Maltese Shih Tzu – the perfect breed for you?

The Maltese Shih Tzu has a variety of shortened names in various countries.  These names include Malshi, Mal-Shi, Malt-Tzu, Malti zu, Shih-tese and Shima.  They are a small pooch who tend to be in the upper size range of the Maltese and at the smaller size range of the Shih Tzu.

Lifespan: 12-14 years
Height: 25 cms (10 in)
Weight: 2.5 kgs to 5 kgs (6-12 lb)
Temperament: intelligent, playful, happy
Suitable living space: apartments, houses with/without yards
Best Suited For: Families with/without children, seniors, singles

Allergy-friendly dog breed

Allergy-friendly – the Maltese Shih Tzu is great if anyone in the family has allergies as these dogs don’t shed much.  This is also a bonus for keeping your house cleaner!!

Maltese Shih Tzu characteristics

The Maltese Shih Tzu is a well-loved, very popular dog breed.  They can be a sweet lapdog who are great for all members of the family.  They are an adorable little dog that is most suitable for a variety of environments as they are happy to live in apartments or in big homes.

The black eyes, black nose and white fur are inherited from the Maltese whereas their brown and white, longer fur and the shape of their eyes and face are inherited from the Shih Tzu.

They are a very good communicator.  Generally, they will let you know if they have run out of water or if it’s time for dinner.  They are also very good at making themselves comfortable perhaps curling up in your lap so that you don’t feel that you can move and disturb them!

They are outgoing and will want to make friends with everyone.  Their good nature makes them an excellent therapy dog.  They grow very attached to their humans and do like to be around them as much as possible.

So, be sure you can provide lots of tlc.  They will greet you exuberantly when you arrive home (even if you’ve only been gone for a short while) and you will always feel loved by them.

Training your Maltese Shih Tzu

As with most breeds, it is important to socialise your Maltese Shih Tzu with other dogs from a young age.  It’s also important to treat them like well-loved dogs rather than like babies otherwise they can become little tyrants.  If you treat your furkid like a real dog, they’ll act like one rather than like a little brat and will have the nice temperament they are bred to have.

Typically, they are very trainable and usually eager to please.

How much walking?

Even though they are little dogs they still need to go for regular walks.  We have often heard the reason for not walking to be “he’s only a little fellow so doesn’t need to go out for a walk”.  It’s not just about the exercise.  Dogs need to get out and smell the peemails and to leave some of their own.  In short, they need the stimulation of going for a walk or running around the local off-leash park.

Holiday care

When you are going away and need your dog minded let us match him or her with one of carefully-screened, fully-interviewed and insured dog minders.  You meet the minder beforehand so that you can be sure they are suitable for your furkid.  We support the minder 24/7 when you are away.  See more information at www.dontfretpet.com.au.

Summary

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a little fur bundle who is low maintenance and suitable for the whole family then do your research as the Maltese Shih Tzu may be the perfect dog for you!

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