The Maltese Shih Tzu is a designer crossbreed, bred to try to be a great companion dog who doesn’t shed much, similar to those who crossbred poodles. With all crossbreeds, you can never really be sure which traits of each breed they will have and there are always lots of inconsistencies.
They are adorable, sweet and playful. If you are looking for a lapdog who will be a great companion, you may have found the perfect breed for you or your family.
They require less exercise than other breeds and would make a great flat/apartment dog. They are pretty playful dogs, so as long as they get plenty of playtime, they should adapt well to no garden. A bored dog will usually become a mischievous dog, whether it be nuisance barking, chewing or digging. Try to make sure they are occupied with jobs, playtime or plenty of exercise to keep them out of trouble.
They make great pets, they love to play but are also affectionate and gentle. They are devoted to their families and hate to be left alone, they are likely to suffer from separation anxiety, so do not get this dog if you work full time. The parent breeds Maltese aren’t great with young children, so consider this when choosing.
They make excellent watchdogs and you will always know about who is at the door and anything suspicious or exciting going on outside. They don’t seem to be as barky as their parent breeds. They are un-trusting of strangers and as with most dogs will need good socialisation to combat this.
They are sweet-natured dogs and will usually live peacefully with other dogs, cats and small animals brought up within the same household. However, neighbourhood cats will more likely be chased.
They are very sensitive and intelligent dogs. You will need to identify their reward motivation early for the best results. With sensitive dogs, be sure to keep the training fun and interesting, don’t treat them harshly or forcefully; they make sulk or hide from you.
They have little to no shedding if brushed at least once a week. Some people consider their hair hypoallergenic, so people may not be allergic to them. They will need to go to a professional to be trimmed/clipped; this is something you can learn to do yourself.
Maltese Shih-Tzu Stats
Maltese and Shih-Tzu Crossbeed.
- Weight – 3kg – 4kg
- Size 25cm – 30cm
- They live for 12-16 years