenic, intelligent small dog.
- Maltese x Yorkshire Terrier (Morkie) – A fun, social, and playful hybrid.
- Maltese x Shih Tzu (Malshi) – A gentle, affectionate lap dog.
Each mix inherits the loyalty and affectionate nature of the Maltese, making them wonderful companions.
The Maltese Shih Tzu thrives on a high-quality, well-balanced diet to maintain its energy levels and coat health. Lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, and fish provide essential amino acids, while brown rice and sweet potatoes offer sustained energy. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids from flaxseeds and fish oil help promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. Fresh vegetables and fruits like blueberries, carrots, and spinach aid digestion and boost immunity. Avoid artificial fillers, preservatives, and excessive grains. Feeding premium kibble, raw food, or a mix of both ensures optimal health. Always provide fresh water, adjusting portion sizes based on age, weight, and activity level.
🐶 Shih Tzu and Maltese Mix Behavior: Playful and Affectionate
The Shih Tzu and Maltese Mix is a friendly, affectionate, and social breed that thrives on companionship and attention. They love playing, snuggling, and spending time with their owners. Their gentle and adaptable nature makes them ideal for families, seniors, and apartment living. Proper training ensures they develop well-balanced behavior.
Alertness
The Maltese Shih Tzu Mix is highly alert, quickly reacting to new sounds and movements. They make great small watchdogs, notifying their owners of unfamiliar activity or approaching strangers.
Protectiveness
The Full-Grown Maltese Shih Tzu is mildly protective, barking at strangers but warming up quickly. While not aggressive, their loyalty and attachment to their owners make them attentive to their surroundings.
Prey drive
The Shih Tzu Maltese Mix has a low prey drive, preferring to play and explore rather than chase small animals. However, they may enjoy chasing moving objects or interactive toys.
Aggressiveness
The Maltese and Shih Tzu Mix is not aggressive, but they can be territorial if not socialized properly. Training helps them become well-behaved, friendly, and confident in new environments.
Barking level
The Shih Tzu and Maltese Mix is moderately vocal, barking when excited, anxious, or alerting their owners. Training helps control excessive barking, ensuring they are not overly noisy.
Trainability
The Shih Tzu Maltese Mix is highly trainable, responding well to positive reinforcement and treats. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them great for obedience training and socialization.
Mental stimulation needs
This breed requires daily interactive play, puzzle toys, and structured training. Without enough mental stimulation, they may develop boredom-related behaviors like chewing, excessive barking, or digging.
Intelligence
The Shih Tzu and Maltese Mix is highly intelligent, excelling in obedience training, socialization, and interactive play. Their quick learning ability makes them great for tricks, agility, and companionship.
The Maltese Shih Tzu Mix is one of many adorable Shih Tzu Mix Breeds. Other Shih Tzu Mixes include:
- Shih Tzu Poodle Mix (Shih-Poo) – A hypoallergenic, intelligent, and affectionate hybrid.
- Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix (ShiChi) – A tiny but energetic lap dog.
- Shih Tzu Yorkshire Terrier Mix (Shorkie) – A playful and affectionate companion.
- Shih Tzu Pomeranian Mix (Shiranian) – A lively and friendly small dog.
These mixes inherit the charming, intelligent, and social nature of the Shih Tzu, making them perfect for families, seniors, and apartment living.
The Maltese Shih Tzu Mix has a medium-length, silky coat that requires frequent grooming. Brushing 3-4 times a week prevents matting and keeps their fur clean. Bathing should be done once a month using a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo. Regular ear cleaning prevents infections, while nail trimming every two weeks ensures comfort. This breed sheds minimally, but regular brushing helps maintain its soft texture. Professional grooming every few months keeps their coat in top condition. Brushing their teeth daily prevents dental issues and ensures fresh breath, promoting overall hygiene and long-term health.
Physical Attributes: What Makes the Maltese Shih Tzu Unique?
The Maltese Shih Tzu, often called the Malshi, is a small designer breed that combines the elegant Maltese with the friendly Shih Tzu. They have a compact body, round dark eyes, a short snout, floppy ears, and a soft, wavy coat, making them one of the most charming lap dogs.
Breed Size
The Maltese Shih Tzu is a small-sized breed, weighing 6-14 pounds and standing 8-12 inches tall. Their compact size, lightweight build, and loving temperament make them perfect for families, singles, and apartment living.
Colours
They come in white, cream, brown, black, tan, or a mix of these shades. Their silky, soft, or slightly wavy fur enhances their fluffy and cuddly appearance.
Coat
The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat, making them ideal for allergy-sensitive owners. Regular brushing helps prevent matting and keeps their coat looking clean and fluffy.
Drooling
This breed is not prone to excessive drooling, making them a clean and low-maintenance companion. Occasional drooling may happen after drinking or eating, but overall, they are low-drooling dogs.
Snoring
The Maltese Shih Tzu is not known for snoring, but those with shorter snouts may snore lightly. Generally, they are quiet, peaceful sleepers who love snuggling at night.
Exercise Needs
This moderately active breed requires 30-45 minutes of daily exercise. Short walks, indoor play, and mental stimulation activities keep them happy, healthy, and entertained.
Grooming Needs
Brushing 3-4 times per week keeps their coat tangle-free and soft. Regular bathing, ear cleaning, and nail trimming are essential for maintaining their overall hygiene and coat health.
Aggressiveness
This breed is not aggressive, but they can be alert and protective. Early socialization and obedience training help them develop a friendly, well-mannered, and confident temperament.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is generally healthy, but they may be prone to patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), allergies, and dental problems. Their lifespan is 12-15 years, and proper care ensures their long-term well-being. Owners should watch for hip dysplasia, heart problems, and tear staining, as smaller breeds can develop eye and joint issues. Regular dental care, proper nutrition, and moderate exercise help prevent common health concerns. Providing vet checkups, high-quality food, and routine grooming ensures they stay healthy and happy throughout their lives.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is a small-sized breed, weighing 6-14 pounds and standing 8-12 inches tall. Their compact frame makes them adaptable to various living spaces, making them a great choice for apartments or small homes. While they are tiny, they have a big personality, often displaying playfulness, affection, and intelligence. Their small size, adaptability, and love for companionship make them one of the most sought-after companion dogs.
Maltese Shih Tzu faq
Is the Maltese Shih Tzu hypoallergenic?
Yes, their low-shedding coat makes them suitable for allergy sufferers.
How much exercise does a Maltese Shih Tzu need?
They require 30-45 minutes of daily activity to stay healthy and happy.
Is the Shih Tzu Maltese Mix easy to train?
Yes, but they can be stubborn, so early training with positive reinforcement is best.
Do Maltese Shih Tzus bark a lot?
They can be vocal, especially if they are bored or seeking attention.
What is the lifespan of a Maltese Shih Tzu?
With proper care, they live 12-15 years.
Can a Maltese Shih Tzu live in an apartment?
Yes! Their small size and friendly nature make them great for apartment living.
Are Maltese Shih Tzus good with kids?
Yes! They are gentle, playful, and affectionate, making them great for families.
Do Maltese Shih Tzus need professional grooming?
Yes, professional grooming every 4-6 weeks helps maintain their coat.
The Maltese Shih Tzu starts its day with a short walk or play session. They enjoy playing with toys, learning new tricks, and cuddling with their owners. Throughout the day, they require social interaction and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Their loyalty and friendly nature make them ideal lap dogs and family pets. Evening walks or interactive games help them relax, followed by snuggling with their owner before bedtime. Their small size and energetic personality require structured routines and consistent care.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is a small-sized, affectionate, and playful breed, ideal for families, singles, and retirees. Their compact size, intelligence, and loving nature make them excellent companions. However, they require regular grooming, daily exercise, and proper training. If you’re looking for a loyal, friendly, and adorable dog, the Maltese Shih Tzu is an excellent choice. Our ‘what dog am I quiz‘ matches you with a breed based on your superpower wish!