Maltipoo and Shih Tzu Mix: A Comprehensive Guide

The Maltipoo and Shih Tzu mix is a crossbreed between a Maltese and a Shih Tzu, resulting in a small, affectionate dog with a low-shedding coat.

They typically weigh between 4-8 pounds and stand 8-10 inches tall.

Their small size makes them a great choice for apartment dwellers or those with limited space.

Their calm and gentle nature also makes them a great companion for families with children.

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Malshipoos are an immensely intelligent breed that is loyal and playful with their family. They need moderate mental stimulation to prevent boredom and misbehavior.

Their intelligence also means they love to please and be around their owner, with a friendly and playful nature that's hard to resist. They're a great choice for families who want a dog that will be by their side.

Malshipoos are complex dogs that are both independent and affectionate, loving to give and receive affection. They're incredibly loving, so if you like dogs that will curl up on your lap and keep you company, then the Maltese Shih Tzu cross Poodle is the dog for you.

They typically bond closely with their humans, which is great for families who want a loyal companion. However, they don't like being left alone frequently, so make sure you have a plan in place for when you're away from home.

Malshipoos are usually gentle and laid-back dogs, but they do bark a lot. With proper socialization, they get along well with other pets, making them a great addition to families with multiple animals.

The Maltese Shih Tzu mix is a generally healthy breed, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Some of these conditions include patellar luxation, a common problem in small dogs that can cause pain and crippling.

Maltese Shih Tzus can also be affected by White Shaker Syndrome, a disease that causes uncontrollable shaking and an inability to walk. Treatment for this condition usually involves corticosteroids for three to six months.

A good breeder will show you health clearances for both parents, which prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. This is especially important if you're buying a puppy.

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The Maltese Shih Tzu mix can live for 12 to 14 years, which is a relatively long lifespan for a small dog. However, they do require regular care and attention to stay healthy.

Here are some common health concerns to look out for in your Maltese Shih Tzu mix:

To help prevent these health concerns, it's essential to find a reputable breeder who performs health screenings on their dogs before mating them. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and plenty of love and attention can also go a long way in keeping your Maltese Shih Tzu mix happy and healthy.

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The Maltipoo and Shih Tzu mix requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their coat.

Their coat should be brushed daily to keep it soft and silky, and they need to be clipped every six to nine weeks.

You can help prevent tearstains under their eyes by keeping the area clean, and using commercial tearstain removers if necessary.

Regular dental care is also essential, with daily brushing recommended to remove tartar buildup and prevent gum disease.

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Grooming is a crucial part of caring for your Maltipoo, and it requires daily attention to prevent matting and tangling of their coat.

Their coat should be brushed daily to keep it soft and silky, and trimming at the groomer's every few months is also essential.

Regular nail trimming, about once a month, will prevent painful tears and other problems.

Daily brushing of your Maltipoo's teeth is also necessary to remove tartar buildup and prevent gum disease and bad breath.

Their ears should be checked weekly for redness or a bad odor, which can indicate an infection.

By starting to brush and examine your Maltipoo when they're a puppy, you'll make the experience less stressful for them and make it easier to spot potential health problems early.

A weekly exam will also help you notice any sores, rashes, or signs of infection on their skin, in their nose, mouth, and eyes, and on their feet.

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A 20-minute walk is enough daily exercise for your Malshipoo, but they do have a playful attitude that needs to be indulged.

They're not built for long-distance running or high-energy activities, so you don't need to worry about exhausting them with intense exercise.

A lazy or bored Malshipoo has the potential to be destructive, so it's essential to provide them with regular walks and playtime.

If they're not indulged or stimulated with exercise or affection, they can get to the point of dog depression.

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A Maltese Shih Tzu mix, like any dog, needs a balanced diet to stay healthy.

High-quality dog food is essential for your Maltipoo or Shih Tzu mix, and it's recommended to feed them 1/4 to 1/2 cup of dry food per day, divided into two meals.

Because they're small, they're prone to obesity, so be careful not to overfeed your furry friend.

You should be able to see a waist when looking down at your dog, and with your hands on their back, you should be able to feel but not see their ribs without pressing hard.

High-quality dog food specific to small breeds is a good idea, and some foods even have supplements of glucosamine and chondroitin to aid joint support, which is essential for Maltipoo and Shih Tzu mixes prone to hip dysplasia.

By following these guidelines, you can help keep your Maltipoo or Shih Tzu mix in good shape and ensure they live a long, healthy life.

Training a Maltipoo and Shih Tzu mix is relatively easy due to their high intelligence and eagerness to please. They thrive on positive reinforcement training, which helps build a strong bond between you and your pup.

Their Poodle parent's intelligence is a major contributor to their trainability. With patience and consistency, you can teach your Maltipoo to obey commands and behave well. Early socialization is also crucial to help them interact calmly with children and other pets.

Malshipoos can be sensitive, so harsh training methods should be avoided at all costs. Instead, focus on gentle, positive training sessions that will help them feel comfortable and secure.

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They can be quite vocal, and that's something to consider if you live in an apartment or have close neighbors. They bark, yap, and whine loudly, so it's essential to keep track of what they like and dislike.

Malshipoos tend to whine to express both their pleasure and displeasure, making it a bit challenging to understand their needs. Proper training from an early age can help mitigate this problem, but it's a natural tendency of this breed.

They don't make great watchdogs due to their vocal nature, so don't expect them to alert you to potential threats.

These little dogs are incredibly intelligent, thanks to their Poodle parent, and are usually easy to train. They're eager to please, which makes training a breeze.

Their sensitive nature means they won't react well to harsh training methods, so be patient and use positive reinforcement. This will help build a strong bond with your pup.

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Early socialization is key to helping your Maltipoo or Malshipoo become confident and calm in new situations. This will also help reduce barking and reactivity.

Training should start at a young age, and consistency is key. Positive reinforcement training is the perfect way to train these intelligent little dogs.

Their vocal nature means they'll bark, yap, and whine, so be prepared to address this behavior early on. Proper training can mitigate this problem, but it's essential to understand their natural tendencies.

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Malshipoos are extremely friendly breeds to just about anyone and anything, making them amazing family pets.

They will get along great with everyone in the house, including small children, but it's essential to ensure your kids are careful around them to protect the dog's fragile size.

Malshipoos have little to no prey drive, so they'll be just fine with any other pets you may have, as long as you socialize them early.

They love to be around their families and will become best friends with anyone they meet.

Malshipoos are intelligent and will need moderate mental stimulation to prevent boredom and misbehavior.

They love to please and be around their owner, thanks to their friendly and playful nature.

These little pups can be hurt easily due to their size, so it's crucial to handle them with care.

Malshipoos are loving, gentle, and spunky, making them a great choice for families and small homes.

They have a life expectancy of 12-15 years, which is relatively healthy compared to other breeds.

With proper care and attention, Malshipoos can thrive in a variety of living situations, from apartments to homes with small yards.

They require minimal exercise, making them perfect for busy families or individuals with limited time for exercise.

Malshipoos are intelligent and easy to groom, which is a bonus for many dog owners.

Their coat can come in a variety of colors, including apricot, brown, and white, sable, and black and white.

Overall, Malshipoos are lovable bundles of joy with larger-than-life personalities.

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The Maltese Shih Tzu Poodle mix, also known as the Malshipoo, is a lovable little breed that will give you years of affection and companionship.

They have massive hearts despite their small size, making them a great companion for families and small homes.

This breed is also very intelligent, which means they're easy to train and can learn quickly.

They don't require much exercise, which is perfect for families with busy schedules or those who live in small spaces.

Malshipoos are super easy to groom, which is a big plus for many dog owners.

Overall, the Malshipoo is a great choice for anyone looking for a loving and low-maintenance companion.

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