Maltese Shih Tzu: Your Complete Guide
The Maltese shih tzu, or “Malshi,” is famously one of the most adorable designer breeds around. Meet one in person, and you’ll quickly agree and understand why. This pup looks just like a teddy bear and has the best of both worlds: the Maltese dog’s playfulness and the shih tzu’s affectionate nature.
The Maltese shih tzu is that they can comfortably live in a range of households due to their small size and adaptable nature. This even includes apartments in the heart of bustling cities, provided they’re given opportunities to play outside throughout the day.
In this post, we’ll be showing this endearing mix some much-deserved appreciation. We’ll cover the Maltese shih tzu personality, history, physical traits, care needs, and a whole lot more. By the end of this article, you’ll be an expert on this pup and will be in the best place to judge whether they’re the right match for your family.
Table of Contents
Quick Look at the Maltese Shih Tzu
Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 6 to 10.5 inches tall, weighing between 7 and 16 pounds |
| Coat Type | Long, silky, straight coat |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Affectionate, adaptable, gentle, playful, and outgoing |
| Good With Kids | |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence |  |
| Easy to Train |  |
| Energy Level |  |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 11 to 15 years |
What Is the History of the Maltese Shih Tzu?
The Maltese shih tzu is a relatively new designer breed. While their exact history is a little difficult to pinpoint, they are thought to have first emerged in the early 21st century.
Shih tzu dogs are considered brachycephalic, meaning they are prone to health complications like breathing difficulties. It is possible that breeders were looking to produce a dog who retained the shih tzu’s family-oriented temperament, but had a healthier, more robust build (a trait seen in the Maltese).
However, to really understand the Maltese shih tzu’s history and how their traits came to be, it’s important to go back further in time and look at the origins of their parent breeds.
The shih tzu is an ancient breed whose roots can be traced back thousands of years ago to Tibetan monasteries. The monks of this time are thought to have developed them by crossing small breeds like the Pekingese and Lhasa apso together. While the shih tzu’s exact purpose isn’t known, they were selectively bred to resemble a lion, as these animals were considered sacred.
Shih tzus became popular companions among Chinese royalty during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, prized for their lion-like looks and dignified demeanors. Over the years, their popularity soon spread to the rest of the world, and they were finally recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1969.
The Maltese dog is also an ancient breed who was primarily bred for companionship. While their exact origin is hotly debated by historians, they are strongly connected to Malta, and it is on this island that the breed’s traits seen today really began to take shape.
Over the years, their popularity soon spread throughout the world. In Roman times, they were especially popular among noblewomen who kept them as a status symbol and fashion statement. This “royal” reputation remained with them over the centuries; even Queen Elizabeth 1, Queen Victoria, and Mary Queen of Scots were the proud owners of Maltese.
By the late 19th century, the Maltese had arrived on the shores of America. Just as they had captured the hearts of those within Europe, their popularity soon exploded here, and they were recognized by the AKC in 1888.
Today, both the shih tzu and Maltese are recognized as some of the most popular companion dogs in the world.
What Do Maltese Shih Tzu Look Like?
The Maltese shih tzu lacks an official breed standard due to their relatively recent emergence. Since they’re a mixed breed, their appearance can also differ widely from dog to dog. Some may closely resemble their Maltese parent, some may be a doppelganger of the lion-like shih tzu, and others may have a balanced mix of traits from both breeds.
That said, both the Maltese and shih tzu do share some similar physical traits, and you can expect the Malshi to have these traits too. They’re generally small dogs with sturdy builds, sweet expressions, and long coats. Their fur is low-shedding and comes in various colors, including white, black, tan, gold, brindle, red, blue, and silver.
What Size Is a Maltese Shih Tzu?
The Maltese shih tzu is one of the smallest designer breeds in the world, with most standing 6 to 10.5 inches tall at the withers and weighing between 7 and 16 pounds. Maltese shih tzus who inherit more Maltese traits may weigh less than this. However, it is rare for a Maltese shih tzu to weigh under 6 pounds.
What Is a Maltese Shih Tzu’s Coat Type and Length?
The Maltese shih tzu has a long, dense coat that rarely sheds, though its exact appearance depends on which coat type they inherit from their parents.
The Maltese has a straight, silky single coat. In comparison, the shih tzu has a double coat that has a noticeably more profuse, flowing look, and can either be entirely straight or slightly wavy in texture.
What Is a Maltese Shih Tzu’s Temperament?
The Maltese shih tzu is a bundle of charm and affection. While it can be difficult to predict their exact temperament due to their mixed nature, you can expect them to have similar traits to their parent breeds. Per the AKC’s breed standards, the Maltese is gentle-mannered, trustworthy, and playful, while the shih tzu is outgoing, affectionate, and adaptable.
The Maltese shih tzu is often happiest when they can be by their owner’s side (or snuggled up on their lap). This can make them well-suited to people who would enjoy having a canine friend who will always be there to keep them company.
However, their people-oriented side does mean they shouldn’t be left alone for more than a few hours. They are prone to separation anxiety and need companionship throughout the day to feel at ease.
The Maltese shih tzu is generally adaptable and can suit most living situations and homes, provided they’re given enough attention and exercise. They can be an especially good fit for apartments as they’re compact and not particularly demanding.
Are Maltese Shih Tzu Good With Kids?
The Maltese shih tzu has a well-deserved reputation for being a perfect companion for kids. They’re gentle, tolerant, and playful, and come in the perfect size for cuddling and snuggling. They also love to be the center of attention, meaning they’ll never tire of all the praise and belly rubs your kids give them.
That said, the Maltese shih tzu’s small, fragile physique does need to be considered. They are prone to physical injuries, so interactions with young kids should be closely supervised and roughhousing kept to a minimum.
Are Maltese Shih Tzus Good With Other Animals?
Both the Maltese and shih tzu were selectively bred to love human companionship above anything else. While this means the Maltese shih tzu often bonds closer with two-footers than four-footers, that doesn’t mean they can’t get along well with other animals.
Provided they are well-socialized, the Maltese shih tzu will enjoy the company of other dogs in your home. The Maltese shih tzu also doesn’t have a strong prey drive like certain breeds, so they can even be a good fit if you have small pets like hamsters, rabbits, and birds.
Are Maltese Shih Tzus Aggressive?
The Maltese shih tzu is a combination of two exceptionally gentle breeds, so aggression in this mix is extremely rare. While their shih tzu side may have a reputation for being a “little lion,” that only refers to their looks rather than their personality traits.
If a Maltese shih tzu exhibits aggressive behaviors, this is often the result of poor breeding or a lack of training. They may also exhibit aggressive behaviors if they’re feeling overwhelmed, whether due to anxiety, reactivity, or pain from an underlying health concern.
Positive reinforcement training can help prevent aggressive tendencies from developing in the Maltese shih tzu. However, if you’re struggling to manage their behavior at any stage, it’s best to reach out to an experienced dog trainer for help.
Do Maltese Shih Tzus Bark?
The Maltese shih tzu isn’t an overly vocal dog. As long as their needs are met, they usually only bark when they’re excited or trying to alert their owner to a visitor or something else that piques their attention.
The Maltese shih tzu’s barks are also relatively quiet and won’t cause too much disturbance. This can make them a good fit for apartments, particularly considering their adaptability and small, manageable size.
Are Maltese Shih Tzus Affectionate?
Both parent breeds of the Maltese shih tzu have been bred for hundreds of years to be perfect family pets (and snug lap warmers). So, it’s no surprise that this pup craves human companionship. They truly enjoy nothing more than being petted and cuddled. The more attention you give the Maltese shih tzu, the happier they’ll be, and the more tail wags you’ll see!
The Maltese shih tzu’s affectionate side isn’t just reserved for their loved ones; they usually warm up to strangers in a matter of minutes. This is especially the case if they inherit the shih tzu’s outgoing, sociable streak.
Are Maltese Shih Tzus Intelligent?
The Maltese shih tzu is a fairly intelligent dog. While they can’t quite compete with the brainpower seen in work-oriented breeds like the border collie, they can still learn both basic and advanced tricks.
Maltese shih tzus who inherit the lively, feisty spirit of the Maltese can be a little wilful at times, and it’s important to keep a close eye on this and to be firm with your boundaries.
Are Maltese Shih Tzus Energetic?
Most Maltese shih tzus will be content with around 30 minutes of exercise each day, which can be in the form of leisurely strolls, trips to your local dog park, or active games like fetch.
You should also use a harness instead of clipping their leash directly to their collar due to their potential breathing issues.
Are Maltese Shih Tzus Easy to Train?
As long as you stay patient and communicate positively and consistently with your Maltese shih tzu, you’ll find that they’re easy to train. They are fairly quick to housebreak, can pick up basic commands like “sit” from a young age, and can even make good candidates for competitive obedience.
Maltese shih tzus are sensitive to harsh criticisms. No matter how frustrated you get, never yell at your pup or punish them. Your training approach should be built on reward-based methods that encourage them in a nurturing, reassuring, and engaging way.
Are Maltese Shih Tzus Good Watchdogs?
The Maltese shih tzu is alert and extremely faithful. However, if you’re looking to use them as a watchdog, you’ll be disappointed. They’re exceptionally friendly and are more likely to give intruders a tour around your house than scare them off.
The Maltese shih tzu will bark at times to alert you of visitors. However, their barks are high-pitched and don’t exactly exude “dangerous dog” energy. Their teddy-bear, pint-sized appearance also won’t deter threats either.
Are Maltese Shih Tzus Good Service Dogs?
The Maltese shih tzu’s small size means they aren’t suitable for certain types of service work, particularly roles that involve mobility assistance or crowd control.
However, they can excel as a psychiatric service dog as they’re loving and form close bonds. They can readily perform tasks such as tactile stimulation, alerting to panic attacks, and interrupting self-harm. They also don’t have overly demanding care needs and are usually confident enough to accompany their owner in busy, public environments.`
These same qualities can also make the Maltese shih tzu a great fit for the role of a therapy dog or emotional support animal.
How to Care for a Maltese Shih Tzu?
The Maltese shih tzu is relatively low-maintenance in terms of care needs. However, they’ll still require an attentive family prepared to exercise them, play with them, and be by their side throughout the day. They also require consistent training and socialization to prevent them from picking up any undesirable habits.
The above is just the basics. Caring for the Maltese shih tzu also involves brushing their coat, keeping an eye on their health, and feeding them a diet carefully formulated for their life stage and needs.
To help you decide if you can truly satisfy these care needs, we’ll discuss them in more detail below.
Do You Need to Groom a Maltese Shih Tzu?
The Malshi can inherit either the shih tzu’s coat or the Maltese dog’s coat, though both types are long, fast growing, and need regular, thorough grooming. Brush out their fur daily with a high-quality wire comb, paying extra attention to their underparts and around their ears, as these areas tend to mat the most. Be gentle and brush in the direction their fur grows to prevent discomfort.
The Maltese shih tzu also needs regular baths to keep their coat clean and healthy, ideally every four weeks or as needed. Alongside this, gently wipe around their eyes with a soft cloth to clear up tear stains. If you find you are struggling to keep up, bring them down to the local groomer. They’ll know what to do.
Do Maltese Shih Tzus Shed?
The Maltese shih tzu is considered a hypoallergenic mixed breed, meaning they may be a good fit if you have fur allergies. However, be cautious, as the term “hypoallergenic” is misleading. No dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic, and Maltese shih tzus do still lose hair and shed; it’s just very little when compared to other breeds.
If you are sensitive to fluff, always meet the pup you’re considering adopting in person before finalizing the purchase. This will give you a chance to see how your allergies react and whether they’re a suitable match.
What Health Problems Do Maltese Shih Tzus Have?
The Maltese shih tzu is a fairly healthy mix overall. However, they are at risk of the same health problems that are seen in their parent breeds. You will want to look out for issues such as:
- Luxating patella
- Liver shunts
- Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
- Dental disease
- Eye problems such as cataracts
- Hip dysplasia
- Obesity
Malshis who inherit the brachycephalic physical qualities of the shih tzu — i.e., their flattened face, small nostrils, and short snout — are at a greater risk of breathing difficulties and heat intolerance (brachycephalic airway syndrome).
You will need to take certain precautions to keep them safe, such as weight maintenance and limiting their exercise outside during hot days. You will also need to monitor them closely for signs of heatstroke. Dogs with brachycephalic airway syndrome may require medical intervention and surgery if their symptoms cannot be managed at home.
Routine vet appointments and educating yourself on the health issues above will help you catch any concerns early. It’s also crucial to buy a Maltese shih tzu from a breeder who screens their breeding stock for genetic conditions.
How Long Do Maltese Shih Tzus Live?
The Maltese shih tzu lifespan ranges between 11 and 15 years, making them one of the longest-lived dogs around. The exact length of their life expectancy depends on their health, genetics, and care.
You can help your Maltese shih tzu lead a long life by giving them daily exercise and a nutritious diet.
What Should a Maltese Shih Tzu Eat?
The best diet for a Maltese shih tzu is generally one that’s specifically formulated for their size and life stage. They generally only require 0.25 cups to 1.5 cups of dry kibble a day. But you’ll need to adjust their diet as they grow, adding vitamins for puppies and soft food seniors.
When considering the ingredients, look for foods formulated with lean protein sources, complex carbs, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. A veterinarian or canine nutritionist can advise you further on your pup’s diet.
Is a Maltese Shih Tzu the Right Dog for Me?
The Maltese shih tzu has all the qualities of an excellent family companion, and their small, manageable size makes them well-suited to apartment dwellers too. However, that doesn’t mean they’re perfect for every person.
If you are looking for a hiking buddy to join you on extreme trails, or do not have time to provide daily brushing, these little guys might not be a good fit. But the Maltese shih tzu might be your new best friend if you are looking for a cuddly friend to sit on your lap and not make too much of a mess.