The Malshi — also known as the Maltese Shih Tzu cross — is the teddy bear of the dog world: soft, cuddly, and full of charm. Bred to be the ultimate lapdog, this little mix combines the sweetness of the Maltese with the playful spirit of the Shih Tzu. The aim? A loving, low-shedding companion.
Of course, crossbreeds are like surprise packages. You never know whether your pup will inherit more of the Maltese’s sass or the Shih Tzu’s laid-back vibes. But one thing’s for sure — you’ll end up with an affectionate shadow who thinks their whole world revolves around you.
If you’re wondering whether the Malshi is your perfect match, try the Which Dog Breed is Best for Me? Quiz to find out.
Great Names for a Malshi
Naming a Malshi is as much fun as cuddling one. Their big eyes and fluffy coats lend themselves to names that are soft, silly, or downright royal. And if you can’t decide, our Dog Name Generator is packed with inspiration tailored to personality and breed.
Cute / cuddly: Teddy, Muffin, Buttons, Dolly, Fifi
Playful: Bubbles, Skip, Jester, Tigger, Zippy
Elegant: Pearl, Coco, Hugo, Fleur, Bella
Quirky: Mr Wiggles, Biscuit, Pompom, Doodle, Sir Snore-a-Lot
Pickles’ Aside: “Name them Muffin and don’t be surprised if they try to share your breakfast.”
Exercise
Malshis may look like living soft toys, but don’t be fooled, even fluff needs an outlet. While they don’t need marathon runs, they do enjoy a daily walk and plenty of playtime. Without it, mischief is guaranteed.
- One short, brisk walk a day will keep them happy.
- Indoor games and puzzle toys are a big hit.
- Boredom = barking, chewing, or redecorating the sofa.
Owner insight: “Our Malshi is perfectly fine with a 20–30 minute walk and then snuggles for the rest of the evening.”
Pickles’ Aside: “Don’t skip the walk. Otherwise, your shoes may mysteriously ‘self-destruct.’”
Temperament
This is where Malshis shine brightest. They’re affectionate, playful, and deeply loyal, the sort of dog that wants to be involved in absolutely everything you do. They’re gentle souls who adore cuddles but can be a little sensitive when left alone too long.
- Fantastic with older children who treat them kindly.
- Not always ideal for toddlers — tugging ears is not part of the fun.
- Sensitive enough to mirror your moods (bad day = instant lap therapy).
Owner insight: “My Malshi follows me everywhere. If I so much as close the bathroom door, I hear a whine outside.”
Training
Smart but sensitive, Malshis thrive with gentle guidance. Harsh words will have them sulking under the sofa. Keep training short, upbeat, and reward-based, and they’ll surprise you with how much they can learn.
Need an extra paw? Try the World’s First AI Dog Trainer — personalised, positive training tips at your fingertips.
Owner insight: “We had to figure out what motivated ours — turns out she’ll do anything for cheese.”
Pickles’ Aside: “Sensitive? Yes. Easily bribed with snacks? Definitely.”
Strangers & Watchdog Potential
Malshis may be pint-sized, but they take their home security duties seriously. They’ll bark to announce visitors, but often calm down quickly once reassured. Compared to their parent breeds, many owners say they’re a little less barky — but they’ll still keep you updated on every delivery.
Owner insight: “She barks at the delivery man but wags her tail the second he says hello.”
Other Animals
The Malshi’s friendly nature usually extends to other pets. Raised with cats or dogs, they’ll often live in harmony. Neighbourhood cats, however, may trigger chase mode.
Owner insight: “Our Malshi grew up with a rabbit, and they nap side by side. Outside cats, though, she’ll run after them every time.”
Grooming
Here’s the catch with having a dog that looks like a walking soft toy — the fluff doesn’t maintain itself. Malshis need regular brushing and trips to the groomer to keep their coat tangle-free and tidy.
- Brush your pet several times a week to prevent mats.
- Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks.
- Expect bath time and eye cleaning to be part of the routine.
Owner insight: “The grooming costs more than the food bill, but the cuteness is worth it.”
Pickles’ Aside: “Pay for the pooch parlour or DIY at home — either way, you’ll be finding fluff everywhere.”
Health
Like all crossbreeds, Malshis can inherit conditions from either parent. Common issues include:
- Dental disease (tiny mouths, crowded teeth).
- Luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps).
- Eye problems like tear staining, PRA, and cataracts.
- Brachycephalic airway issues (from the Shih Tzu side).
- Skin sensitivities in some lines.
Owner insight: “We have to keep up with dental chews or the vet tells us off — small dog teeth can be tricky.”
Malshis typically live 12–16 years with good care. Choosing a responsible breeder who health tests the parent dogs is vital. For guidance, see our Best in Breeder Guide.
Cost of Ownership (UK)
Don’t be fooled by their tiny size — Malshis come with big-dog bills when you add in grooming and healthcare.
- Puppy price: £700–£1,500
- Food: ~£20–£30/month
- Insurance: £20–£40/month
- Routine vet care: ~£200–£300/year
- Unexpected vet bills: Easily hundreds, sometimes thousands
- Grooming: £40–£70 every 6–8 weeks
Yearly Costs:
- Budget Year: ~£1,200 (DIY grooming, low insurance)
- Realistic Year: ~£2,000
- Chaotic Year: £3,500+
Famous Owners & Moments
While Malshis don’t have Hollywood’s red-carpet dominance like Poodle crosses, they’ve carved out their own fan base. In the UK, they’re becoming a go-to choice for families, retirees, and anyone who wants a loyal lapdog without marathon exercise demands.
Pickles’ Aside: “Celeb or not, they’ll still think you’re the star of the show.”
Myth-Busting
Let’s set the record straight on the Malshi:
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| They’re fully hypoallergenic | No breed is. They shed less, but still produce dander and saliva. |
| They don’t bark | They may bark less than their parents, but they’ll happily sound the alarm. |
| They’re fine left alone all day | Not true. Malshis crave company and can develop separation anxiety. |
| They’re perfect with all kids | They’re better with older children — some are too sensitive for rough play. |
| They’re just fluffy lapdogs | They’ve got a cheeky watchdog streak too — the postman will confirm. |
Malshi FAQs
Do they shed?
Lightly — but regular grooming is a must.
Are they easy to train?
Yes, but only with gentle, positive methods.
How much exercise do they need?
Usually, one walks a day, plus playtime indoors.
Are they good with kids?
Best with older, gentle children.
How long do they live?
12–16 years.
Thinking of Bringing Home a Malshi?
If you want a sweet, playful lapdog who thrives on companionship, the Malshi could be the perfect fit. With regular grooming, gentle training, and plenty of love, they’ll be a devoted family member for years to come.
Before you take the plunge, get prepared with our New Puppy Paw-rent Planner — it’s packed with everything you need for those first weeks. And once your Malshi is settled, why not celebrate them with a Custom Cartoon Pet Portrait?
Pickles’ Aside: “Warning: you may never go to the bathroom alone again.”
Breed Stats
- Origin: Maltese × Shih Tzu crossbreed (commonly called the Malshi)
- Weight: 3–4 kg
- Height: 25–30 cm
- Lifespan: 12–16 years
- Best Trait: Affectionate, low-shedding companion
- Challenging Trait: High grooming needs & separation anxiety