The Maltese Shih Tzu is a small companion hybrid dog breed of the Maltese and Shih Tzu. Created with the same goal as Doodles — to be a small, allergy-friendly companion who doesn’t shed much — this hybrid is a sweet lapdog who likes to play with the kids. They are also known as the Mal-Shi, Malti zu, and the Malt-Tzu.
One of the few “designer dogs” not originating with a Poodle, and therefore not one of the ubiquitous “Poo” or “Doodle” hybrids, this adaptable mix makes for an adorable, sweet little pooch with a long name. They can live in apartments or large homes, and even novice pet parents will also find these pups to be highly trainable and eager to please. If you’re looking for a tiny, low-maintenance cuddle buddy for the whole family, then this may be the perfect dog breed mix for you!
Maltese Shih Tzu characteristics
- Height: 8-11 inches at the shoulder
- Weight: 4 to 12 pounds
- Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Coat and color variations
The Maltese Shih Tzu, a popular hybrid breed, boasts a range of coat colors and textures that reflect its mixed heritage. Its coat is typically soft, dense, and straight or slightly wavy, requiring regular grooming to prevent tangling. Common coat colors include white, black, brown, gray, and cream, as well as combinations like black and white, or brown and white. Some individuals have patches or patterns, adding to their distinct charm. Their coats are often described as hypoallergenic, making them a suitable choice for allergy-sensitive owners.
Physical features and appearance
Size and build
- Size: Small; usually weighs between 6-12 pounds and stands 8-12 inches tall at the shoulder.
- Body: Compact, sturdy build with a balanced frame.Head: Rounded head with a short muzzle.
Facial features
- Eyes: Large, round, and dark, giving an expressive and affectionate look.Ears: Medium-sized, floppy, and covered with soft fur.
- Nose: Typically black, though other colors may appear depending on the coat.
- Muzzle: Short and slightly tapered, often with a black or brown nose.
Do Shih Tzu Maltese shed?
Shih Tzu Maltese (Maltese Shih Tzu) dogs are considered low-shedding due to their coat type. Their coats are dense, soft, and often hypoallergenic, which means they don’t shed as much as many other breeds. However, while they may not shed heavily, their hair continues to grow, requiring regular grooming to prevent matting and tangles. Brushing their coat a few times a week and occasional trimming is necessary to keep it healthy and neat. So, while they shed minimally, they do need consistent care to maintain their appearance.
Maltese Shih Tzu history
The Maltese Shih Tzu, often referred to as a “designer breed,” is a hybrid dog resulting from the cross between the Maltese and the Shih Tzu. While hybrid breeds can vary in appearance and temperament, the Maltese Shih Tzu generally inherits traits from both parent breeds, including a luxurious coat and a sweet, affectionate nature.
One of the oldest toy breeds, the Maltese is known for their distinctive white, silky coat. The breed’s origins trace back to the Mediterranean region, particularly the island of Malta, which is where they get their name. These small, graceful dogs were cherished by royalty and aristocrats for centuries.
The Shih Tzu has a history that dates back over 1,000 years and is closely linked to ancient Chinese royalty. Like the Maltese, the Shih Tzu was favored by the nobility and bred in the imperial courts of China to be a lap dog and companion to royalty.
Maltese Shih Tzu temperament
The Maltese Shih Tzu temperament is known for being affectionate, friendly, and playful. These dogs thrive on human companionship and tend to form strong bonds with their families. They are generally good with children and other pets, making them a wonderful addition to households with multiple members or other animals. Though small, they are confident and can have a lively and curious nature, often enjoying playtime and social interactions.
While the Maltese Shih Tzu is outgoing, they can also be a bit stubborn, which may make training challenging at times. However, they respond well to positive reinforcement and enjoy being praised for their good behavior. These dogs are intelligent, but their independent streak means they may need patience when it comes to learning commands.
Personality and behavior traits
- Affectionate: Loves being close to their family and enjoys cuddling.
- Friendly: Welcomes guests and gets along well with other pets and children.
- Playful: Energetic and enjoys interactive games and activities.
- Confident: Small but with a bold and curious nature.
- Stubborn: Can be independent and sometimes difficult to train.
- Loyal: Forms strong bonds with their owners and prefer not to be left alone for long.
- Intelligent: Learns quickly but may need patience due to occasional stubbornness.
Training and socialization
Early socialization and positive reinforcement training are crucial due to their intelligence and potential stubbornness. Of course, their intelligence and eagerness to please allow them to pick up commands quickly, so early training is key to establishing good behavior from the start. Use praise, treats, and affection to reward desired behavior. Because of their companion breed heritage, the Maltese Shih Tzu responds extremely well to positive reinforcement. They are sensitive and may not respond well to harshness in the voice. A positive approach will keep them motivated and engaged.
Training tips:
- Mental Stimulation: Incorporate puzzle toys, obedience training, and interactive games into their routine to challenge their mind. A bored Shih Tzu Maltese mix can become restless or depressed. Once basic obedience is established, teach more advanced commands or tricks.
- Be Consistent: Consistency is crucial in training. Use the same commands and routines to avoid confusion. This helps your Shih Tzu Maltese understand what is expected of them.
- Keep Training Sessions Short and Fun: Maltese Shih Tzus are intelligent but can lose interest if training sessions are too long or repetitive. Keep sessions short (10-15 minutes) and engage with varied activities.
How long can the Maltese Shih Tzu be left alone?
The Maltese Shih Tzu is a highly social dog and prefers to be around its family most of the time. Ideally, they should not be left alone for long periods, as they may become anxious, bored, or even destructive. Generally, they can tolerate being left alone for about 4-6 hours at a time, but it’s best to avoid leaving them for extended periods. If you must leave them for longer, consider arranging for a dog walker or pet sitter to provide companionship and bathroom breaks.
If left alone too often or for too long, the Maltese Shih Tzu can develop separation anxiety, leading to behaviors such as barking, whining, or chewing. It’s important to ensure they have plenty of stimulation and comfort while you’re away, such as interactive toys, a safe space, and possibly a companion if needed.
Shih Tzu Maltese care
As with all dogs, it’s important to keep up your Cavapoo’s regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy.
How to groom a Maltese Shih Tzu
Brushing and bathing
- Brush Regularly: Brush their coat 3-4 times a week to prevent tangles and mats. Use a comb or slicker brush to gently detangle and remove loose hair.
- Bathe: Bathe your dog every 4-6 weeks or as needed. Use a gentle dog shampoo to keep their coat clean and soft. Rinse thoroughly to avoid irritation.
- Dry the Coat: After bathing, dry them with a towel to remove excess water. Use a hairdryer on a low heat setting to finish drying, brushing the coat as you dry to prevent tangles.
- Trim the Coat: Trim the hair around their face, ears, and paws regularly to maintain a neat appearance. You can use scissors or a grooming clipper. If you’re not confident, it’s a good idea to take them to a professional groomer.
Ears, nails, coat, and eyes
- Clean Their Ears: Check their ears weekly for dirt or wax buildup. Use a damp cotton ball to wipe the inside of the ear (avoid using cotton swabs inside the ear canal).
- Trim Their Nails: Trim their nails every 3-4 weeks to prevent them from getting too long. Be careful not to cut too close to the quick.
- Brush Teeth: Regularly brush their teeth to prevent dental issues. Use a dog-safe toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Eye Care: Clean around their eyes gently with a damp cloth to remove tear stains.
Flea, tick, and parasite control
Keep up with flea and tick prevention treatments, especially if your Maltese Shih Tzu spends much time outdoors. Regular grooming allows you to spot parasites early.
Early acclimation is key
Getting your Maltese Shih Tzu accustomed to grooming procedures from a young age makes the process easier and more enjoyable for both of you. Handle their paws frequently, examine their mouth and ears, and reward them for good behavior during grooming sessions. This positive foundation sets the stage for stress-free veterinary exams and handling throughout their lives.
Feeding and nutrition
Maltese Shih Tzus require a balanced diet that suits their size, age, activity level, and overall health. High-quality dog food—whether commercial or home-prepared with veterinary guidance—is essential to meet their nutritional needs. Their diet should include a proper balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, along with necessary vitamins and minerals for optimal health. Since they are prone to obesity, portion control, and limiting treats are crucial. The dietary needs of Maltese Shih Tzus differ between puppies, adults, and seniors, with puppies needing more frequent meals for growth and seniors benefiting from lower-calorie diets to support healthy aging.
Maltese Shih Tzu puppies (2–12 months)
- Meals per Day: 4 meals (reduce to 3 meals after 6 months).
- Portion Size: 1/4 to 3/4 cup of puppy food daily, divided into meals.
- Notes: Choose a high-quality puppy food rich in protein and nutrients for proper growth and development.
Maltese Shih Tzu adults (1–7 years)
- Meals per Day: 2 meals.
- Portion Size by Weight:
- 6–12 lbs: 1/2 to 1 cup of food daily.
- 13–20 lbs: 3/4 to 1 1/4 cups of food daily.
- Notes: Select a balanced adult food that supports their energy levels and maintains a healthy weight.
Maltese Shih Tzu health problems
Shih Tzu Maltese mixes are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they’re prone to certain health conditions. Not all Maltese Shih Tzus will get any or all of these diseases, but it’s important to be aware of them if you’re considering this breed. If you’re buying a puppy, find a good breeder who will show you health clearances for both your puppy’s parents. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. Before you bring home your Maltese Shih Tzu, find out if he’s from first-generation or multigenerational breeding (though multigenerational breedings are rare for this mix).
- Patellar Luxation: Also known as slipped stifles, this is a common problem in small dogs. The patella is the kneecap. Luxation means dislocation of an anatomical part (as a bone at a joint). Patellar luxation is when the knee joint (often of a hind leg) slides in and out of place, causing pain. This can be crippling, although many dogs lead relatively normal lives with this condition.
- White Shaker Syndrome: This affects young to middle-aged dogs. The disease is seen in both the Shih Tzu and Maltese and has been seen in any crosses produced by either breed. Symptoms are uncontrollable shaking and an inability to walk. An episode can last all day. Treatment is usually corticosteroids for three to six months, after which time most dogs don’t need additional treatment (although some may require low doses every other day to keep the condition under control).
Maltese Shih Tzu rescue groups
You may want to start your search for a Maltese Shih Tzu rescue by checking out rescues dedicated to this pup’s parent breeds. You can check out the resources below to get you started:
How much are Maltese Shih Tzu puppies?
The price of Maltese Shih Tzu puppies typically ranges from $2,500 to $5,000 when bought from a reputable breeder. While some breeders may offer puppies at lower prices, it’s important to approach such deals with caution. Unless the puppy is from a verified rescue organization and is priced more affordably for that reason, beware of offers that seem too good to be true. Many backyard breeders and puppy mills take advantage of the breed’s popularity, selling puppies for profit without following responsible breeding practices. This can increase the likelihood of purchasing a puppy with health issues or genetic conditions. Always ensure you are working with a reputable breeder when buying a Maltese Shih Tzu.
