Maltese Shih Tzu Dog Breed Information:
The Maltese Shih Tzu, also known as the Mal-Shi, Malti zu, and the Malt-Tzu, is a hybrid or mixed dog breed a cross between the Maltese and Shih Tzu breeds. Created with the same goal as Doodles to be a small, allergy-friendly companion who doesn’t shed much this hybrid is a sweet lapdog who likes to play with the kids.
Maltese Shih Tzu Dog Group: Hybrid Dogs.
Maltese Shih Tzu Height: From 10 inches tall at the shoulder.
Maltese Shih Tzu Weight: 6 to 12 pounds.
Maltese Shih Tzu Life Span: 12 to 14 years.
More About This Dog Breed:
Maltese Shih Tzus are adaptable and will be active and outgoing in a busy home, or quiet and reserved in a calm home. They require daily exercise and do well with a good walk or romp in the yard. Maltese Shih Tzus can suffer from respiratory problems. Heat and humidity can aggravate these conditions, so a home with air-conditioning is best. Maltese Shih Tzus are low shedders, but they require daily brushing to keep their coats free of mats. The coat can be clipped every six to eight weeks.
Maltese Shih Tzu History:
The Maltese Shih Tzu was developed in the 1990s in an attempt to create a low-shedding companion dog. It's a bit surprising that he has gained popularity on a name that simply combines those of the two breeds used in the crossbreeding. Unlike many other designer dogs, the use of cute names has not been necessary to promote this hybrid.
Maltese Shih Tzu Size:
Although there is no breed standard for the Maltese Shih Tzu, he's roughly 10 inches tall and weighs somewhere between 6 and 12 pounds.
Maltese Shih Tzu Personality:
The Maltese Shih Tzu is an adaptable, intelligent dog. He's likely to be active and outgoing, if not downright boisterous, but occasionally you find the laid-back and quiet personality. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. The Maltese Shih Tzu needs early socialization and training.
Also Read This : All Dog Breeds - Names and Pictures | Complete List of Dog Profiles
Maltese Shih Tzu Health:
Maltese Shih Tzu are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all Maltese Shih Tzu will get any or all of these diseases: you should expect to see health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip dysplasia (with a score of fair or better), elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand's disease; from Auburn University for thrombopathia; and from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) certifying that eyes are normal.
Maltese Shih Tzu Care:
The Maltese ShihTzu is an adaptable dog who can change his habits to reflect the home that he lives in. He can be active and outgoing in a high-energy home, but he can also be calm and reserved in a quieter home. He should have a daily exercise, but this can be as simple as a leisurely walk through the neighborhood or a fun game of fetch down a hallway or in the yard. Training is as important for Maltese Shih Tzus as it is for all dogs, and he can be trained with little difficulty since he's bright and eager to learn.
Maltese Shih Tzu Feeding:
Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Maltese Shih Tzu Coat Color And Grooming:
The coat of the Maltese Shih Tzu should be long, and soft and silky in texture. It should have some wave to it, but it should never be curly. Maltese Shih Tzus generally are white or white with tan markings on the body and ears, but they can sport a combination of other colors, such as black, brown, black and white, brown and white, and black and brown. A fine Maltese Shih Tzu coat requires care and needs daily brushing to keep out tangles and mats. Brush your Maltese Shih Tzu's teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria that lurk inside it. Trim his nails once or twice a month if your dog doesn't wear them down naturally to prevent painful tears and other problems.
Maltese Shih Tzu with Children And Other Pets:
The Maltese Shih Tzu is a friendly dog who does well with children of all ages. He makes an excellent companion for older, more considerate children, but he also loves the small kids. A Maltese Shih Tzu does well in homes with other dogs and pets and can thrive in multipet homes.