Malshi 2025: Maltese Shih Tzu Mix Temperament & Care Guide 🐶✨

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Introduction 🌟

The Malshi—a charming cross between the Maltese and Shih Tzu—is a small, affectionate companion dog favored for its hypoallergenic coat and big personality. Though not recognized by the AKC, this designer breed has become increasingly popular in the U.S., Australia, and beyond. This expert 2025 guide covers everything from temperament and grooming to health and training tips for your Malshi.

1. Origins & Breed Overview 📜

• Originated in the 1990s in the U.S. (and Australia) with the goal of creating a low-shedding companion dog.
• Also known as Malt-Tzu, Mal‑Shi, Malti‑Zu, Shih‑tese, Mal‑Shi, reflecting its mixed Maltese and Shih Tzu heritage.
• First-generation crosses (F1) tend to exhibit the most predictable mix of traits; successive breeding increases variability in appearance and temperament.

2. Appearance & Size 🧩

• Height: ~9–11 in (23–28 cm); Weight: ~6–12 lb (2.7–5.4 kg).
• Coat is long, silky, often wavy—typically low-shedding and hypoallergenic, though no dog is 100% allergy-proof.
• Coat colors vary widely: white, tan, black, gold, brown, parti-colors, and more.

3. Temperament & Personality ❤️

• Sweet, affectionate, and loyal—thrives on close human companionship.
• Friendly and adaptable; good with adults, seniors, and respectful children; small size makes toddlers a poor match.
• Moderate energy level—enjoys playtime but is also content as a lapdog.
• Can develop separation anxiety or boredom-based behaviors if left alone too long.
• Alert and vocal—often a good watchdog, but training and socialization help moderate barking.

4. Health & Lifespan 🩺

• Lifespan: ~12–14 years, similar to both parents.
• Potential health issues inherited from Maltese/Shih Tzu: patellar luxation, dental disease, liver shunts, hip dysplasia, cataracts, respiratory issues.
• A smaller muzzle may reduce respiratory problems compared to a pure Shih Tzu lineage.

5. Grooming & Coat Care ✂️

• Daily brushing is needed to prevent mats and tangles.
• Bathe every 3–6 weeks; professional grooming (teddy cut or puppy style) recommended every 6–8 weeks.
• Daily facial cleansing to prevent tear staining; weekly ear check/cleaning due to long hair.
• Trim nails and brush teeth at least 2–3 times a week to prevent dental issues.

6. Exercise & Daily Needs 🏃♂️

• Daily walk of ~30–60 minutes plus indoor play suffices.
• Interactive toys and short training sessions stimulate mental engagement.
• Healthy but cannot tolerate overexertion—be cautious in hot or humid weather.

7. Training & Socialization 🎓

• Smart and trainable with gentle, positive reinforcement methods.
• House/crate training may be stubborn; consistency and patience are key.
• Early socialization helps reduce reactivity towards other dogs; can be selective in their interactions.

8. Family Fit & Lifestyle 🏡

• Best suited for singles, seniors, or families with older children; handles apartment life well.
• Needs companionship and engagement; not ideal for homes with long absences.
• Sensitive to temperature extremes; indoor living preferred with regulated conditions.

9. Adoption & Breeder Considerations 🌟

• Seek reputable breeders who health-screen parents (knees, eyes, hips, cardiac).
• Rescue Malshis are rare, but mix crosses in Maltese and Shih Tzu rescues may yield matches.
• Price range: typically $1,500–2,500 USD depending on lineage and location.

10. Ask A Vet, 🐶

• Ask A Vet: Instant advice on coat care, tear stain management, dental hygiene, joint screening.

11. Final Thoughts ✅

The Malshi blends the best of both Maltese and Shih Tzu—small, affectionate, intelligent, and hypoallergenic. They thrive in homes that offer close companionship, moderate grooming, and mental enrichment. For ongoing care and expert advice, visit AskAVet.com and download the Ask A Vet app—your partner in giving your Malshi a healthy, happy life.