Maltese Shih Tzu for Sale


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About Maltese Shih Tzu

Owning a Maltese Shih Tzu means you want a dog that helps you relax as you cuddle and enjoy the company. Most people call it the Malshi, a name that suits its toy size and fluffy looks. As we hook you up with a Maltese Shih Tzu mix, we will also help you learn about the dog breed. Let's see what this little cutie holds and what to expect.

If you would like to grab one right away, please check our ads for Maltese Shih Tzu for sale near me at the top.

Maltese Shih Tzu History

In 1990, Maltese and Shih Tzu breeds were cross-bred to develop Maltese Shih Tzu puppies. The results produced a small companion dog breed that doesn't shed much. It also possessed a natural and outgoing character. It's a relatively new breed, but the parents date back to the Middle Ages. The Maltese came from Asia, and it's believed to have arrived in Europe around 500 BCE. Most of the royals had them, primarily used as lapdogs.

The Shih Tzu is also an ancient breed associated with the Tibetan community. This community also used dogs as companions as early as 1000 BCE. The Chinese royals and nobles loved having the dog. It was, however, brought to Europe in the 1930s, and the U.S. soil got the first taste of its paws after the Second World War. The cross-breeding was a significant success since a full-grown Maltese Shih Tzu didn't shed as much as the parents. In Australia and the U.S., the breed's popularity has risen in recent years.

The Maltese Shih Tzu Overview

Weight

3-6 kg

Height

20-30 cm

Coat length

Medium

Color

White, white, and tan marks, black, brown. The colors may vary deeply

Size

Toy

Lifespan

12-14 years

Alternative Names for the Maltese Shih Tzu

You will also hear or see the following names referring to the Maltese Shih Tzu mix:

  • Mal-Shi (Mostly used in the U.S.)
  • Malti zu
  • Malt-Tzu

Which Dog Breeds Are Similar to Maltese Shih Tzu?

The following dogs may share either the same looks or character with the Mal-Shi:

  • Maltese
  • Maltese Shih Tzu poodle
  • Maltese Shih Tzu yorkie
  • Lhasa apso
  • Yorkshire terrier
  • Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka
  • West Highland white terrier
  • Bichon Frise
  • Pomeranian (Pom Pom)

We also have the breeds on the list for you. If you want to see the Maltese Shih Tzu puppies for sale near me, check what we have in our ads.

How Does the Maltese Shih Tzu Look Like?

Appearance

This is a toy breed due to its small size. The original parents were of the same size, and so that was expected. A Maltese Shih Tzu puppy will have a height of about 7 inches and weigh four pounds on average. Tiny, huh! After two months, their growth is significantly reduced. They get to the adult height at 12 months, about 10 inches, and weigh 6-12 pounds. Most people confuse the Malshi with other tiny dogs, especially the Pomeranian. They both have tiny bodies and are almost the same size. The latter, however, has larger eyes that bulge out.

Coat

The Shih Tzu Maltese mix has a long coat that makes people get creative when cutting their hair. It's mostly straight, but you can get a wavy variation. This is one of the dog breeds that don't have an undercoat. As we said before, this breed was developed to minimize the shedding the parents had. That makes the dogs a favorite for those who have allergies since the dog’s hair will not be all over the house.

Color

If you have checked the overview table, you may have learned that this breed has no standard color. Most people are used to black, white, brown, or a mixture of colors. So, it's possible to get a unique Malshi. If you want a dog with unparalleled color, check out the Shih Tzu Maltese mix puppies for sale near me on our ads. We breeders have a broad range of colors that suit buyers with different preferences.

Maltese Shih Tzu Temperaments

First, it's good to note that this dog loves company. So, if you stay away from your home for too long, there may be a better dog for you. The Shih Tzu Maltese mix is a loving and loyal dog that wants the same from you. Despite being tiny, it’s able to fit in any environment. Don't worry whether you have a big yard or a small apartment since this dog will only take up a little space. What you should be aware of is that the dog will be everywhere. They pack energy in those tiny bodies and can use it when they feel it's necessary.

On the other hand, you will also find them very cuddly and affectionate. When bored, you will find them on the couch or carpet, just like the lapdogs they are. If you don't give these dogs the attention they deserve, they will become depressed and expose destructive behavior. They love everyone, and that includes the strangers. If you are in an environment full of people, keeping it leashed at all times is advisable. Otherwise, it will go around approaching everyone. It would help if you taught the dog about socialization while still young since it can sometimes be plucky.

Due to their small size, they don't require too much exercise. Cuddling and attention are all they require to keep them mentally stimulated.

Maltese Shih Tzu Care and Maintenance

Training and Exercise

As we said, these dogs don’t need much exercise despite being playful. Enjoy regular walks together occasionally, or let it play in the backyard. Training needs to start from an early age, and that needs to be combined with consistent discipline for good behavior. Shih Tzu Maltese puppies can develop lousy habits as they grow, such as snapping and barking, if they are not adequately trained. It's not a habit that dies down, but with training, it becomes manageable.

Nutrition

The Malshi should have high-quality food that fits their age and size. They are also prone to becoming overweight, so watch out for their calorie intake. Refrain from treating the dog too much with food gifts or feeding it table scraps. If you notice the dog is adding weight, consult a veterinarian.

Grooming

While it’s a dog meant not to shed much, the Maltese and Shih Tzu mix still sheds. That’s why grooming is necessary. You need to brush the hair frequently to prevent entanglements. It also requires showering to keep the coat silky and soft. You can clip it every 6-9 weeks to make your grooming more effortless, but pay attention to the weekly brushing. One more thing: clean the stain around the eyes that results from tears.

Maltese Shih Tzu Health Issues

Some of the health conditions associated with the Shih Tzu and Maltese mix include the following:

  • Hypothyroidism: A condition where the Thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Symptoms include weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, and ear infections.
  • BAS: It’s an acronym for brachycephalic airway syndrome. It affects breeds with shortened muzzles.
  • Invertebral disc disease: This is an illness resulting from the vertebras becoming damaged. It causes leaking and swelling, leading to the dog's inactivity, limping, and shivering.
  • Hip dysplasia: Occurs when the hip joint is improperly formed, making the ball not fit properly into the socket.
  • Liver portosystemic shunt: It’s an abnormal connection between the portal vein and another vein. It can also involve one of its offshoots and another vein. That causes the blood not to pass through the liver.

Where Can I Get a Maltese Shih Tzu Puppies?

If you are looking for Shih Tzu Maltese puppies for sale near me, we have a variety available in our ads. A puppy Maltese Shih Tzu price falls between $400 and $800. For those who would like to adopt, there is also a full-grown Maltese Shih Tzu for sale variety with a price range of $50 to $500. Does the price sound like something you can’t manage? Don’t worry; we have affordable Maltese and Shih Tzu mix puppies for sale in Michigan, Ohio, New York, Virginia, and Georgia, among other states. We can connect you to Shih Tzu Maltese puppy breeders no matter where you are in the U.S.

Is This a Suitable Dog for You?

Here are the pros and cons of owning a Maltese Shih Tzu.

Pros

  • Calm, friendly, and loyal
  • Training is quite easy
  • It’s a light shedder compared to the parents

Cons

  • It’s fragile due to its size
  • Requires frequent grooming due to its coat

FAQs

1. How big is a fully-grown Maltese Shih Tzu?

A Maltese Shih Tzu is a toy breed whose height ranges from 20-30 cm (about 10 inches). They weigh a maximum of 6 kg (about 12 pounds). The maximum height only extends a little after two months of growth.

2. What’s the difference between Maltese Shih Tzu and Shih Tzu?

The Maltese Shih Tzu is a Shih Tzu and Maltese mix. So, the Shih Tzu is one of the parent breeds. Another difference is that the Shih Tzu is larger and sheds more than the resultant breed.

3. What is the lifespan of a Maltese Shih Tzu?

The Maltese Shih Tzu's lifespan is between 12 and 14 years.

4. Is Maltese Shih Tzu a recommendable dog breed?

Yes, it's a recommendable breed for those who would like a companion lapdog. It suits people of all ages, and they also behave well while around other pets.

5. Are Maltese Shih Tzu dogs noisy?

Yes, they do. These dogs tend to bark and harass people everywhere, especially if they are poorly trained. The bark is a way of letting you know it's around, and it needs company.

Wrapping Up

Owning a Maltese Shih Tzu puppy means having an endearing toy breed perfect for everyone. They can quickly adapt to your environment, and space is not an issue. It loves attention and is playful but does not need too much exercise. If you are looking for a Maltese and Shih Tzu mix for sale near me, we already have them in our ads. Check the affordable Maltese Shi Tzu for sale from our available breeders and enjoy a quick and smooth purchase process.