Maltese Shih Tzu
USD 500-800 Price Avg.
Designer Dogs
Group
Cross Breed
Breed Type
Small
Size
12-14 years
Lifespan
Breed Information
| Group | Designer Dogs |
|---|---|
| Popularity/Rank | 622 |
| Origin | United States |
| Other Names | Mal-Shi,,Malti zu,,Malt-Tzu |
| Breed Type | Cross Breed |
| Price (Avg.) | USD 500-800 |
| Size | Small |
| Weight | 6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg) |
| Height | 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) |
| Lifespan | 12-14 years |
| Recognized by |
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. And Not recognized by FCI. |
| Purpose | Companion |
| Date of Origin | April 1988 |
| Ancestry | Cross between the Maltese and Shih Tzu breeds |
Appearance & Maintenance
| Coat | Curly, Long, Silky, Soft, Wavy |
|---|---|
| Coat Colors | Black, Black & White, Brown, Brown & Black, White, White & Tan |
| Grooming Level | |
| Shedding Level | |
| Eye Color Possibilities | Black, Brown, Hazel, Blue, Amber |
| Nose Color Possibilities | Black, Brown, Liver, Red, Apricot, Blenheim |
| Coat Color Possibilities | White, Black, Silver, Tan, Apricot, Red, Gold, Cream |
| Coat Length | Medium |
| Coat Density | Medium |
| Coat Texture | Silky |
| Recommended Brushes | Slicker brush, Pin brush, Undercoat rake, Nail clippers, Grooming scissors, Shedding blade, Dematting comb, Grooming mitt, Ear cleaner, Toothbrush. |
| Brushing Frequency | 2-3 times per week |
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Active, Adaptable, Curious, Intelligent, Outgoing, Playful, Sportive |
|---|---|
| Intelligent | |
| Trainability | |
| Playfulness | |
| Sensitivity Level | |
| Affection Level | |
| Social Interaction Required | |
| Barking | |
| Watchdog Ability | |
| Territorial | |
| Biting Force | Low |
| Mouthiness | |
| Impulse to Wander or Roam | |
| Prey Drive | |
| Adaptability | |
| Tolerates Being Left Alone | |
| Fighting Dog | Not really |
Good & Friendly with
| Apartment Life Friendly | |
|---|---|
| Stranger Friendly | |
| Kid-Friendly | |
| Cat Friendly | |
| Dog Friendly | |
| Office Friendly | Yes |
| Senior Citizens Friendly | |
| Pet Friendly | |
| Friendly with First Time Owners | Yes |
| Service Dog | Not really |
| Therapy Dog | Not really |
| Detection, Sniffer or Security Dog | Not really |
| Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) | Not really |
| Boat Dog | Not really |
| Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog | Not really |
Health Elements
| Health Issues | |
|---|---|
| Health Problems | Patellar Luxation, White Dog Shaker Syndrome |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes |
| Energy Level | |
| Exercise Required | |
| Sleeping Required | |
| Weight Gain Potential | |
| Weather & Climate | Tolerates warm and cold weather. |
| Stinkiness | Low |
| Drooling tendency | |
| Activity Level | Moderate |
| Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week | 2 miles |
| Minutes of Activity Per Day | 30-45 minutes |
Food & Costing
| Avg. Daily Food | 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. |
|---|---|
| Cups Per Day | 1/2 cup |
| Daily Cost | $20-$30 |
| Monthly Cost | $50-$100 |
Reproducibility
| Gestation Duration | 60-64 days |
|---|---|
| How often can the Maltese Shih Tzu have a litter? | Once a year. |
| Litter Size | 3-5 puppies (Once a year.) |
Description
The Maltese Shih Tzu is a small, affectionate, and loyal breed of dog that has become increasingly popular in recent years. This hybrid breed is a mix between the Maltese and the Shih Tzu, two breeds that are known for their loving personalities and intelligence. The Maltese Shih Tzu is an ideal companion for those looking for a small, friendly dog that will be devoted to its owners.
Appearance: The Maltese Shih Tzu has a long coat of fur that can range from white to cream in color. They have large eyes and floppy ears, giving them an adorable appearance. Their muzzle is short and their tail is usually curled over their back. They have a sturdy body with short legs and a thick neck.
Lifespan, Size, Weight & Colors: The average lifespan of the Maltese Shih Tzu is between 10-15 years old. They typically weigh between 8-16 pounds when fully grown and stand at around 9-11 inches tall at the shoulder. Common colors include white, cream, black & tan or black & white combinations.
Personality: The Maltese Shih Tzu has an outgoing personality that makes them great companions for people of all ages. They are intelligent dogs who love to learn new tricks and commands as well as playing games with their owners or other pets in the household. They are also very affectionate dogs who enjoy cuddling up with their owners on the couch or bed after a long day of playtime activities!
Friendliness: The Maltese Shih Tzu loves being around people but can be wary of strangers at first until they get used to them over time. They get along well with other dogs as well as cats if they are introduced properly from an early age so they can learn how to socialize properly with other animals in the home environment! As far as children go, these dogs do best when raised alongside children from puppyhood so they can learn how to interact appropriately with kids without any issues arising later on down the line!
Temperament: The temperament of this breed tends to be calm yet alert which makes them great watchdogs if needed! However they do not bark excessively unless there’s something out of place or someone unfamiliar entering your home which makes them perfect for those looking for some extra security without having too much noise coming from your pup!
Health: Generally speaking this breed does not suffer from any major health issues however it’s important to keep up regular vet checkups just like any other pet in order to ensure your pup stays healthy throughout its life span! Common health concerns include eye problems such as cataracts or glaucoma due to their large eyes so it’s important you keep an eye out (no pun intended) for any changes in vision during regular checkups!
Adaptability Level & Benefits: This breed does best when living indoors but also enjoys going outside every now and then especially during warmer months where they can take advantage of all kinds of outdoor activities such as walks or hikes! As far as adaptability goes these pups do quite well living in apartments since they don’t require too much space due to their size however it’s still important you give them plenty of exercise each day either indoors or outdoors depending on what works best for you both! Finally one major benefit about owning this breed is that since they don’t shed too much hair you won’t have too many messes around your house making cleaning up after your pup much easier than some other breeds out there today!
History
The Maltese Shih Tzu is a small dog breed that originated in China. The breed is a cross between the Maltese and the Shih Tzu, two of the most popular breeds in China. The Maltese Shih Tzu was first bred in the early 1900s, and the breed quickly became popular in China. However, the Maltese Shih Tzu was not recognized as a separate breed until the 1950s.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is a small dog with a long, silky coat. The coat can be either white or cream-colored, and it is often trimmed to create a “lion’s mane” look. The Maltese Shih Tzu has large, dark eyes and a black nose. The ears are long and droopy, and the tail is curled over the back.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is a friendly and playful breed that gets along well with children and other pets. They are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. Maltese Shih Tzus are relatively active dogs, but they do not require a lot of exercise. They are content to lounge around the house or go for short walks.
The history of the Maltese Shih Tzu dog is fascinating but also heartbreaking. These dogs were once one of the most popular breeds in China but they nearly became extinct during World War II. Thankfully, some dedicated breeders were able to keep them alive and eventually they regained their popularity. Today, they are cherished pets all over the world!