Perro Maltes con Shih Tzu: Todo lo Que Necesitas Saber

El perro Maltes con Shih Tzu es una raza de perro muy popular debido a su apariencia única y carácter amigable.

Esta raza es el resultado de la cría selectiva de perros Maltes y Shih Tzu, lo que ha dado como resultado un perro con una apariencia distintiva y una personalidad muy especial.

El perro Maltes con Shih Tzu es generalmente pequeño, con un peso que oscila entre 4 y 7 kilos y una altura de 20 a 28 centímetros.

Su pelaje es suave y sedoso, y requiere un cuidado regular para mantener su apariencia saludable y brillante.

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The Maltese Shih Tzu has a fascinating history that dates back thousands of years.

The Maltese dog first appeared in Europe as far back as 500 BCE, and it's believed this ancient breed originated in Asia.

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

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The Maltese Shih Tzu was developed in the 1990s by cross-breeding a Maltese and a Shih Tzu to produce a small, low-shedding companion dog with a good-natured and outgoing temperament.

The cross-breeding of the Maltese and the Shih Tzu is considered to have been a great success, and despite not being completely non-shedding, the Maltese Shih Tzu sheds far less hair than its parent breeds.

The popularity of the Maltese Shih Tzu has sky-rocketed in Australia in recent years and is quickly gaining notoriety in the United States, where it is commonly known as the 'Mal-Shi'.

There are no breed clubs or breed standards for this dog, and many of the litters produced are the result of first-generation breeding between Maltese and Shih Tzus.

The Maltese Shih Tzu is a small dog with a compact size, typically growing up to 20-25 cm in height and weighing between 3-6 kg.

Their coat is one of their most distinctive features, with a medium length, thick, soft, and silky texture that's a joy to touch.

You can expect a Maltese Shih Tzu to have a white or white with tan markings coat, although some may have black, brown, or other color combinations.

Their eyes are a standout feature, with big round hazel or brown eyes that are full of expression.

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

Their fur is long and soft, and while they don't shed much, they do require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

The Mal-Shi is a friendly and outgoing breed that thrives on human attention. They require a lot of interaction and can become unhappy if left alone for too long.

Their high energy levels mean they need regular exercise, but fortunately, they tire quickly due to their small size, making them ideal for busy people.

Mal-Shis are extremely people-orientated and loyal, which makes them perfect for families, especially those with children, as they get along well with everyone when properly socialized.

However, they can be prone to "small dog syndrome" if overly carried around and babied, leading to an overabundance of confidence and bravado.

Some key characteristics of the Mal-Shi breed include:

Overall, the Mal-Shi is a wonderful companion for people of all ages, making them a popular choice for families, retirees, and apartment dwellers alike.

The Maltese Shih Tzu's coat requires daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats. This breed doesn't shed much, thanks to its Maltese heritage, making it virtually hypoallergenic.

To keep their fur soft and fluffy, bathe your Maltese Shih Tzu every month or so. Regular bathing will also help prevent tear stains, which can appear as dark marks below their eyes.

Maltese Shih Tzus can be clipped every six to nine weeks to make grooming easier, but they still need to be brushed weekly at a minimum. Brushing daily or every other day is recommended to prevent tangles and mats.

To keep your Maltese Shih Tzu's coat looking its best, brush their teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and bacteria. Daily brushing is even better to prevent gum disease and bad breath.

Trim your Maltese Shih Tzu's nails once or twice a month to prevent painful tears and other problems. If you can hear their nails clicking on the floor, they're too long.

Here's a quick guide to nail trimming for your Maltese Shih Tzu:

Regular ear cleaning is also essential to prevent infections. Wipe their ears out with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner once a week. Don't insert anything into the ear canal, just clean the outer ear.

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

Hypothyroidism is a common issue that can cause abnormal weight gain, dry skin, hair loss, ear infections, and lethargic behavior. If you notice any of these symptoms, get in touch with your vet.

Intervertebral Disc Disease can cause inactivity, shivering, limping, or the inability to bend down to eat. If you see these behaviors, it's essential to contact your vet right away.

Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome affects breeds with shortened muzzles, like the Maltese Shih Tzu, and can lead to severe respiratory distress in hot weather.

Hip Dysplasia can cause lameness over time, and it's essential to have your vet check your dog's hip joint regularly.

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

Patellar Luxation, also known as slipped stifles, is a common problem in small dogs, including the Maltese Shih Tzu. It causes the kneecap to dislocate, leading to pain and potentially crippling the dog.

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.

To keep your Maltese Shih Tzu healthy, regular visits to the vet, a balanced diet, and plenty of exercise are essential.

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Training a Maltese Shih Tzu requires consistency and strict boundaries. They are smart and can turn your weakness into their advantage if you're not firm.

Positive reinforcement and mentally stimulating exercises are effective training methods, making these hybrid pups relatively easy to train. They love to chase small objects, perfect for a game of fetch!

To prevent behavioral issues like barking and snappiness, set and stick to firm boundaries. Regular walks and exercise are also essential for their well-being.

The Maltese Shih Tzu is a friendly dog who does well with children of all ages. They make excellent companions for older, more considerate children, but also love small kids.

Teach your child to approach and touch dogs gently, and always supervise interactions between dogs and young children to prevent biting or ear or tail pulling. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child.

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Maltese Shih Tzus are social dogs who can thrive in multipet homes. They won't view smaller pets as food, but it's always best to keep an eye on their interactions.

With proper socialization as a puppy, Maltese Shih Tzus can live harmoniously with other pets in the home. This helps curb any potential disharmony later on.

It's essential to supervise interactions between your Maltese Shih Tzu and other pets, especially smaller ones like hamsters. This will ensure everyone gets along peacefully.

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Feeding your Maltese con Shih Tzu requires attention to their age, size, and activity level. A high-quality dog food is essential to ensure they get the necessary nutrients.

Maltese con Shih Tzus can become overweight easily, so monitoring their weight and calorie consumption is crucial. Avoid feeding table scraps or overindulging them with treats, as this can lead to weight gain.

The recommended daily amount of food for a Maltese con Shih Tzu is 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food, divided into two meals. This amount can vary depending on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.

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To determine if your Maltese con Shih Tzu is overweight, perform the "eye test" and the "hands-on test". Look down at them and see if you can spot a waist. Then, place your hands on their back, thumbs along the spine, with your fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see their ribs without having to press hard.

A good rule of thumb is to give your puppy about an ounce of food per pound of their body weight. This can increase to ½ an ounce for adults. If your dog lives a more active lifestyle, you can increase the amount of food you give them.

Here's a list of healthy foods that your Maltese con Shih Tzu can enjoy:

Feeding your Maltese con Shih Tzu twice a day with a healthy diet is crucial to ensure they maintain a suitable weight, typically between 6 to 12 pounds.

If you're looking for a Maltese Shih Tzu to adopt, consider checking out rescue groups dedicated to the parent breeds.

You can start by looking into organizations like Shih Tzu and Furbabies Rescue and Shih Tzu Rescue, Inc. These groups often have Maltese Shih Tzus available for adoption.

If you're interested in adopting a Maltese specifically, Southern Comfort Maltese Rescue is a great resource to explore.

The Maltese Shih Tzu is a relatively new hybrid breed, but its parent breeds, the Shih Tzu and Maltese, are some of the oldest known breeds of domesticated dog. This makes for an interesting combination of ancient ancestry and modern characteristics.

The Maltese Shih Tzu is often marketed as a low-shedding breed, but this isn't entirely true. It does, however, shed considerably less than both its parent breeds.

Here are some key facts about the hybrid Maltese Shih Tzu breed:

If you're looking for a Maltese rescue, you can start by checking out rescues dedicated to this pup's parent breeds.

You can check out the resources below to get you started. Here are some reputable Maltese rescue groups: