Are Maltese Shih Tzu hypoallergenic? You’ll be pleased to know that they certainly are and offer those with allergies the opportunity to own an amazing little dog.
Malti Zu Quick Facts
The Maltese Shih Tzu
The Maltese Shih Tzu is an adorable designer mixed breed that’s also known as the Mal shi, Malti Zu, or Malt Tzu.
They were originally created to become one of the best hypoallergenic dogs, thanks to their parents Maltese Terrier and Shih Tzu possessing low-shedding traits. This hybrid Maltese mix is truly the most loving and affectionate family pet.
Considered to be lap dogs, these beauties can be energetic and lively. They’re gentle fluff balls that like attention.
Grain allergy and dog wheat allergy symptoms are similar, so, refer to the signs above and discuss the best course of action with your vet.
Once the gluten/wheat has been eradicated from your pals’ diet you should start to see an improvement in symptoms. That said, if these issues persist, your vet may suggest a blood panel to find out if there are any other illnesses to consider.
Originating in the 1990s the Maltese Shih Tzu was created with the intention of a non-shedding breed that didn’t relate to the Poodle. This Maltese and Shih Tzu mix gives us the sass of a purebred Maltese and the generous loyalty of a Shih Tzu.
However, even with hypoallergenic parents, this hybrid isn’t 100% non-shedding — experts are yet to find a breed to take that title. And, because of their hybrid genetics, the Mal Shi dog isn’t a recognized breed with the AKC.
Needless to say, this cutie gained popularity. With their small stature, cuddle-me looks, and allergy-friendly tendencies, they are a desirable dog.
About The Breed
With both parents being small breeds, the offspring will follow suit. In fact, Malshi puppies generally only grow to be around 7 inches tall and weigh between 6-12 pounds by the time they reach adulthood.
Although your little Malshih could look like either of their parent breeds, they don’t tend to have the bulgy eyes of a Shih Tzu, making them more appealing to a greater number of people. And, just because these dogs are small doesn’t mean they aren’t relatively robust — as long as they’re well-bred.
Furthermore, as with any hybrid, you can’t guarantee which parent breed it will resemble more, but you can assume it will be an adorable beauty.
The Malshi dog breed has a varied coat from pup to pup. It tends to be fairly straight and long and can be black, white, brown, tan, and even silver!
They have a single coat that’s more like human hair instead of fur, like other dogs.
Due to their hypoallergenic parents, they too are classed as low-shedding pooches. So if you’re allergic or simply don’t fancy a furry coat in your home, this Maltese x Shih Tzu breed could be your answer!
If we had to sum up the Malshi personality in three words, it would have to be — affectionate, gentle, and loyal.
They’re awesome with other pets and kids. Although due to their pint-sized proportions, they’re probably better with bigger little people who understand how to handle animals. The Malshi is also intelligent and playful — thanks to the Shih Tzu and Maltese small dog breeds’ temperaments.
However, if you intend to leave your Malshi alone for long periods, you may wish to reconsider if they’re the pooch for you. Even though this breed isn’t known for separation anxiety, both their parent breeds are prone to it, so there is no guarantee that yours won’t follow suit.
Training and Exercise
Maltese Shih Tzus are easy to train and are average on the intelligence scale but can quickly pick up new commands. Ensuring your pup is well socialized from a young age will also help them develop their social skills with other dogs and humans.
They’re known to play bite, especially as puppies, but this should be discouraged right from the start.
As for exercise, the Malshi won’t turn down the opportunity for walkies, but we’re not talking an all-day hike on the trails — 30 minutes tops is plenty for this pooch. Even playing ‘fetch’ in the backyard will keep them satisfied
As with any hypoallergenic dog, grooming is important.
1. Grooming Your Malshi
Maltese Shih Tzus have long coats that can tangle easily, so regularly brushing their fur will remove the excess and free them from dirt and knots. Set aside some time for this every day.
If you’re like me, taking your dog to the groomer for a pamper is a must — schedule an appointment every 6 to 8 weeks for a trim, or for a low-maintenance hair-do, have it clipped short — more on this next.
2. Malshi Haircuts — From Long to Short
Many Maltese Shih Tzu parents love the fact they can choose different haircuts for their pups. You can opt for a super short cut where the hair is around 0.5 to 2 inches in length, or grow the coat down to the floor. The latter is known as the show-dog cut. Personally, I prefer to keep to the teddy bear look, but go shorter in hotter months.
3. Bathing Your Maltese Shih Tzu is Required Depending on Coat Length
Brush your Mal Shih thoroughly before bath time — the water will make the mats worse. And, frequency of bathing will depend on coat length. Long-haired coats require a dip around twice a month, short-haired, can go a little longer.
Alongside a good dog shampoo, use a conditioner that’s specially formulated for dogs. This will make brushing through after a bath much easier.
4. Feeding a High-Quality Diet
Feed your little fur ball high-quality dog food to ensure nutritional needs are met.
But be aware, these little dogs are prone to putting on weight, so choose their food carefully. To avoid your pooch piling on the pounds, go for foods containing prime protein, vegetables, and healthy fats.
5. Supplement Their Food
If you feel your dog is lacking nutrients from their diet, you could provide a supplement. This could be omega-3 chews, coconut oil added to their food, or even a probiotic.
6. Teeth, Ears, and Nails
Nails will need to be trimmed regularly, particularly if they aren’t wearing them down naturally while out and about. Your Malshi’s teeth should also be brushed regularly — once a week.
Health Issues
This little breed, for the most part, is a happy and healthy dog, but like many breeds, there is a likelihood of developing some health conditions. That said, not every Maltishih is going to suffer from them.
These little fluff balls can suffer from conditions such as:
- Patellar luxation — is where the knee joint moves in and out of the socket almost like a dislocation. This usually occurs in the rear legs.
- White shaker syndrome — a condition seen in both the Maltese and Shih Tzu breeds. A dog suffering from this will have uncontrollable shaking and won’t be able to walk — it can last for a few hours to all day.
Furthermore, ear infections, eye problems and skin allergies are potential conditions to keep in mind. And, due to the small size of this breed, they’re also prone to injuries.
Let’s take a look at what the Maltese Shih Tzu has to offer a prospective doggy parent.
A loving, adorable dog with bundles of energy to play, yet a quick walk to the dog park is exercise enough. Not only do they thrive in a family home, they make great companions for seniors and people living alone. They aim to please and love attention, but be aware, they can be noisy little so and so’s.
They’re considered hypoallergenic, although they do still shed — how much will depend on their parentage. Overall the Maltese Shih Tzu is an amazing dog that’s also great for those with allergies. Good luck choosing the best buddy to add to your family.
Is a Maltese Shih Tzu a Good Dog?
This breed is amazing in any home. Great with kids, they bring out the playful side in every owner.
Do Malshis Bark a Lot?
In comparison to other breeds, the Malt Shih Tzu does bark a lot. If they’re left unsocialized, anxiety could become an issue, leading them to warn off people passing.
Are Malshis Hard to Potty Train?
Potty training requires a lot of patience and routine. When they crack it, it’s amazing, but until then, expect the odd accident.
How Much Does a Maltese Shih Tzu Mix Cost?
The Maltese Shih Tzu Price can vary from anything from $400 to $800. But this is quite a bit less than some other designer breeds.
How Long Do Maltese Shih Tzu Dogs Live?
The Maltese Shih Tzu dog has a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. This of course will depend on their general health and any inherited conditions.
