Maltese Teddy Bear Shih Tzu: Your Complete Guide

The Maltese Teddy Bear Shih Tzu is a crossbreed dog that combines the gentle nature of a Shih Tzu with the playful spirit of a Maltese.

This adorable breed is known for its small size, typically weighing between 9-16 pounds and standing between 8-11 inches tall.

Their coat is one of their most distinctive features, requiring regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

The Maltese Teddy Bear Shih Tzu is a relatively new hybrid breed, developed in the 1990s by cross-breeding a Maltese and a Shih Tzu.

Its parent breeds have a rich history, with the Maltese dating back to 500 BCE in Europe, and the Shih Tzu originating in Tibet around 1000 BCE. The Maltese Shih Tzu's history is a testament to the enduring popularity of these breeds as companion animals.

This breed is known for its low-shedding coat, which is a result of the cross-breeding process. While it doesn't shed completely, it sheds significantly less than its parent breeds.

Here are some key facts about the Maltese Teddy Bear Shih Tzu's parent breeds:

The Maltese Shih Tzu's breed history is a fascinating one. It was developed in the 1990s by cross-breeding a Maltese and a Shih Tzu.

The Maltese dog has a long history, dating back to 500 BCE in Europe, where it originated in Asia. The breed was very popular among European nobles during the Middle Ages and often served as a lapdog in royal courts.

The Shih Tzu, on the other hand, is one of the oldest known breeds of domesticated dogs, originally native to Tibet. It was kept as a companion animal as far back as 1000 BCE.

The Maltese and Shih Tzu were first introduced to Europe and the USA at different times, with the Shih Tzu arriving in the 1930s and the Maltese being present in Europe since 500 BCE.

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The Maltese Shih Tzu is a relatively new hybrid breed, but its parent breeds, the Shih Tzu and Maltese, are among the oldest known breeds of domesticated dog.

The Maltese Shih Tzu sheds considerably less than both of its parent breeds, making it a popular choice for those with allergies or a preference for low-maintenance grooming.

Here are some key facts about the Maltese Shih Tzu:

The Maltese Teddy Bear Shih Tzu is a small-sized dog with a unique appearance.

Their head is small and rounded, with a short muzzle. They tend not to have the bulging eyes and stubby nose of the Shih Tzu, nor the long hair of the Maltese.

These dogs come in various colors, including white, white with tan markings, black, brown, black and white, brown and white, and black and brown.

Their coat is medium in length, thick, soft, and silky in texture, with some wave to it, but never curly.

Here are the physical characteristics of the Maltese Teddy Bear Shih Tzu at a glance:

Their friendly appearance makes them look like they're always ready to make friends. They have a fluffy coat, a round face, and sparkly round eyes that add to their adorable look.

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The Maltese Teddy Bear Shih Tzu is a friendly and affectionate breed that makes for a great family companion.

Their well-rounded temperament is a result of being extremely people-orientated and very loyal, which means they require a great deal of human attention to remain happy.

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.

The more they can be carried around or sit on your lap, the happier they will be, making 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 "small dog syndrome", where the dog has an overabundance of confidence and bravado for its small size.

They are naturally cheerful and confident, but this can become a problem if they are not given enough mental and physical stimulation.

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Living with a Maltese Teddy Bear Shih Tzu is a delight. They're highly tolerant of kids of all ages and will happily play along with them.

Their friendly nature makes them excellent companions for older, more considerate children. They're also great with small kids who will keep them on their toes.

Maltese Teddy Bear Shih Tzus are good-natured and will often live harmoniously with other pets in the home.

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The Maltese Teddy Bear Shih Tzu requires regular grooming to keep its fine coat looking its best. Daily brushing is a must to prevent tangles and mats.

They need to be bathed regularly to keep their coat soft and silky, and can be clipped every six to nine weeks to make grooming a bit easier. However, even with clipping, they still need to be brushed at least once a week.

Keeping the area around their eyes clean can help reduce staining, but tearstains can still be a problem, so be prepared to use commercial tearstain removers if needed.

The Maltese Shih Tzu is a small dog breed that requires a high-quality dog food suitable for its age, size, and activity level. They can become overweight if not monitored properly.

It's essential to check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet. They can provide personalized advice to ensure your Maltese Shih Tzu stays healthy.

Avoid feeding table scraps or overindulging your dog with treats, as this can lead to weight gain.

The Maltese Shih Tzu coat requires frequent care, including daily brushing to keep out tangles and mats. Regular bathing will keep the coat soft and silky.

They can be clipped every six to nine weeks to make grooming a bit easier. However, they will still need to be brushed weekly at a minimum.

Keeping the area around the eye clean can help to reduce staining. Maltese Shih Tzus can have some problems with tearstains under the eyes.

Regular grooming is essential to prevent matting and tangling of the fine coat. Daily brushing is a must to keep the coat looking its best.

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Hypothyroidism is a common issue in Maltese Shih Tzus, causing abnormal weight gain, dry skin, and hair loss.

As a responsible pet owner, it's essential to monitor your dog's behavior for lethargy, which can be a symptom of hypothyroidism or intervertebral disc disease.

Intervertebral disc disease can cause inactivity, shivering, limping, or the inability to bend down to eat, so keep an eye out for these signs.

Brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome is a significant concern in breeds with shortened muzzles, especially in hot weather, and can lead to severe respiratory distress.

Hip dysplasia is another potential issue, where the hip joint doesn't form properly, leading to possible lameness over time.

Portosystemic shunt of the liver is a birth defect that can cause poor muscle development, stunted growth, and disorientation.

Here are some potential health issues to watch out for in your Maltese Teddy Bear Shih Tzu:

The Malshi is a cross between a Maltese and a Shih Tzu, and as such, it inherits the friendly and outgoing personalities of both breeds. They are known to be loyal and affectionate companions.

Malshis typically weigh between 7-15 pounds and stand about 8-10 inches tall. Their small size makes them a great fit for apartment living.

Their coats can be a combination of the Maltese's silky texture and the Shih Tzu's long, flowing locks. Regular grooming is a must to prevent matting and tangling.

Malshis are generally quiet dogs, but they do require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. A daily walk or playtime should do the trick.

Their intelligence and trainability make them a great fit for first-time dog owners. With patience and consistency, they can learn to obey basic commands and behave well in public.

Malshis are prone to certain health issues, such as dental problems and eye infections. Regular veterinary check-ups can help catch these issues early on.

Their lifespan is typically between 10-16 years, making them a long-term companion. With proper care and attention, they can live a happy and healthy life.

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