Full Grown Maltese Shih Tzu: Size, Care, and Health Guide
Everything about a full grown Maltese Shih Tzu: adult size, weight, temperament, health risks, grooming needs, and real ownership costs for 2026.
If you've been searching for a compact, affectionate companion dog that thrives in apartments and adores being near people, the Maltese Shih Tzu cross — often called a Malshi — deserves serious consideration. Understanding what a full grown Maltese Shih Tzu looks like, how it behaves, and what health issues it may face is essential before bringing one home. This guide covers the breed mix in practical, vet-informed detail so you can decide whether this designer dog fits your lifestyle.
Origins and Breed Overview
The Maltese Shih Tzu is a first-generation (F1) designer crossbreed that pairs two ancient toy breeds: the Maltese, which traces its lineage to the Mediterranean island of Malta as early as 500 BCE, and the Shih Tzu, which was developed in Chinese imperial courts during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 CE). The intentional crossbreeding of these two breeds gained momentum in the United States and Australia during the late 1990s and early 2000s, as demand grew for small, low-shedding companion dogs suited to urban living.
Neither the American Kennel Club (AKC) nor the United Kennel Club (UKC) recognizes the Maltese Shih Tzu as a standalone breed. It falls under the designer or hybrid category. However, both parent breeds are AKC-registered — the Maltese in the Toy Group and the Shih Tzu in the Toy Group — which gives prospective owners a solid framework for predicting traits.
| Size Class | Toy / Small |
|---|---|
| Adult Weight | 6–12 lb (2.7–5.4 kg) |
| Adult Height | 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) at the shoulder |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Coat Type | Long, silky to slightly wavy; low-shedding |
| Energy Level | Low to moderate |
| Grooming Frequency | Daily brushing; professional groom every 4–6 weeks |
| Apartment Friendly | Excellent |
| First-Time Owner Fit | Very good |
Physical Characteristics of a Full Grown Maltese Shih Tzu
Because this is a crossbreed rather than a standardized breed, physical appearance varies depending on which parent's genes are more dominant. That said, most full grown Maltese Shih Tzu dogs fall within predictable ranges.
Weight: Adult Malshis typically weigh between 6 and 12 lb (2.7–5.4 kg). Dogs on the smaller end usually inherited more Maltese genetics (the Maltese standard is under 7 lb / 3.2 kg per AKC breed standard), while those closer to 12 lb tend to reflect the Shih Tzu parent, which ranges from 9–16 lb (4–7.3 kg).
Height: Expect a shoulder height of 8–12 inches (20–30 cm). Most adults settle around 10 inches (25 cm).
Coat: The coat is usually long, soft, and silky — sometimes with a slight wave inherited from the Shih Tzu side. Colors include white, cream, black, brown, gold, and parti-color (white with patches). The Maltese contribution often results in a lower-shedding coat, though no dog is truly hypoallergenic. The hair-like coat produces less dander than fur-coated breeds, which is why some allergy sufferers tolerate Malshis better.
Build: The body is compact and slightly longer than tall. The muzzle is shorter than a Maltese but not as brachycephalic (flat-faced) as a Shih Tzu, which can actually reduce the severity of breathing issues associated with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) — a condition where shortened airways cause breathing difficulty.
Eyes and ears: Dark, round eyes and drop ears that hang close to the head are typical. Ear hair requires regular attention to prevent infections (more on that below).
Temperament and Personality: What to Expect
The Maltese Shih Tzu inherits personality traits from two breeds that were literally designed to be companions. Here are the five core traits you'll encounter:
1. Intensely Affectionate. Malshis form deep bonds with their primary people. Expect your dog to follow you from room to room, curl up on your lap the moment you sit down, and greet you at the door with visible excitement every single time. This is not a breed mix that does well with long periods of solitude — dogs left alone for 8+ hours daily are at high risk for separation anxiety, which can manifest as excessive barking, destructive chewing, or house-soiling.
2. Playful Without Being Hyper. Unlike terrier mixes that bounce off walls, a Malshi's play style is gentle and intermittent. They'll chase a soft toy down a hallway, wrestle briefly with a rope toy, then happily settle. Play sessions typically last 5–10 minutes before they self-regulate and rest.
3. Alert and Vocal. Both parent breeds are natural watchdogs. Your Malshi will alert-bark at the doorbell, delivery drivers, and unusual noises. This makes them decent apartment alarm systems but can become a nuisance if the barking isn't managed with training early on. They are not aggressive — they bark to alert, not to threaten.
4. Stubborn Streak. The Shih Tzu side contributes an independent, sometimes willful personality. Your Malshi may look at you during recall training and decide the squirrel is more interesting. This isn't a lack of intelligence — it's a prioritization problem. Positive reinforcement with high-value treats (small pieces of freeze-dried liver or boiled chicken) works far better than repetition or raised voices.
5. Socially Adaptable. Well-socialized Malshis tend to get along with other dogs, cats, and familiar visitors. Early socialization (exposure to varied people, surfaces, sounds, and other animals between 8–16 weeks of age) is critical for building this confidence. Puppies that miss this window may develop fear-based reactivity.
Exercise and Activity Needs
One of the biggest appeals of the Maltese Shih Tzu is its modest exercise requirement. This is not a hiking partner or a jogging companion — it's a lap dog that enjoys short, pleasant outings.
| Activity Type | Duration | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leash walk | 15–20 minutes | Twice daily | Morning and evening; avoid midday heat in summer |
| Indoor play | 10–15 minutes | 1–2 sessions daily | Fetch with soft toys, tug-of-war with rope toy |
| Mental stimulation | 5–10 minutes | Daily | Snuffle mats, puzzle feeders (e.g., Outward Hound Dog Brick), training drills |
| Off-leash yard time | 10–15 minutes | As available | Supervised only; Malshis are small enough for raptors or coyotes to target in some regions |
Total daily exercise target: 30–45 minutes, split across activities. This is significantly less than breeds like Border Collies (60–90+ minutes) or even Cocker Spaniels (45–60 minutes), making the Malshi manageable for busy professionals, retirees, and people with limited mobility.
A practical note: because of their short muzzles (inherited from the Shih Tzu side), Malshis can overheat in hot weather. Keep walks under 15 minutes when temperatures exceed 85°F (29°C), carry water, and watch for excessive panting or slowing down.
Health Issues and Breed-Specific Risks
Crossbreeds can benefit from hybrid vigor — the tendency for mixed-breed dogs to have lower rates of certain inherited conditions compared to purebreds. However, a Maltese Shih Tzu can inherit health problems from either parent breed. Here are the conditions to discuss with your veterinarian during annual wellness exams:
| Condition | Description | Estimated Prevalence | Prevention / Management |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patellar Luxation | Kneecap slips out of position, causing intermittent limping or "skipping" gait | ~8–12% in toy breeds (Merck Veterinary Manual) | Maintain healthy weight; avoid jumping from high furniture; surgical correction for Grade III–IV |
| Dental Disease | Periodontal disease, tooth loss, oral infections — small mouths crowd teeth, accelerating plaque buildup | Up to 80% of small-breed dogs by age 3 (AVMA) | Daily tooth brushing with enzymatic dog toothpaste; professional dental cleanings every 12–18 months |
| Brachycephalic Airway Issues | Narrowed nostrils, elongated soft palate causing noisy breathing, exercise intolerance, heat sensitivity | Variable — more common in Shih Tzu-dominant individuals | Avoid heat stress; harness instead of collar; surgical correction if severe (consult your veterinarian) |
| Eye Conditions | Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), and tear staining | PRA affects ~3–5% of Shih Tzus; tear staining very common | Annual veterinary ophthalmic exams; daily eye wiping; genetic testing of parent dogs for PRA |
| White Shaker Syndrome (Idiopathic Cerebellitis) | Whole-body tremors, particularly in small white dogs; cause is idiopathic (unknown) | Rare but overrepresented in Maltese and Maltese mixes | Corticosteroid treatment under veterinary supervision; most dogs respond well within 1–2 weeks |
- Difficulty breathing, blue-tinged gums, or collapse
- Refusal to eat or drink for more than 24 hours
- Sudden inability to use one or more legs
- Seizures or loss of consciousness
- Vomiting or diarrhea with blood, or lasting more than 24 hours
For suspected toxic ingestion, contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 (24/7, consultation fee applies).
Grooming Requirements
The Malshi's long, hair-like coat is beautiful but high-maintenance. Skipping grooming leads to painful matting, skin infections, and ear problems. Here's the realistic schedule:
Daily (5–10 minutes): Brush the entire coat with a slicker brush (e.g., Chris Christensen Big G slicker) followed by a stainless-steel comb to catch tangles near the skin. Pay special attention to behind the ears, under the armpits, and the belly — these are prime mat zones. Wipe around the eyes with a damp cloth or canine eye wipe to prevent tear staining.
Weekly: Clean ears with a veterinarian-recommended ear cleanser (e.g., Epi-Otic Advanced). Check for redness, odor, or excess wax — signs of otitis externa (ear infection). Trim nails if they click on hard floors. Brush teeth with a dog-specific enzymatic toothpaste (poultry or beef flavor — never human toothpaste, which contains xylitol or fluoride toxic to dogs).
Every 4–6 weeks: Professional grooming session. Most owners opt for a "puppy cut" (coat trimmed to 1–2 inches all over) which dramatically reduces daily maintenance. A full groom session typically costs $50–$90 depending on your region and coat condition.
Bathing: Every 2–3 weeks using a gentle, oatmeal-based dog shampoo. Over-bathing strips natural oils and causes dry, itchy skin.
Training and Intelligence
Trainability rating: 6.5/10. Malshis are intelligent enough to learn a wide range of commands, but their Shih Tzu stubbornness means training requires patience and creativity. This is not a breed that drills obedience for the joy of it — they need motivation.
Recommended methods: Positive reinforcement exclusively. Use small, high-value treats (pea-sized pieces of chicken, cheese, or commercial training treats like Zuke's Mini Naturals), clicker training, and praise. Force-free, LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) methods produce the best long-term results. Never use shock collars, prong collars, or alpha rolls — these methods damage trust and can trigger fear-based aggression in sensitive toy breeds.
Priority training goals for Malshi puppies:
- Housebreaking: Toy breeds have tiny bladders. Expect to take your puppy outside every 1–2 hours during the day. Crate training (with a properly sized crate — just enough room to stand, turn, and lie down) accelerates the process. Most Malshis are reliably house-trained by 4–6 months, though some take up to 8 months.
- Bark management: Teach a "quiet" cue early. When your dog alert-barks, acknowledge the trigger ("thank you"), then redirect with a treat and the "quiet" command. Consistency from day one prevents chronic nuisance barking.
- Handling desensitization: Gently handle paws, ears, and mouth daily from puppyhood so grooming and veterinary exams aren't stressful.
- Socialization: Expose your puppy to 100+ people, surfaces, sounds, and other vaccinated dogs before 16 weeks of age. Puppy kindergarten classes (after the second DHPP vaccine, typically at 12 weeks) are ideal.
Family Suitability: Kids, Pets, and Living Spaces
- Excellent apartment dog — quiet enough for shared walls, small enough for any floor plan
- Gentle and playful with respectful children aged 8+
- Generally good with other dogs and cats when properly socialized
- Low exercise needs suit elderly or mobility-limited owners
- Low-shedding coat is easier on allergy sufferers
- Highly portable — fits in airline-approved carriers for travel
- Too fragile for toddlers or roughhousing — risk of injury from drops or falls
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long hours
- Grooming is time-consuming and costly over the dog's lifetime
- Dental disease requires active, daily prevention
- Can be difficult to housebreak compared to larger breeds
- Alert barking may disturb neighbors in close-quarters living
With children: Malshis do best with children who understand how to handle small dogs gently — no picking up without support, no squeezing, no tail-pulling. Children under 6–7 years old should always be supervised during interactions. A dropped Malshi can suffer a fractured leg or head injury.
With other pets: Most Malshis coexist peacefully with other dogs and cats, especially when raised together. Introduce new pets gradually using scent-swapping and controlled, leashed meetings. Due to their small size, never leave a Malshi unsupervised with large, high-prey-drive breeds.
Cost of Ownership: What to Budget
Owning a Maltese Shih Tzu is a 12–15 year financial commitment. Here's a realistic cost breakdown based on 2026 U.S. averages:
| Expense Category | Cost Range | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy purchase (from responsible breeder with health testing) | $800–$2,500 | One-time |
| Adoption (rescue or shelter) | $200–$600 | One-time |
| Initial supplies (crate, bed, bowls, leash, harness, toys) | $150–$350 | One-time |
| Puppy vaccination series (DHPP × 3, rabies, bordetella) | $200–$400 | First year |
| Spay/neuter surgery | $300–$700 | One-time |
| High-quality small-breed food (e.g., Royal Canin X-Small, Hill's Science Diet Small Paws) | $25–$45/month ($300–$540/year) | Annual |
| Professional grooming | $50–$90/session ($400–$1,080/year at 6–8 week intervals) | Annual |
| Annual vet exam + vaccines + heartworm/flea prevention | $400–$700 | Annual |
| Dental cleaning (under anesthesia) | $500–$1,200 | Every 12–18 months |
| Pet insurance (accident + illness) | $30–$55/month ($360–$660/year) | Annual |
Estimated first-year total: $2,500–$5,500 (including puppy purchase). Ongoing annual cost: $1,500–$3,000. Emergency veterinary care (e.g., foreign body surgery, fracture repair) can add $1,500–$5,000+ per incident, which is why pet insurance or a dedicated emergency fund is strongly recommended.
When sourcing a puppy, look for breeders who perform Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) health screenings on parent dogs (patella evaluations, eye exams, cardiac clearance) and who provide a written health guarantee. Adoption through a Maltese or Shih Tzu breed-specific rescue is an equally valid path — many adult Malshis end up in rescue due to owner lifestyle changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Maltese Shih Tzu right for first-time dog owners?
Yes. The Malshi is one of the better choices for first-time owners because of its manageable size, moderate exercise needs, and generally eager-to-please temperament. The main challenges for new owners are housebreaking patience and committing to the grooming schedule. If you can handle those two areas, a Malshi is forgiving of beginner mistakes and bonds quickly with its family.
How much exercise does a full grown Maltese Shih Tzu need daily?
Plan for 30–45 minutes of combined activity per day: two 15–20 minute leash walks plus 10–15 minutes of indoor play or mental stimulation. This is well below the needs of sporting or herding breeds and makes the Malshi suitable for owners with limited time or physical ability.
What health problems is this breed mix prone to?
The most common breed-specific issues are patellar luxation (kneecap dislocation), dental disease (affecting up to 80% of small breeds by age 3), brachycephalic airway issues (if the dog inherits a shorter muzzle), eye conditions like PRA and chronic tear staining, and White Shaker Syndrome. Regular veterinary check-ups, daily dental care, and maintaining a healthy weight significantly reduce risk. Always consult your veterinarian about breed-appropriate screening tests.
How big does a full grown Maltese Shih Tzu get?
Adult Malshis typically weigh 6–12 lb (2.7–5.4 kg) and stand 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) tall at the shoulder. Most cluster around 8–10 lb and 10 inches. Size depends on which parent breed's genes are more dominant — Maltese-dominant dogs are smaller, Shih Tzu-dominant dogs are slightly larger and stockier.
Is the Maltese Shih Tzu good with children and other pets?
Malshis are generally good with respectful children aged 8 and older, and they tend to get along well with other dogs and cats when socialized early. However, their small size makes them fragile — toddlers who may drop, squeeze, or step on the dog pose a genuine injury risk. Supervised interactions are essential for any child under 8.
How much does a Maltese Shih Tzu cost to buy and maintain?
Puppy prices from responsible breeders range from $800–$2,500, while adoption fees run $200–$600. Annual maintenance (food, grooming, veterinary care, insurance) costs approximately $1,500–$3,000 per year. The first year is the most expensive due to initial veterinary procedures, supplies, and the puppy purchase price, totaling $2,500–$5,500.
Disclaimer: This article provides educational information and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian for diagnosis, treatment, and health-care decisions specific to your dog. For toxic ingestion emergencies, contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.
Dr. Hannah Wickes
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
