Maltese Shih Tzu: The Complete Breed Guide for Prospective Owners
Everything you need to know about the Maltese Shih Tzu: temperament, health risks, grooming needs, costs.
What Is a Maltese Shih Tzu?
The Maltese Shih Tzu — sometimes called a Mal-Shi, Malshi, or Shih-tese — is a designer crossbreed pairing two ancient toy breeds: the Maltese and the Shih Tzu. Unlike purebreds recognized by the American Kennel Club, the Maltese Shih Tzu falls under the hybrid or "designer dog" category, though registries like the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC) and the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC) do track them.
This cross first gained traction in Australia during the 1990s before spreading to North America and Europe. Breeders aimed to combine the Maltese's silky white coat and gentle disposition with the Shih Tzu's sturdier build and outgoing personality. The result is a compact companion dog that typically weighs between 6 and 16 pounds (2.7–7.3 kg) and stands 8 to 12 inches (20–30 cm) at the shoulder.
Because this is a first-generation cross (F1) in most cases, individual puppies within the same litter can look and behave quite differently — some lean heavily toward the Maltese parent, others toward the Shih Tzu. Multigenerational (multigen) Maltese Shih Tzus, bred from two Mal-Shi parents, tend to produce more predictable traits but remain less common.
| Size Class | Toy / Small |
| Weight | 6–16 lb (2.7–7.3 kg) |
| Height | 8–12 in (20–30 cm) |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years (some reach 17+) |
| Coat Type | Long, silky to slightly wavy; low-shedding |
| Energy Level | Low to moderate |
| Grooming Needs | High — daily brushing, professional grooming every 6–8 weeks |
| Best For | Apartment dwellers, seniors, first-time owners, families with older children |
Temperament & Personality: What Living With a Maltese Shih Tzu Is Really Like
Maltese Shih Tzus are bred exclusively for companionship, and their behavior reflects it. Here are the core traits owners consistently report, based on both parent breed standards and crossbreed behavioral surveys:
Affectionate Without Being Clingy
Unlike some toy breeds that develop severe separation anxiety, the Mal-Shi tends to follow you from room to room but can also settle independently on a nearby bed or cushion. They want proximity, not constant physical contact. Expect your dog to curl up on your lap during quiet evenings but entertain themselves with a chew toy while you work.
Alert but Not Yappy
The Shih Tzu parent contributes a "watchdog" instinct — your Mal-Shi will announce visitors at the door with a few sharp barks, then typically warm up within minutes. This is notably less vocal than a pure Maltese, which tends toward persistent alarm barking. That said, under-socialized individuals may develop nuisance barking habits by 6–8 months of age.
Playful in Short Bursts
Don't expect marathon fetch sessions. A typical Maltese Shih Tzu plays enthusiastically for 5–10 minutes, then loses interest. They excel at short puzzle-toy sessions and gentle tug games. Many owners describe them as having a "comedic" streak — they'll parade around with a sock or perform little hops when excited.
Gentle and Sensitive
These dogs read household moods acutely. Raised voices or tense arguments often cause a Mal-Shi to withdraw or tremble. They respond poorly to harsh corrections — even a firm "no" can shut some individuals down entirely. Positive reinforcement methods (treat rewards, clicker training, verbal praise) are the only approaches that produce reliable results with this cross.
Sociable With Familiar People, Reserved With Strangers
A well-socialized Maltese Shih Tzu greets guests warmly after a brief sniffing investigation. Poorly socialized dogs may hide behind furniture or bark defensively. Early exposure to varied people, surfaces, sounds, and environments between 8 and 16 weeks is critical for building confidence.
Physical Characteristics: Size, Coat, and Build
The Maltese Shih Tzu inherits a blend of physical features from both parent breeds. Because the Shih Tzu is brachycephalic (short-muzzled) and the Maltese is slightly less so, most Mal-Shi puppies land somewhere in between — a moderately short muzzle that avoids the severe breathing issues of extreme brachycephaly but still requires attention in hot weather.
Weight and Height
Adult weight typically falls between 6 and 16 pounds (2.7–7.3 kg), with most clustering around 9–12 lb (4–5.4 kg). Height at the withers ranges from 8 to 12 inches (20–30 cm). Males tend to be slightly heavier but the difference is minimal. Puppies usually reach their adult size by 10–12 months, though some fill out until 14–16 months.
Coat and Color
The coat is the Maltese Shih Tzu's most high-maintenance feature. It grows continuously rather than shedding seasonally, making it a popular choice for allergy-sensitive households — though no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Coat texture ranges from silky-straight (Maltese-dominant) to slightly wavy with a soft undercoat (Shih Tzu-dominant).
Colors include white, cream, black, brown, gold, apricot, and parti-color (two or more colors in patches). Many Mal-Shis born dark will lighten or "clear" to silver or cream as they mature — a trait inherited from the Maltese side.
Exercise & Activity Needs
Despite their small size, Maltese Shih Tzus need structured daily activity to maintain a healthy weight and prevent boredom-related behaviors like destructive chewing or excessive barking.
| Activity Type | Duration | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leash walk | 15–20 minutes | Twice daily | Morning and evening; use a harness, not a neck collar |
| Indoor play | 10–15 minutes | 1–2 sessions | Fetch, tug, or puzzle toys |
| Mental enrichment | 5–10 minutes | Daily | Snuffle mats, frozen Kongs, training drills |
| Off-leash exploration | 15–30 minutes | 2–3x weekly | Secure yard or enclosed dog park only |
Total daily exercise should land around 30–45 minutes, split across activities. Puppies under 6 months need shorter sessions (5 minutes per month of age, twice daily) to protect developing joints.
Heat warning: Even moderate brachycephaly impairs cooling efficiency. When temperatures exceed 80°F (27°C), walk your Mal-Shi during early morning or evening hours and carry water. Watch for excessive panting, blue-tinged gums, or reluctance to move — these signal heat stress and require immediate cooling and veterinary attention.
Common Health Issues
While crossbreeding can reduce the incidence of some inherited conditions through hybrid vigor (the tendency of mixed-breed offspring to show fewer recessive genetic disorders than purebred parents), the Maltese Shih Tzu remains susceptible to several conditions common to both parent breeds. Always consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment — the information below is for awareness, not self-diagnosis.
| Condition | Description | Estimated Prevalence | What to Watch For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patellar Luxation | Kneecap slips out of groove, causing intermittent lameness | 8–12% of small breeds | Occasional "skipping" gait, holding hind leg up |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) | Gradual degeneration of the retina leading to blindness | 4–6% in Shih Tzu lines | Night blindness first, bumping into furniture |
| White Shaker Dog Syndrome | Idiopathic (cause unknown) cerebellar inflammation causing full-body tremors | Rare; primarily Maltese lines | Sudden onset tremors in dogs 9 months–3 years |
| Dental Disease | Periodontal inflammation and tooth loss due to small jaw crowding | 60–80% of toy breeds by age 3 | Bad breath, red gums, reluctance to eat hard kibble |
| Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) | Narrowed airways from shortened skull structure | Variable; higher in Shih Tzu-dominant individuals | Loud snoring, exercise intolerance, gagging |
Prevention priorities: Ask your breeder for Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) patella evaluations and Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) eye clearances on both parent dogs. Annual veterinary dental cleanings starting at age 2 can prevent the majority of periodontal cases. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, genetic testing for PRA is available and should be requested from breeders.
Grooming Requirements
The Maltese Shih Tzu's continuously growing coat demands consistent maintenance. Skipping grooming sessions leads to painful matting within days, particularly behind the ears, under the legs, and around the hindquarters.
Daily
- Brushing: 10–15 minutes with a slicker brush (such as the Chris Christensen Big G) followed by a metal greyhound comb to catch hidden tangles. Focus on friction areas: armpits, behind ears, and the belly.
- Face cleaning: Wipe the eye area with a damp cloth or veterinary eye wipe to prevent tear staining, which is common in light-colored Mal-Shis.
- Teeth brushing: Use a canine enzymatic toothpaste (e.g., Virbac C.E.T.) with a finger brush. Daily brushing is ideal; three times weekly is the minimum to slow tartar buildup.
Every 6–8 Weeks
- Professional grooming: Most owners opt for a "puppy cut" (1–2 inches all over) to reduce maintenance. A full show-length coat is possible but requires daily hour-long grooming sessions.
- Nail trimming: Every 3–4 weeks if not worn down naturally. Use a scissor-style clipper or a rotary grinder like the Dremel 7300-PT.
- Ear cleaning: Flush with a veterinarian-approved ear cleaner (e.g., Epi-Otic Advanced) and pluck excess hair from the ear canal if your groomer recommends it.
Bathing
Bathe every 3–4 weeks using a mild canine shampoo. Over-bathing strips natural oils and can cause dry, flaky skin. Always condition afterward — a leave-in conditioning spray helps prevent tangles between baths.
Training & Intelligence
The Maltese Shih Tzu is moderately trainable. They inherit the Shih Tzu's independent streak and the Maltese's eagerness to please, resulting in a dog that can learn quickly but doesn't always see the point of repeating commands on demand.
Trainability Rating: 6/10
This is not a breed for competitive obedience or agility (though some individuals do enjoy low-impact agility courses). They excel at companion-level training: house manners, basic cues, and therapy dog work.
Recommended Methods
Positive reinforcement is essential. Use high-value treats (small pieces of freeze-dried liver or chicken), clicker marking, and short sessions of 5–8 minutes. Force-free, LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) methods produce the best long-term results. Never use shock collars, prong collars, or alpha rolls — these techniques damage trust and can trigger fear-based aggression in sensitive toy breeds.
Housebreaking Challenge
Small-bladder toy breeds are notoriously slow to house-train. Expect 4–8 months of consistent crate training and scheduled potty breaks before reliable indoor habits develop. Some owners find indoor grass pads (like Fresh Patch) useful during the training phase, especially in apartments or cold climates.
Family Suitability
Strengths
- Excellent apartment dogs — low exercise needs and quiet demeanor
- Adaptable to senior owners, single professionals, and quieter households
- Generally good with other dogs and cat-tolerant when properly introduced
- Low-shedding coat suits mild allergy sufferers
- Travel-friendly size — fits in airline-approved under-seat carriers
Considerations
- Fragile build — not suitable for homes with toddlers who may drop or squeeze them
- High grooming costs ($50–$90 per professional session, every 6–8 weeks)
- Prone to separation distress if left alone 8+ hours daily
- Housebreaking takes longer than average
- Dental care requires ongoing commitment and expense
With Children
Maltese Shih Tzus do well with children aged 8 and up who understand how to handle small dogs gently — supporting the hindquarters, avoiding ear-pulling, and not picking the dog up without adult supervision. For families with toddlers, a sturdier breed (such as a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Bichon Frise) is a safer choice.
With Other Pets
Most Mal-Shis coexist peacefully with other dogs and can learn to live alongside cats. Introduce new pets gradually using scent-swapping and supervised, leashed meetings. Their small size means they should never be left unsupervised with large, high-prey-drive breeds.
Cost of Ownership
Budget realistically before committing. The purchase price is just the beginning.
Puppy Price Range
- Responsible breeder (health-tested parents): $800–$2,500
- Backyard breeder / pet store: $400–$800 (higher health risk, no genetic screening)
- Rescue / adoption: $150–$400 (check local Shih Tzu or Maltese breed-specific rescues, as they occasionally take in mixes)
Annual Care Cost Breakdown
| Expense Category | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Food (high-quality small-breed kibble or wet food) | $300–$500 |
| Professional grooming (6–8 sessions/year) | $350–$720 |
| Routine veterinary care (exams, vaccines, heartworm/flea prevention) | $400–$700 |
| Dental cleanings (annual, starting age 2–3) | $300–$800 per cleaning |
| Pet insurance (optional but recommended) | $300–$600/year |
| Supplies (toys, harness, bedding, grooming tools) | $150–$300 |
| Total estimated annual cost | $1,800–$3,620 |
First-year costs will be higher due to initial veterinary setup (spay/neuter, microchipping, puppy vaccination series) and gear purchases. Budget $2,500–$4,500 for year one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Maltese Shih Tzu right for first-time owners?
Yes — this is one of the better designer breeds for first-time dog owners. They're forgiving of training mistakes, don't require advanced handling skills, and their exercise needs are manageable. The main learning curve is grooming commitment and housebreaking patience. If you're prepared for daily brushing and a 4–8 month potty training timeline, a Mal-Shi is a rewarding first dog.
How much exercise does a Maltese Shih Tzu need daily?
Plan for 30–45 minutes of total daily activity, split between two short leash walks (15–20 minutes each) and indoor play or mental enrichment sessions. They are not endurance dogs — overexertion, especially in heat, can cause respiratory distress in individuals with any degree of brachycephaly.
What health problems is the Maltese Shih Tzu prone to?
The most common breed-associated conditions are patellar luxation (knee), dental disease (affecting up to 80% of toy breeds by age 3), progressive retinal atrophy, and mild brachycephalic airway issues. White Shaker Dog Syndrome is rare but documented in Maltese lines. Ask your breeder for OFA and CERF health clearances on both parents, and schedule annual veterinary check-ups to catch issues early.
How big does a Maltese Shih Tzu get?
Adults typically weigh 6–16 pounds (2.7–7.3 kg) and stand 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) tall at the shoulder. Most fall in the 9–12 lb range. They reach full height by 10–12 months but may continue to fill out through 14–16 months.
Is the Maltese Shih Tzu good with children and other pets?
They do well with respectful children aged 8+ and generally coexist peacefully with other dogs and cats. Their fragile build makes them a poor match for toddlers or rough-playing young children. Always supervise interactions between any small dog and young kids, and teach children proper handling techniques.
How much does a Maltese Shih Tzu cost to buy and maintain?
Expect to pay $800–$2,500 for a puppy from a responsible breeder, or $150–$400 through rescue adoption. Annual maintenance costs range from $1,800 to $3,620, driven largely by professional grooming and dental care. First-year expenses (including spay/neuter, vaccinations, and supplies) typically total $2,500–$4,500.
Are Maltese Shih Tzus hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic. The Mal-Shi's low-shedding, continuously growing coat does produce less airborne dander than a heavy-shedding breed, making them more tolerable for people with mild allergies. However, allergy sufferers should spend time with the specific dog before committing — individual reactions vary based on the person's sensitivity to canine saliva and skin proteins, not just hair.
For breed-specific health guidance and to verify parent health testing, consult the AKC Maltese and AKC Shih Tzu breed pages, and discuss your dog's individual health plan with your veterinarian.
Robin Maitland
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
