Read : Cutest 14 Shih-Tzu Mix Dog Breeds<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n The Maltese dogs<\/a> were first found in Europe in 500 BCE. It is believed that it\u2019s an even older breed that originated from Asia. The breed was prevalent among the European nobles throughout the Middle Age and was presented as a lapdog in royal courts. The Maltese is still famous in Europe and is known as a show dog today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Shih Tzu<\/a> is among the oldest breeds of pet dogs and is known to originate from Tibet. It is known as a companion animal since 1000 BCE. It was particularly famous with Chinese royalty and nobles. Traders introduced this breed in the United States after the Second World War and to Europe in the 1930s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though the Maltese Shih Tzu was bred to get a toy breed with less shedding<\/a>, it still sheds. However, the mixed breed still sheds a lot less than the original ones<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This has made the Maltese Shih Tzu very famous in recent years. It is gaining quick fame in the United States and is among the most popular breeds in Australia. Americans usually know it as the \u2018Mal-Shi.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you look at a Mal-Shi, it will appear like a pom-pom. It is small in size, but its body and head are entirely proportionate. There is a possibility that it will have significant, bulging eyes in amber or hazel color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to coats, it has a long wavy or straight coat. One of its unique characteristics is having no undercoat. This is why it sheds far less than most other breeds, making it safe for people who are allergic to pets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Mal-Shi is present in various colors. Its coat can be white, black, brown or a combination of the three.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It also has markings on it, which are unique to each Mal-Shi and lets you recognize your dog from others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Maltese Shih Tzu has many of its parents\u2019 characteristics, including their temperaments. He is usually more tolerant and even-tempered and better-natured than the Maltese, so it is known as a \u2018friendly toy.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n It is very confident and often described as \u2018gutsy\u2019 by its owners. Malshi is known to be very tolerant around kids of any age and play happily with them to please its human.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Its balanced temperament makes it a perfect companion pet for families<\/a>. He is good with children and is loyal to its family. It loves people and requires much human attention to stay happy. He enjoys communicating with people and likes to play games, go for a walk or help with chores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Behavioral problems<\/a> can arise with the Maltese Shih Tzu mix when it becomes spoilt or is left on its own for an extended period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In such cases, they may develop separation anxiety or a lack of interest<\/a>. Indoor destruction and immense disobedience can also develop and become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Never spoil a Maltese Shih Tzu to the extent that it considers itself as your master. It needs to be led by a determined and robust pack leader. You need to train it and instill discipline from an early age if you want it to behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The breed is usually good-natured and cheerful and likes to leave peacefully with everyone in the house, including other pets. However, it\u2019s best to socialize it as a puppy so that it does not become timid. This will also curb aggression that may arise when introduced to new people or animals if it is not socialized correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A happy and healthy Maltese Shih Tzu lives for around 12 to 14 years. Females tend to live a little longer than the males.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both genders of this breed have the same size. A puppy of 2 months has a height of 7 inches, while a fully grown dog at 12 months has a height of 10 inches.<\/p>\n\n\n Caring for a Maltese Shih Tzu is easy. You have to give it a proper diet, take it on walks and train it properly. Let\u2019s look at this in detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Diet Requirements<\/strong> The puppy requires more food since it\u2019s growing and needs more energy<\/a>. In contrast, an adult usually requires only half a bowl of dry dog food<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Care should be taken to buy only high-quality dog food for your \u2018Mal-Shi.\u2019 A great option is to serve it kibble which is specially made for a toy or small dog breeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s best to divide its food into two servings, once in the day and once at night. This way, it will remain satisfied throughout the day, and you will not have to worry about feeding it all day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A great thing about this breed is that you will never find it getting fat or obese. Still, it would be best if you kept an eye on its food. Your dog needs a healthy diet full of essential nutrients to meet its daily requirements<\/a>. A healthy diet will ensure that it remains healthy and will stay by your side for a long time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t forget to update your Maltese Shih Tzu’s diet according to its size, age, and activity level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to grooming, the Mal-Shi needs light brushing to clear off any excess dander or fur. You can brush it daily or a minimum of twice a week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most Mal-Shi owners usually prefer to get their pet a haircut, especially in the summers, which makes grooming much more manageable. If you want your pet to have silky, smooth hair, you will have to bath it twice a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Clipping nails regularly help too. Not to forget, its eyes also require regular care or else they become quite gunky! If their eyes don\u2019t get proper cleaning, it can lead to stained tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Maltese Shih Tzu is a known sufferer of respiratory problems. It can have breathing problems if it exerts too much or does harsh exercises. However, this doesn\u2019t mean that it can\u2019t run outside or indoors. It needs a 15- to 30-minute brisk walk daily.<\/p>\n\n\n It would be best if you tied it to a leash when taking it for a walk or to a new place. This is because the Maltese Shih Tzu loves exploring new surroundings and can get lost in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Apart from a walk, it needs mentally stimulating games to keep it entertained without exerting too much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Exercising and playing games with a Mal-Shi will keep it healthy and will give it your company and attention, which is what it needs the most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read More about: Teacup Maltese<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Mal-Shi is an intelligent breed which is easy to train. Like the other breeds, it responds well to positive reinforcement training<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember not to spoil it, however. This can make your pet anxious in unfavorable circumstances and result in dangerous behavior such as barking and destruction of property<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It can sometimes feel shy around strangers, but this can be due to a lack of socialization. Some of the best socialization activities<\/a> can be walks in the neighborhood, in dog parks, and even on pet-friendly beaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are out of ideas, search for dog-friendly places in your area on Google. You will find plenty of them to take your dog to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Mal-Shi needs a display of love as well. A simple hug or a cuddle will tell it that you love and care for it. This is enough to keep it happy throughout the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You will find it quite energetic while playing, which is good for its mental development<\/a>. Games like \u2018fetch\u2019 and \u2018hide-and-seek\u2019 are great for keeping it active and healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To play a game like hide-and-seek, hide in a place and call your pet by its name to see if it can find you. To have more fun, try hiding in different places every time and call its name. Then, enjoy seeing it run all over the place to find you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As mentioned earlier, the Maltese Shih Tzu mix does shed but very less as compared to many other breeds. Even so, it needs to be brushed and groomed daily to keep its coat safe from mats. You will also need to trim its hair every 6 to 8 weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n Yes, the Mal-Shi is a hypoallergenic mix breed<\/a>. Both its parents are hypoallergenic, so it gets this trait from both. This makes it suitable for those who are allergic to pets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common in all dog breeds, it is also found in the Maltese-Shih Tzu mix. Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland fails to produce an adequate quantity of the thyroid hormones due to inflammation. Symptoms include dry skin, hair loss, weight gain, lethargy, and ear infections<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is when the spine has a damaged disc between its vertebrae. This condition causes swelling and leakage. Its symptoms are lethargy, inactivity, shivering, limping, and being unable to bend to eat. If you observe these symptoms, please consult your vet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The symptoms of the brachycephalic airway syndrome are found in all breeds but are particularly common in smaller breeds such as the Mal-Shi. The chances of contracting this disease increase in the hot Australian weather, resulting in severe respiratory distress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This occurs when the hip fails to form correctly, resulting in possible lameness in the Mal-Shi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This occurs when the portal vein or any of its offshoots connect abnormally with another vein, resulting in the blood to \u2018shunt\u2019 or bypass the liver. This is usually a congenital disability, which leads to stunted growth or poor muscle development. Another symptom is disorientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This disease occurs in many small breeds. It causes the Mal-Shi to shake unexpectedly which is a result of an idiopathic inflammation inside the brain. Sometimes, owners mistake the shakes a result of a cold, but if they persist, you should call your vet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This one is related to orthopedics. It occurs in many dogs and can lead to your dog having a dislocated knee. It commonly occurs in a toy or small breeds and can lead to surgery if it persists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How Much Does a Maltese Shih Tzu Mix Cost?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A Maltese Shih Tzu puppy usually costs between $500 to $700. The adult costs are slightly less. Price varies depending on the breeder you get the Maltese Shih Tzu from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can adopt a Maltese Shih Tzu from a rescue or shelter as well. It usually costs around $300, which is much more affordable than buying it from a breeder. This cost is for the expenses of the dog incurred before you adopted it.<\/p>\n\n\n People tend to have many questions before they adopt a dog from a rescue or shelter<\/a>. They have concerns regarding how to take care of the adopted MalShi and whether the dog will be able to adapt to their lifestyle. The answers differ for every Maltese Shih Tzu , depending on its condition and past experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each Mal-Shi in the rescue or shelter has a different story. Some have been found in their owner’s backyard where they were kept in cages and never saw sunlight or stepped on grass. Owners could have abandoned others for being expensive or just something they can\u2019t take care of. This case usually occurs when the Mal-Shi\u2019s owner is old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are different stories for every Mal-Shi in the shelter. The common thing is that they are less fortunate than the ones who are well-kept, well-fed, well-trained and well-groomed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you adopt a Mal-Shi, care needs to be taken according to their personality and needs. Dog that has been adopted from a rescue or shelter will have different needs to one with a great upbringing<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These rescue dogs can have the following issues:<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"maltese](\"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/maltese-shih-tzu-mix-dog-1024x642.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nOrigin of Maltese Shih Tzu Mix<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Maltese Shih Tzu Mix Appearance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Maltese Shih Tzu Mix Temperament<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"maltese-shih-tzu-dog-4\"](\"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/maltese-shih-tzu-dog-4-1024x861.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"maltese-shih-tzu-dog-3\"](\"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/maltese-shih-tzu-dog-3-1024x616.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n\n\nHow to Take Care of a Maltese Shih Tzu Mix<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
With a small size, the Maltese Shih Tzu mix does not require much food. Even so, it loves to eat treats. Hence, it would be best if you were careful about the amount of food you feed it.
The calories required by the Maltese Shih Tzu are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Maltese Shih Tzu Mix Grooming<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Exercise Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"maltese-shih-tzu-dog-6\"](\"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/maltese-shih-tzu-dog-6-1024x653.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n\n\nMalshi Training Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Does Maltese Shih Tzu Mix Shed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"maltese-shih-tzu-dog-8\"](\"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/maltese-shih-tzu-dog-8-1024x642.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n\n\nIs the Maltese Shih Tzu Mix Hypoallergenic?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Common Health Diseases and Conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Adopting the Dog from a Maltese Shih Tzu Mix Rescue or Shelter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"maltese-shih-tzu-dog-7\"](\"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/maltese-shih-tzu-dog-7-1024x629.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n\n\nHow to Care for a Rescued or Adopted MalShi<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"maltese-shih-tzu-dog-malshi\"](\"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/maltese-shih-tzu-dog-malshi-1024x603.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n\n\n