Maltese Shih Tzu Breed Guide and Care Information

The Maltese Shih Tzu is a crossbreed between two purebred dogs, the Maltese and the Shih Tzu. They are known for being friendly and outgoing.

Their small size makes them perfect for apartment living, as they require minimal exercise to stay happy and healthy. This breed typically weighs between 9-16 pounds.

With proper care and attention, a Maltese Shih Tzu can live up to 12-15 years or more. Regular grooming is essential to prevent matting and tangling of their long coats.

The Maltese Shih Tzu is a small dog breed that stands between 8-11 inches tall and weighs 4-12 pounds.

Their lifespan ranges from 12 to 15 years.

This hybrid breed has a long, silky double coat that comes in white, black, brown, or tan colors.

The Maltese Shih Tzu is a low-shedding companion dog.

He succeeds to some degree in this area because he's a low-shedding breed, but it's not physically possible for him to be completely nonshedding.

This crossbreed is intelligent and happy, making him a breeze to train. He does well as a therapy dog and his social nature makes him a great family pet.

The Maltese Shih Tzu is good with children of all ages and with other dogs and pets. He's an extrovert who loves people of any age group.

However, he can be high-strung and snappy if not properly socialized as a puppy and adult. He also needs to be treated like a dog rather than a stuffed animal or baby.

If you treat your Maltese Shih Tzu like a real dog, he'll have a nice temperament and act accordingly. This means making him walk instead of carrying him everywhere.

The Maltese Shih Tzu may not look exactly like either parent breed but typically doesn't have the Shih Tzu's short nose and bulging eyes.

He's prone to tearstaining, but this issue is less noticeable in this crossbreed because they're often not pure white.

The Maltese Shih Tzu mix is a small dog with a big personality. They typically stand between 6-10 inches tall.

Their weight can range from 6-12 pounds, making them a great companion for apartment living.

These dogs have an average lifespan of 12-14 years, which means you'll have plenty of time to spoil them rotten.

The Maltese Shih Tzu mix has a medium-length coat that sheds very little, if at all.

You can expect to see a variety of colors on this breed, including black, tan, white, and brown.

Here are some key characteristics to keep in mind when considering bringing home a Maltese Shih Tzu:

This breed is known for being fun, loving, and energetic, making them a great addition to any family. They're also reasonably intelligent and have friendly social skills.

However, they can be destructive if bored or left alone for too long, so make sure you provide plenty of attention and exercise.

The Maltese Shih Tzu is generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions.

Patellar luxation and white shaker syndrome are two common issues that can affect this breed. Patellar luxation occurs when the knee joint slides in and out of place, causing pain and potentially crippling effects. White shaker syndrome causes uncontrollable shaking and an inability to walk, with treatment typically involving corticosteroids.

To minimize the risk of these conditions, it's essential to work with a reputable breeder who has health clearances for both parents. This ensures that your puppy is less likely to inherit inherited health issues.

A daily exercise routine of about 10-15 minutes can help keep your Maltese Shih Tzu happy and healthy. They can thrive in apartments, but a small yard or outdoor space is ideal, especially during hot and humid weather when respiratory problems may arise.

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Maltese Shih Tzus are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions.

Patellar luxation is a common problem in small dogs, where the kneecap slips out of place, causing pain and potentially crippling effects.

White shaker syndrome affects young to middle-aged Maltese Shih Tzus, causing uncontrollable shaking and an inability to walk. Treatment usually involves corticosteroids for three to six months.

Intervertebral disk disease is another issue that can arise in Maltese Shih Tzus, where the disk between vertebras becomes damaged, leading to symptoms like limping, shivering, and lethargy.

Hypothyroidism can also occur, causing weight gain, lethargy, dry skin, ear infections, and hair loss due to a lack of thyroid hormone production.

Hip dysplasia is a problem that impacts the hip joints in dogs like Maltese Shih Tzu, leading to malformation, pain, and arthritis. Some cases may require surgery while others can be managed with medication.

Here are some common health issues to watch out for in your Maltese Shih Tzu:

While these health issues can be concerning, many Maltese Shih Tzus live long and healthy lives with proper care and attention. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian and staying informed about potential health problems will help you keep your furry friend happy and thriving.

Regular inspections and cleanings around your dog's eyes and ears are essential for preventing infections that can seriously damage these sensitive organs.

Not all breeds require routine trimming, but it's crucial to check for potential issues.

Silky coated breeds have hanging pendant ears covered in feathered hair, which means their ears need weekly checks for infection and cleaning with a cotton ball.

Gently wipe a cotton ball moistened with mineral oil, olive oil, or witch hazel in your dog's ear, being careful not to touch the ear canal.

Never use a Q-Tip, as it could cause damage if your dog suddenly shakes or jerks their head.

Bushy hair growth within the ear can be thinned with tweezers or blunt scissors.

Brushing your Malshi's teeth is a crucial part of their overall health and well-being.

Daily brushing is ideal, but doing so on a weekly basis will still be a big help in avoiding the need to bring your dog to a veterinarian for a cleaning, which usually has to be done under sedation.

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Regular dental cleanings can be expensive, but they're necessary to prevent tartar buildup and gum disease.

Some dogs are prone to dental problems and sensitive teeth, especially small dogs with tiny teeth and dogs with special diets.

You should brush your Malshi's teeth at least three times a week, using toothpaste and a toothbrush formulated specifically for dogs.

The Maltese Shih Tzu coat requires regular grooming to stay soft and silky. A fine coat needs daily brushing to keep out tangles and mats.

Maltese Shih Tzus generally are white or white with tan markings on the body and ears, but they can sport a combination of other colors as well. They should never be curly.

You'll need to brush your Maltese Shih Tzu’s teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and bacteria. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath.

Trim his nails once or twice a month if your dog doesn’t wear them down naturally to prevent painful tears and other problems. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they’re too long.

Regular baths are perfect for keeping the hair nice and soft, but be sure to check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet.

The Maltese Shih Tzu coat is a beautiful thing, but it does require some upkeep to keep it looking its best.

Their coats should be long and soft with some wave to them, never curly. They can come in a variety of colors including white, tan, black, brown, and combinations of these colors.

Regular brushing is essential to prevent tangles and mats from forming, and daily brushing is even better if you want to keep their coat looking its best. Brushing their teeth at least two or three times a week will also help remove tartar buildup and bacteria that can cause gum disease and bad breath.

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Trimming their nails once or twice a month is crucial to prevent painful tears and other problems, and checking their ears weekly for redness or a bad odor can help prevent infections. Regular baths are also important to keep their coat soft and silky, and you should aim to bathe them at least every few weeks.

By starting grooming early on when your Maltese Shih Tzu is still a puppy, you can make the process easier and less stressful for both of you.

Ear Care is a crucial aspect of your dog's grooming and hygiene routine.

Silky coated breeds with hanging pendant ears need to have their ears checked weekly for infection and cleaned with a cotton ball.

Gently wipe a cotton ball moistened with mineral oil, olive oil or witch hazel in your dog's ear, being careful to avoid the ear canal.

Never use a Q-Tip, which could cause damage to the inner ear if your dog suddenly shakes or jerks his head.

Feeding your Maltese Shih Tzu requires attention to their individual needs.

The recommended daily amount is between a quarter and a half cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

This amount depends on factors like size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Highly active dogs need more than couch potato dogs.

The quality of dog food makes a difference - better food goes further in nourishing your dog and requires less quantity.

To keep your Maltese Shih Tzu in good shape, measure their food and feed them twice a day instead of leaving food out all the time.

Give your dog the eye test: look down at them from directly above to see if you can spot their waist. If not, they might need less food.

The hands-on test involves placing your hands on their back with thumbs along the spine and fingers spread downward - you should be able to feel but not see their ribs without pressing hard.

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The Maltese Shih Tzu requires training from day one, and socialization is key to their development.

They're pretty easy to train, but it's essential to make the training sessions fun and focus on socializing above all else.

Long periods of time spent alone can lead to boredom, anxiety, and related behavior issues like barking, chewing, and house soiling in Malshis.

Malshis adore their families and typically desire to be close to them as much as possible.

All dogs go through a critical development period from birth to around 16 weeks of age, where they learn how to interact with humans and other animals.

Talk to your Malshi breeder about how they approach socializing puppies, and continue socializing your Malshi puppy as soon as they come home.

Malshis are smart and eager to please, but they're known for having a bit of a willful streak.

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The Maltese Shih Tzu is an adaptable dog who can thrive in various living situations.

He requires a daily exercise routine, but this can be as simple as a 10 to 15 minute walk through the neighborhood or a game of fetch down a hallway or in the yard.

Maltese Shih Tzus love spending time outdoors and will play and romp outside for hours if given the chance. A home with air-conditioning is recommended, especially during hot and humid weather, as some Maltese Shih Tzus can suffer from respiratory problems that worsen in heat and humidity.

Socialization is crucial for this breed, as they are social dogs who love receiving visitors or going visiting themselves. Crate training benefits every dog, including the Maltese Shih Tzu, by preventing accidents in the house and giving them a safe space to retreat to when needed.

Leaving your Maltese Shih Tzu alone for too long can lead to loneliness, boredom, and behavior issues, so it's essential to provide them with close companionship throughout the day.

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Maltese Shih Tzus need about 10-15 minutes of exercise per day, which can be a leisurely walk or a fun game of fetch.

They're adaptable dogs who can thrive in apartments, but a small yard is ideal for their love of playing and romping outside.

Leaving your Malshi alone for too long can lead to loneliness, boredom, and behavior issues - they need close companionship throughout the day.

A home with air-conditioning is recommended, as some Maltese Shih Tzus can suffer from respiratory problems in heat and humidity.

Daily walks and playtime are essential for a happy and healthy Malshi life in an apartment setting.

Crate training benefits every dog, but be sure to only use it sparingly - not as a form of punishment or confinement.

Malshis require daily brushing, and regular trips to the groomer will keep their coat looking its best.

If you're considering adopting a Maltese Shih Tzu, you should know that rescue groups can be a great place to start your search.

You may want to check out rescues dedicated to this pup's parent breeds, which is where we find our first lead on finding a Maltese Shih Tzu rescue.

One such group is Shih Tzu and Furbabies Rescue. Another option is Shih Tzu Rescue, Inc., which can provide valuable resources for your search.

Southern Comfort Maltese Rescue is also worth exploring, as it's dedicated to the specific breed of Maltese.

You may also want to check out Tzu Zoo Rescue, another group that focuses on rescuing and rehoming Maltese Shih Tzus.

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The Maltese Shih Tzu is a small dog breed that originated from Asia and Europe.

They typically weigh between 9-16 pounds and stand about 8-11 inches tall at the shoulder.

Their lifespan can range from 10-16 years, with proper care and attention.

Maltese Shih Tzus are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities.