Maltese Shih Tzu
The Maltese Shih Tzu, also known as Malti Tzu, is a designer breed that developed in the United States. They are small, affectionate and energetic companion dogs, weighing up to 15 pounds.
Maltese Shih Tzu Breed overview
The Maltese Shih Tzu is a small, loving, and affectionate breed that makes great companions for those who want a lap dog that doesn't require excessive exercise. They have moderate energy levels, low shedding coats, and are generally good with children and other pets. They can be a bit stubborn at times, but with proper training and socialization, they make wonderful pets for novice dog owners or experienced owners who want a loyal and loving companion.
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What To Expect When Caring For a Maltese Shih Tzu
Grooming
Malti Tzu have a double coat which requires regular grooming. The coat should be brushed at least 2-3 times per week to prevent matting. Monthly grooming by a professional is also suggested. They need regular bathing, ear-cleaning, and their nails should be trimmed to maintain overall hygiene.
Training
Malti Tzu is an intelligent dog that responds well to positive reinforcement training methods. They can be easily trained with patience and consistency. Early socialization and training are recommended to develop a well-mannered adult dog.
Health
Malti Tzu are generally healthy dogs. However, they may be predisposed to some ailments that affect either the Maltese or the Shih Tzu. These include eye and respiratory problems, as well as patellar luxation and dental issues. Regular veterinary check-ups, proper grooming, and a balanced diet are essential in keeping the dog healthy.
Exercise
Malti Tzu are small dogs but they require regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. Daily short walks or indoor play sessions are enough to suffice their exercise needs.
Nutrition
A high-quality balanced diet is essential for the Malti Tzu's overall health. They require a well-rounded diet of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. The daily amount of food will depend on their age, activity level, and weight.
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Maltese Shih Tzu Traits & Characteristics
The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize Maltese Shih Tzu as a breed, but some other organisations do recognize them. Breed standards are not yet officially established for them.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is a very affectionate breed, known for being loyal companions to their owners. They love to be near their humans and are always eager to please. They make great lap dogs and are often used as therapy dogs due to their loving nature.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is generally good with children, but like all breeds, they should always be supervised around young kids. They have a playful and energetic personality which makes them great playmates for older children who can handle their small size and energy levels.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
The Maltese Shih Tzu tends to be very friendly and sociable with other dogs and pets. They have a playful and gentle nature which makes them great companions for other small dogs or cats. Socialization is important to ensure they continue to be well-mannered and friendly.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
The Maltese Shih Tzu can be reserved around strangers, but with proper socialization they can become friendly and well-mannered. They tend to be alert and wary of new people, but are not aggressive and rarely bark excessively.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is a playful and energetic breed, often described as 'spunky'. They enjoy playtime with their owners and toys, but also have a calmer side and are content to snuggle up on their owner's lap for a nap.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
The Maltese Shih Tzu tends to be alert and aware of their surroundings, but they are not a particularly alert or vigilant breed. They have a gentle nature and are known for being calm and well-mannered, which makes them good therapy dogs.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is an adaptable breed that can live in a variety of environments. They are able to adjust to different living arrangements and are happy as long as they receive plenty of attention and affection from their humans.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low-shedding coat, making them a good choice for those with allergies or who want to keep their home clean. However, their coats do require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
The Maltese Shih Tzu has a long, silky coat which requires regular grooming to stay healthy and clean. This includes brushing, bathing, and occasional haircuts to prevent matting. Regular grooming will also help reduce shedding and keep their coat looking shiny and healthy.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is not a heavy drooler, and is generally a clean breed. However, like all breeds, they may drool a bit when drinking or eating. It's important to keep their face clean and dry to prevent any health issues or skin irritations.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is a small breed, generally weighing between 7-13 pounds and standing just 8-11 inches tall. They are a good choice for those who want a small, compact dog that doesn't take up too much space.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
The Maltese Shih Tzu has a moderate energy level, and requires daily exercise to keep them healthy and happy. They enjoy walks and playtime with their owner, but are also content to relax inside the house. They are a good choice for apartment living or for those who want a dog that doesn't require excessive exercise.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The Maltese Shih Tzu does require daily exercise to keep them healthy and happy. This can include short walks, playtime inside or outside, and interactive toys that provide mental stimulation.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is not a breed that was developed for working or performing tasks. They are primarily companion dogs and excel in this role due to their loving and loyal nature.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is not a breed that was developed for hunting, and does not possess strong hunting instincts or abilities.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is a breed with moderate energy levels and stamina. They require daily exercise to keep them healthy and happy, but are not overly active or energetic.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues such as dental problems, eye diseases, and skin allergies. Regular vet checkups and proper grooming can help prevent many health issues.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is prone to gaining weight and becoming overweight if they are overfed or if they do not receive enough exercise. It's important to monitor their food intake and provide daily exercise to keep them healthy and at a healthy weight.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is not a breed that tolerates cold weather well, and may require extra warmth and protection during colder months. They are a breed that prefers indoor living and should always be kept warm and dry.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
The Maltese Shih Tzu can tolerate warm weather, but like all breeds, they should be kept cool and hydrated. They do not have excessive energy levels and are content to relax inside during hotter months.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is a great breed for apartment living, as they are small and don't require excessive exercise. They are happy as long as they receive plenty of attention and affection from their owners, making them a good choice for those who live in small spaces.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is not a breed that tends to wander or roam, and generally stays close to their owner. They are content to spend time inside the house or in a small yard, and do not require excessive space or exercise.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
The Maltese Shih Tzu can be sensitive to criticism or negative reinforcement, so it's important to use positive reinforcement during training. They are generally a gentle breed and do not respond well to harsh treatment.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is prone to separation anxiety and does not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They thrive on human interaction and attention, so it's important to spend time with them and provide plenty of mental stimulation when their owners are away.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is not a very vocal breed, and they rarely bark excessively. However, like all breeds, they may bark to alert their owners of strangers or other unusual noises.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is an intelligent breed that does require some mental stimulation to keep them engaged and happy. They enjoy learning new tricks and commands, and interactive toys can provide additional mental stimulation.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is a good choice for novice dog owners, as they are generally easy to care for and have a friendly and loving personality. However, like all dogs, they do require basic obedience training and regular grooming.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
The Maltese Shih Tzu can be a bit stubborn at times, which can make training a challenge. However, with patience and consistency, they can learn a variety of commands and tricks. They respond well to positive reinforcement, and training should always be fun for both dog and owner.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is a very affectionate breed, known for being loyal companions to their owners. They love to be near their humans and are always eager to please. They make great lap dogs and are often used as therapy dogs due to their loving nature.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is generally good with children, but like all breeds, they should always be supervised around young kids. They have a playful and energetic personality which makes them great playmates for older children who can handle their small size and energy levels.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
The Maltese Shih Tzu tends to be very friendly and sociable with other dogs and pets. They have a playful and gentle nature which makes them great companions for other small dogs or cats. Socialization is important to ensure they continue to be well-mannered and friendly.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
The Maltese Shih Tzu can be reserved around strangers, but with proper socialization they can become friendly and well-mannered. They tend to be alert and wary of new people, but are not aggressive and rarely bark excessively.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is a playful and energetic breed, often described as 'spunky'. They enjoy playtime with their owners and toys, but also have a calmer side and are content to snuggle up on their owner's lap for a nap.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
The Maltese Shih Tzu tends to be alert and aware of their surroundings, but they are not a particularly alert or vigilant breed. They have a gentle nature and are known for being calm and well-mannered, which makes them good therapy dogs.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is an adaptable breed that can live in a variety of environments. They are able to adjust to different living arrangements and are happy as long as they receive plenty of attention and affection from their humans.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low-shedding coat, making them a good choice for those with allergies or who want to keep their home clean. However, their coats do require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
The Maltese Shih Tzu has a long, silky coat which requires regular grooming to stay healthy and clean. This includes brushing, bathing, and occasional haircuts to prevent matting. Regular grooming will also help reduce shedding and keep their coat looking shiny and healthy.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is not a heavy drooler, and is generally a clean breed. However, like all breeds, they may drool a bit when drinking or eating. It's important to keep their face clean and dry to prevent any health issues or skin irritations.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is a small breed, generally weighing between 7-13 pounds and standing just 8-11 inches tall. They are a good choice for those who want a small, compact dog that doesn't take up too much space.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
The Maltese Shih Tzu has a moderate energy level, and requires daily exercise to keep them healthy and happy. They enjoy walks and playtime with their owner, but are also content to relax inside the house. They are a good choice for apartment living or for those who want a dog that doesn't require excessive exercise.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The Maltese Shih Tzu does require daily exercise to keep them healthy and happy. This can include short walks, playtime inside or outside, and interactive toys that provide mental stimulation.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is not a breed that was developed for working or performing tasks. They are primarily companion dogs and excel in this role due to their loving and loyal nature.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is not a breed that was developed for hunting, and does not possess strong hunting instincts or abilities.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is a breed with moderate energy levels and stamina. They require daily exercise to keep them healthy and happy, but are not overly active or energetic.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues such as dental problems, eye diseases, and skin allergies. Regular vet checkups and proper grooming can help prevent many health issues.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is prone to gaining weight and becoming overweight if they are overfed or if they do not receive enough exercise. It's important to monitor their food intake and provide daily exercise to keep them healthy and at a healthy weight.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is not a breed that tolerates cold weather well, and may require extra warmth and protection during colder months. They are a breed that prefers indoor living and should always be kept warm and dry.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
The Maltese Shih Tzu can tolerate warm weather, but like all breeds, they should be kept cool and hydrated. They do not have excessive energy levels and are content to relax inside during hotter months.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is a great breed for apartment living, as they are small and don't require excessive exercise. They are happy as long as they receive plenty of attention and affection from their owners, making them a good choice for those who live in small spaces.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is not a breed that tends to wander or roam, and generally stays close to their owner. They are content to spend time inside the house or in a small yard, and do not require excessive space or exercise.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
The Maltese Shih Tzu can be sensitive to criticism or negative reinforcement, so it's important to use positive reinforcement during training. They are generally a gentle breed and do not respond well to harsh treatment.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is prone to separation anxiety and does not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They thrive on human interaction and attention, so it's important to spend time with them and provide plenty of mental stimulation when their owners are away.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is not a very vocal breed, and they rarely bark excessively. However, like all breeds, they may bark to alert their owners of strangers or other unusual noises.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is an intelligent breed that does require some mental stimulation to keep them engaged and happy. They enjoy learning new tricks and commands, and interactive toys can provide additional mental stimulation.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is a good choice for novice dog owners, as they are generally easy to care for and have a friendly and loving personality. However, like all dogs, they do require basic obedience training and regular grooming.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
The Maltese Shih Tzu can be a bit stubborn at times, which can make training a challenge. However, with patience and consistency, they can learn a variety of commands and tricks. They respond well to positive reinforcement, and training should always be fun for both dog and owner.
Similar breeds
History of the Maltese Shih Tzu
The Maltese Shih Tzu was first developed in the United States, but an exact date of origin is unclear. This breed was developed by a cross-breeding between the Maltese and Shih Tzu. The aim was to create a small companion dog, which would carry the best qualities of both breeds. These dogs are now popular pets and are commonly found in households across the world.
Maltese Shih Tzu Puppies
Malti Tzu puppies are small and adorable. They are generally born in litters of 3 to 5 puppies. They reach maturity by the age of 12 months. These puppies require proper socialization, training, and exercise to grow into well-adjusted adult dogs.