Cost of Maltese Shih Tzu: A Comprehensive Guide

The Maltese Shih Tzu is a crossbreed between a Maltese and a Shih Tzu, two popular small dog breeds. This adorable mix is known for its gentle and affectionate nature.

Their lifespan is relatively long, ranging from 10 to 16 years, making them a great companion for many years. With proper care, they can live a happy and healthy life.

The cost of owning a Maltese Shih Tzu can vary depending on several factors, including their size, coat type, and health. Their small size, weighing between 9 and 16 pounds, makes them a great choice for apartment living.

Consider reading: Maltese Small Dogs

The Maltese Shih Tzu is a small dog breed that stands at a maximum height of 30 cm.

This breed is a hybrid of the Maltese and Shih Tzu, developed in 1990 to create a low-shedding companion dog.

The Maltese Shih Tzu is a toy dog breed that requires regular grooming due to its tendency to knot if not brushed frequently.

Check this out: What Does a Shih Tzu Puppy Look like

They need daily brushing to prevent hair matting and tangling.

The ideal weight for a Maltese Shih Tzu is around 6 kg.

Here are some key characteristics of the breed:

A Maltese Shih Tzu's health is generally good, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain conditions.

The Maltese Shih Tzu can be susceptible to Patellar Luxation, a common problem in small dogs that causes the kneecap to dislocate. This can be painful and even crippling.

White Shaker Syndrome affects young to middle-aged dogs and causes uncontrollable shaking and an inability to walk. Treatment usually involves corticosteroids for three to six months.

Regular check-ups with a vet are essential to keep your Maltese Shih Tzu in top shape. They often suffer from breathing problems, eye conditions, and dental disease, which can be expensive to treat out of pocket.

Preventative care costs for a Maltese Shih Tzu include annual vaccines ($120), heartworm preventatives ($120), flea and tick preventatives ($150), and wormer ($40).

A happy and healthy Maltese Shih Tzu can live between 12 and 14 years with proper medical care.

A different take: How to Care for a Shih Tzu

The Maltese Shih Tzu's coat is a long, soft, and silky texture, with a wavy or straight hair type. It's essential to brush their coat daily to prevent tangles and mats, and regular bathing keeps the coat soft and shiny.

You can expect to spend around $60 per visit to a professional groomer, and they should be taken every 4 to 6 weeks, or more frequently in the summer. This can add up to around $720 per year.

Maltese Shih Tzus can have trouble with tear stains under their eyes, a genetic issue from their Maltese ancestors. Commercial tear stain removers may be required to address this issue.

Brushing your Maltese Shih Tzu's teeth at least two to three times a week can prevent tartar buildup and bacteria growth. Daily brushing is even better for preventing gum disease and bad breath.

To keep your Maltese Shih Tzu's ears clean, check them weekly for redness or a bad odor, and wipe them out with a cotton ball dampened with gentle ear cleaner. Never insert anything into the ear canal.

For your interest: Tear Stains in Maltese Dogs

Trimming your Maltese Shih Tzu's nails once or twice a month can prevent painful tears and other problems. If you're not experienced, ask a vet or groomer for pointers.

Here's a quick rundown of the essential grooming tasks for your Maltese Shih Tzu:

Owning a Maltese Shih Tzu can be a costly endeavor, but it's worth every penny for the love and companionship they bring. The initial cost of buying or adopting a Maltese Shih Tzu puppy can range from $200 to $2,400.

Adopting a Maltese Shih Tzu is a more affordable option, with adoption fees ranging from $150 to $300, which often includes spay/neuter surgery, microchipping, vaccinations, and dewormer. This can save you money on preventative care costs and even help save a four-legged life.

To give you a better idea of the annual costs of owning a Maltese Shih Tzu, here's a breakdown of estimated expenses:

The Maltese Shih Tzu has a fascinating breed history that dates back thousands of years. The Maltese dog first appeared in Europe as far back as 500 BCE.

The Maltese Shih Tzu's parent breeds have a rich history. The Maltese is believed to have originated in Asia, while the Shih Tzu is one of the oldest known breeds of domesticated dogs and is originally native to Tibet.

The Maltese Shih Tzu was developed in the 1990's by cross breeding a Maltese and a Shih Tzu. This hybrid breed was created to produce a small, low-shedding companion dog.

The Maltese Shih Tzu's parent breeds have been popular companions for centuries. The Maltese was a favorite among European nobles and often served as a lapdog in royal courts, while the Shih Tzu was kept as a companion animal as far back as 1000 BCE.

The Maltese Shih Tzu has gained popularity in recent years, especially in Australia and the United States.

Explore further: Are Maltese Hypoallergenic Dogs

The Maltese Shih Tzu is a hybrid breed that's a mix of the Maltese and Shih Tzu. This designer dog was developed in 1990 to create a low-shedding canine companion.

They're a small breed, classified as a toy dog breed, and can reach up to 30 cm in height and 6 kg in weight. This intelligent breed is eager and loyal, making it a highly trainable pooch.

The Maltese Shih Tzu is sociable and an excellent family or therapy dog for kids and adults. Affectionate and friendly, they need company and can adapt to both active and quiet households.

Here are some key characteristics of the Maltese Shih Tzu breed:

Owning a Shih Tzu can be a costly endeavor, but understanding the expenses can help you prepare. The cost of owning a Shih Tzu varies greatly depending on several factors, including your location, budget, and the frequency of professional training and grooming.

The initial cost of buying or adopting a Shih Tzu puppy can range from $200 to $2,400. This initial investment can be a significant expense, but it's a one-time cost for many pet owners.

Vet care is another crucial expense, with annual costs ranging from $500 to $850. Regular check-ups and preventative care can help keep your Shih Tzu healthy and prevent costly medical bills down the line.

The cost of supplies for your Shih Tzu can add up quickly, with estimated annual expenses ranging from $195 to $740. This includes toys, walking supplies, grooming supplies, food and water bowls, bedding, and a crate.

Here's a breakdown of estimated annual expenses for supplies:

To reduce the financial burden of owning a Shih Tzu, consider adopting an adult dog from a shelter or rescue organization. Adoption fees can range from $150 to $300, which is significantly lower than buying a puppy from a breeder.

In addition to the initial cost of ownership, regular expenses such as food, grooming, and vet care can add up quickly. To estimate the total annual cost of owning a Shih Tzu, consider the following range: $1,210 to $3,495.

Overall, owning a Shih Tzu requires a significant investment of time, money, and resources. However, with proper planning and preparation, you can provide your furry friend with a happy and healthy life.

The Maltese Shih Tzu is a unique breed, and understanding its characteristics can help you prepare for ownership. The Maltese Shih Tzu is a very new hybrid breed.

Its parent breeds, the Shih Tzu and Maltese, are some of the oldest known breeds of domesticated dog.

The Maltese Shih Tzu does shed considerably less than both of its parent breeds, making it a great option for people with allergies or a preference for low-maintenance grooming.

Here's a comparison of the shedding habits of the Maltese Shih Tzu and its parent breeds:

Training and socialization are crucial for a Maltese Shih Tzu's development. They require early socialization to become well-rounded dogs.

To ensure your Maltese Shih Tzu grows up with a nice temperament, enroll them in a puppy kindergarten class, invite visitors over regularly, and take them to busy parks and stores that allow dogs. This will help them polish their social skills.

Maltese Shih Tzus respond well to training and positive reinforcements like tasty rewards, praise, and cuddles. They are intelligent dogs and can become active and outgoing if properly trained.

With proper training, your Maltese Shih Tzu will learn to be well-behaved and happy, but be aware that being overly carried around and babied can lead to the development of "small dog syndrome."

The Maltese Shih Tzu is an adaptable, intelligent dog that's likely to be active and outgoing, if not downright boisterous.

Their most important aspect of life is family, and nothing else matters as much as being with you. If they have that, everything else is negotiable.

Maltese Shih Tzus are known to be very tolerant and better natured than the Maltese, making them a great family companion.

They thrive on human contact, whether it's game-playing, going for walks, or simply being included in day-to-day activities around the home.

These dogs require a great deal of human attention to remain happy, so be prepared to spend quality time with your Maltese Shih Tzu.

Their well-rounded temperament makes them a popular choice for retired people and those who are home a lot or can take the dog with them when they go out.

However, being overly carried around and babied can lead to the development of so-called "small dog syndrome", where the dog has an overabundance of confidence and bravado for its small size.

Early socialization and training are crucial for Maltese Shih Tzus, as they can become timid if they're not properly socialized when they're young.

Enrolling your young Maltese Shih Tzu in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start, and inviting visitors over regularly can also help them polish their social skills.

Maltese Shih Tzus are usually happy and always ready for a good play session, but they can occasionally get into trouble due to their curiosity.

Consider reading: Are Shih Tzus Good with Kids

The Maltese is a people-oriented breed that responds well to training and positive reinforcements such as tasty rewards, praise, and cuddles.

Early socialization is crucial for this breed, and it should start from an early age to ensure the Maltese develops into a well-rounded dog.

A regular walk or a playdate outside is all the exercise your Maltese will need to stay in shape, as they are usually active indoors.

They will continue to be playful as they age, so be prepared for a lifelong companion that will keep you on your toes.

Additional reading: Black Shih Tzu Poodle Mix

The Maltese Shih Tzu is a unique breed that's gained popularity in recent years. The American Kennel Club doesn't recognize it as a breed, but the American Canine Hybrid Club, Dog Registry of America, Inc., and Designer Dogs Kennel Club do.

This breed is known for its gentle nature, making it a successful therapy dog. They're often used in therapy settings to bring comfort and joy to those in need.

Worth a look: All Shih Tzu Breed

Carrying your Malshi around all the time can be tempting, but it's not a good idea. By doing so, you may inadvertently create a situation where the dog views itself as the leader, making training more challenging later on.

Here are some organizations that recognize the Malshi breed:

The Maltese Shih Tzu is an ideal breed for families with children of any age. They love to play with kids and are great companions for families.

Introducing kids to your Maltese Shih Tzu slowly is essential. Educate them on how to approach and pet dogs gently, and make sure they know to leave sleeping or eating dogs alone.

This breed makes a good companion dog for other household pets, such as cats, when introduced and socialized regularly.

Puppies are a big responsibility, and one thing to consider is the cost. Prices for puppies can range from $1200 to $2000 in Australia, depending on the breeder and what's included.

You'll want to make sure the breeder is reputable and takes good care of the puppies. They should provide premium dog food for the parents and puppies, as well as worming and vaccinations every two weeks.

Some breeders may also microchip and toilet train the puppies, which can be a huge help when you bring them home. Regular grooming and bathing are also important for a puppy's health and appearance.

It's worth noting that some breeders will go above and beyond to give their puppies the best start in life, even if it means spending a bit more.

The Maltese Shih Tzu is an ideal dog for families with children of any age. This breed likes both older, more considerate children but loves to play with the youngsters too.

Introducing kids to your dog slowly is crucial. Educate them as to the ways to approach and pet dogs, so they don't grab or pull any fur.

Supervising children at all times around a dog is essential for their safety and the dog's well-being. This will help prevent any accidental harm or stress on the dog.

The Malshi makes a good companion dog for other household pets, provided they are introduced and socialized regularly. This will lead to a better bond between a Malshi and another pet in the home.

For safety reasons, always supervise a Malshi's playtime with a small animal such as a kitten, hamster, or bunny.

A unique perspective: Shih Tzu Maltese Mix Puppies