Shih Tzu Maltese Mix: The Complete Malshi Breed Profile & Care Guide

If you've been searching for a compact, affectionate companion dog that thrives in apartments and adores lap time, the Shih Tzu Maltese mix — commonly called the Malshi, Mal-Shih, or Shihtese — probably appeared on your radar. This designer crossbreed pairs two ancient toy breeds, and the result is typically a 6-to-16-pound dog with a silky coat and a velcro-dog personality.

But here's what most breed summaries skip: because the Malshi is a mixed breed and not recognized by the American Kennel Club, individual puppies in the same litter can look and behave quite differently. One pup might inherit the Shih Tzu's brachycephalic (flat) face and sturdy build, while a littermate gets the Maltese's slightly longer muzzle and finer bone structure. Understanding that variability is the key to deciding whether this mix fits your household.

This guide breaks down every practical detail — from generation genetics and coat outcomes to real veterinary costs and the honest truth about "hybrid vigor." Whether you're working with a breeder or scanning rescue listings, you'll know exactly what to expect.

The Parent Breeds: Shih Tzu and Maltese at a Glance

Before you can predict what a Malshi might be like, you need to understand the two purebreds behind it. Both are toy-breed companions with centuries of history as lap dogs, but they bring different traits to the table.

Parent Breed Comparison Table

Trait	Shih Tzu	Maltese
Origin	China (Tibetan monastery dogs, bred for Chinese royalty)	Mediterranean island of Malta (ancient Greek/Roman companion)
AKC Weight Standard	9–16 lb (4–7 kg)	Under 7 lb (under 3.2 kg)
AKC Height	9–10.5 in (23–27 cm)	7–9 in (18–23 cm)
Coat	Long, dense double coat; all colors accepted	Long, straight, single-layer white coat
Shedding	Low (hair, not fur)	Minimal (hair, not fur)
Muzzle Type	Brachycephalic (short, flat face)	Slightly longer but still compact
Temperament	Affectionate, outgoing, sometimes stubborn	Gentle, playful, can be timid with strangers
Lifespan	10–18 years	12–15 years
Trainability	Moderate — responds to food motivation	Moderate — sensitive, responds to praise and treats

Both breeds are classified as toy dogs by the AKC and share a core identity: they exist to be near their people. Neither was bred for working tasks like herding or retrieving, so don't expect high-drive athleticism. What you get instead is a dog whose primary "job" is companionship — and both parents excel at it.

What Two Breeds Make Up the Shih Tzu Maltese Mix?

The Malshi is a first-generation or multigenerational cross between a Shih Tzu and a Maltese. There is no third breed involved. The mix emerged in the United States during the designer-dog boom of the late 1990s and early 2000s, when breeders began intentionally crossing popular toy breeds to combine low-shedding coats with friendly temperaments.

How Big Will a Shih Tzu Maltese Mix Get?

Because both parents are toy breeds, the Malshi stays small — but "small" still covers a meaningful range. The Shih Tzu can weigh nearly twice as much as the Maltese, so which parent a puppy favors determines where they land on the spectrum.

Malshi Size Range Estimates

Category	Weight	Height (at shoulder)
Small end (Maltese-dominant)	6–9 lb (2.7–4.1 kg)	7–9 in (18–23 cm)
Average / mid-range	9–12 lb (4.1–5.4 kg)	9–10 in (23–25 cm)
Large end (Shih Tzu-dominant)	12–16 lb (5.4–7.3 kg)	10–12 in (25–30 cm)

Most Malshis fall in the 8–12 lb range by adulthood (around 10–12 months for full size). If you're working with a breeder, ask for the exact weights of both parents — the midpoint between parent weights gives a reasonable estimate, though individual puppies can land above or below that average.

Practical note: At 6–16 lb, this is a fragile dog. Households with toddlers or very large, boisterous dogs should proceed with caution. A Malshi can be seriously injured by being stepped on, dropped, or landed on during rough play.

Temperament: What to Expect (and What Might Surprise You)

Malshi temperament is where the mix generally shines — and where individual variation is most noticeable. Here's the realistic range:

Best-Case Scenario

Your Malshi inherits the Shih Tzu's outgoing confidence and the Maltese's gentle sweetness. The result: a dog that greets visitors warmly, settles on your lap within minutes, plays in short bursts, and adapts easily to apartment living, travel, and new environments. This is the temperament most breeders aim for, and many Malshis achieve it.

Challenging Scenarios

Some Malshis inherit the Shih Tzu's stubborn streak, making housebreaking a 4-to-6-month project instead of the typical 2-to-3 months. Others lean into the Maltese's tendency toward timidity, barking at strangers, trembling during thunderstorms, or showing separation anxiety when left alone for more than 3–4 hours.

A less-discussed issue: small-dog syndrome. Because Malshis are cute and portable, owners often inadvertently reinforce demanding behavior — picking them up when they bark, carrying them everywhere, skipping basic training. The result is a dog that resource-guards its owner, snarls at guests, and can't self-soothe. This is entirely preventable with consistent positive reinforcement training from day one.

Coat, Shedding, and the Hypoallergenic Question

Is the Shih Tzu Maltese mix hypoallergenic? Not exactly — no dog is truly hypoallergenic. But the Malshi is typically a low-shedding dog that produces less dander than fur-coated breeds, making it a reasonable option for people with mild allergies.

Here's why: both the Shih Tzu and Maltese have hair-type coats (similar to human hair in growth cycle) rather than fur-type coats (which shed seasonally in large quantities). The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that allergic reactions to dogs are triggered primarily by dander (dead skin cells), saliva proteins, and urine — not by hair itself. Low-shedding dogs simply distribute less dander around the home.

Coat Possibilities

• Maltese-leaning coat: Straight, silky, predominantly white or cream. Single-layer, easier to brush but prone to staining around the eyes and mouth.
• Shih Tzu-leaning coat: Slightly wavy, denser, with possible undercoat. Colors include black, gold, liver, brindle, or parti-color. Requires more frequent brushing to prevent matting.
• Blended coat: The most common outcome — medium-length, slightly wavy hair in mixed colors (white with patches of gold, black, or gray).

Grooming Requirements

Regardless of which coat type your Malshi inherits, plan on:

• Brushing: Every 1–2 days with a slicker brush and metal comb to prevent mats, especially behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar line.
• Professional grooming: Every 4–8 weeks. A "puppy cut" (1–2 inches all over) dramatically reduces maintenance compared to a full-length show coat. Expect to pay $45–$75 per session depending on your region.
• Eye care: Daily wiping with a damp cloth or canine eye wipe. Both parent breeds are prone to tear staining, and the Malshi's hair around the eyes can trap moisture and bacteria.
• Bathing: Every 2–4 weeks using a gentle, dog-formulated shampoo. Over-bathing strips natural oils and worsens skin dryness.
• Ear cleaning: Weekly checks and cleaning with a veterinarian-recommended ear solution. Drop-eared, hairy breeds trap moisture and are prone to yeast and bacterial ear infections.

Health Issues: Hybrid Vigor Myth vs. Reality

Let's address this head-on: hybrid vigor does not guarantee a healthier dog. The concept of heterosis (hybrid vigor) is real in livestock breeding, where crossing two genetically distinct lines can reduce the expression of recessive disorders. But in toy-breed crosses like the Malshi, both parent breeds share overlapping health vulnerabilities. Crossing them doesn't eliminate those risks — it simply reshuffles which ones a given puppy might inherit.

Always consult your veterinarian for breed-appropriate health screening and preventive care. Here are the conditions Malshi owners should monitor:

Conditions Inherited From Both Parents

• Patellar luxation: The kneecap slips out of its groove, causing intermittent lameness. Grade I–II cases are managed conservatively; Grade III–IV may require surgical correction ($1,500–$3,500 per knee). Prevalence in toy breeds: estimated 5–10%.
• Dental disease: Small mouths crowd teeth, accelerating plaque buildup and periodontal disease. By age 3, an estimated 80% of toy breeds show some dental pathology. Daily tooth brushing and professional cleanings under anesthesia ($400–$800 per session) are essential.
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): A degenerative eye disease leading to blindness. Both breeds carry PRA-associated genes. DNA testing (via Embark or OFA-certified labs) can identify carriers before breeding.

Conditions More Common From the Shih Tzu Side

• Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS): If your Malshi inherits a flat face, they may have narrowed nostrils, an elongated soft palate, or a hypoplastic trachea. Signs include snoring, exercise intolerance, and heat sensitivity. Mild cases are managed by avoiding heat and overexertion; severe cases require surgical intervention ($2,000–$5,000+).
• Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD): While more common in long-backed breeds, Shih Tzus carry some predisposition. Avoid letting your Malshi jump on/off high furniture — use ramps.
• Renal dysplasia: A developmental kidney disorder that can present in young dogs. Signs include excessive thirst, poor growth, and vomiting.

Conditions More Common From the Maltese Side

• White shaker syndrome (idiopathic cerebellitis): Tremors and incoordination, typically appearing between 6 months and 3 years. Managed with corticosteroids; prognosis is generally good with treatment.
• Portosystemic shunt (PSS): A congenital liver vascular abnormality. Signs include stunted growth, seizures after eating, and disorientation. Surgical correction costs $3,000–$7,000.
• Hypoglycemia (in puppies): Toy-breed puppies can experience dangerous blood sugar drops if meals are spaced too far apart. Feed puppies 3–4 small meals daily until 4 months of age.

Recommended Health Screenings

Responsible breeders should provide documentation of:

• OFA or PennHIP patellar evaluation for both parents
• CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) eye exam within the past 12 months
• DNA panel for PRA and other heritable conditions
• Cardiac auscultation by a veterinarian

Training, Exercise, and Daily Life

The Malshi's exercise needs are modest — a 20-to-30-minute daily walk plus indoor play sessions are usually sufficient. These dogs are not built for hiking or jogging, especially if they inherit brachycephalic features. In warm weather (above 80°F / 27°C), limit outdoor activity to early morning and evening.

Housebreaking: The Honest Timeline

Both Shih Tzus and Maltese are known for being among the more difficult toy breeds to housebreak. Their small bladders fill quickly, and their stubborn streaks mean they don't always see the urgency of going outside. Plan for:

• Weeks 8–16: Take puppy outside every 1–2 hours, including overnight. Reward with a high-value treat (freeze-dried chicken or small cheese pieces) immediately after elimination.
• Months 4–6: Gradually extend intervals to 2–3 hours. Accidents are still normal — never punish, as this creates fear-based hiding behavior.
• Months 6–9: Most Malshis achieve reliable housebreaking by this point, but some individuals take up to 12 months. Consistency is everything.

For owners who work long hours, indoor potty solutions (Ugodog or DoggieLawn real-grass patches) are practical compromises for this breed. Crate training, using positive reinforcement only, helps establish a routine — but never leave a Malshi puppy crated for more than 2–3 hours during the day.

Socialization

Maltese-leaning Malshis can be timid with strangers and other dogs if not socialized during the critical window (8–16 weeks). Enroll in a force-free puppy socialization class, expose your puppy to varied surfaces, sounds, people, and friendly vaccinated dogs, and pair every new experience with treats and praise.

Cost: What You'll Actually Spend

Malshi Ownership Cost Breakdown

Expense	Low Estimate	High Estimate
Puppy purchase (breeder)	$800	$2,500
Adoption/rescue fee	$150	$450
First-year veterinary care (vaccines, spay/neuter, wellness)	$600	$1,200
Grooming (every 6 weeks × 8 sessions/year)	$360	$600
Food (high-quality small-breed kibble or wet food)	$200	$400
Pet insurance (annual premium)	$350	$700
Dental cleaning (annual, starting at age 2–3)	$400	$800
Supplies (crate, harness, bed, toys, grooming tools)	$150	$350
Estimated first-year total (purchased from breeder)	$2,860	$6,550

Breeder vs. Rescue

Reputable breeders of Malshi puppies are relatively uncommon because the mix is not as commercialized as doodle breeds. Expect waitlists of 2–6 months from ethical small-scale breeders. Red flags include breeders who always have puppies available, refuse to share parent health clearances, or sell through pet stores or third-party websites.

Rescue availability is limited but growing. Shih Tzu and Maltese breed-specific rescues (such as the American Shih Tzu Club Rescue Network and National Maltese Rescue) occasionally take in Malshi mixes. Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet listings for "Malshi" or "Shih Tzu mix" appear regularly in larger metro areas. Rescue fees typically cover spay/neuter, vaccinations, and a veterinary exam — a significant value compared to breeder pricing.

Who Is the Shih Tzu Maltese Mix Best Suited For?

This mix is an excellent fit for:

• Apartment dwellers: Low exercise needs and small size make the Malshi ideal for condos and apartments. They're not excessive barkers (unless anxiety-driven barking develops).
• Older adults and retirees: A gentle, portable companion that provides affection without demanding intense physical activity.
• Families with older children (8+): Kids who understand how to handle small dogs gently will bond well with a Malshi. Toddlers and very young children are a poor match due to the dog's fragility.
• First-time dog owners: The Malshi's manageable size and straightforward care needs make it a forgiving choice for beginners — provided they invest in early training and socialization.
• People who work from home: This breed struggles with prolonged solitude. If you're away 8+ hours daily, a Malshi will likely develop separation anxiety.

This mix is not ideal for:

• Households with toddlers or very large, rough-playing dogs
• People seeking an athletic, outdoor-adventure companion
• Owners who cannot commit to regular grooming (every 4–8 weeks professionally, daily brushing at home)
• Those expecting a dog that can be left alone for long workdays without support

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Shih Tzu Maltese mix a good family dog?

Yes, with the caveat that small children must be taught to handle the dog gently. The Malshi is affectionate and playful, but its small size makes it vulnerable to accidental injury. Families with children aged 8 and up tend to have the best experience.

How long does a Shih Tzu Maltese mix live?

Most Malshis live 12–15 years, with some reaching 16–18 years with excellent preventive care. Dental health is the single biggest modifiable factor — dogs with untreated periodontal disease face shortened lifespans due to systemic bacterial spread to the heart and kidneys.

Do Malshis bark a lot?

It depends on the individual and their training. The Maltese parent breed is known for alert barking, while Shih Tzus tend to be quieter. A well-socialized Malshi with consistent training will bark at the doorbell and settle — but an under-socialized or anxious Malshi may bark at every sound.

Can I leave my Malshi home alone?

Adult Malshis can typically handle 4–5 hours alone if properly crate-trained and exercised beforehand. Beyond that, separation anxiety behaviors (barking, destructive chewing, inappropriate elimination) become likely. Consider a dog walker or doggy daycare for longer absences.

Are Malshi dogs easy to train?

They're moderately trainable. They respond well to food-motivated positive reinforcement — small, soft training treats work best. The challenge is consistency and patience, particularly with housebreaking. Avoid any aversive methods (shock collars, prong collars, alpha rolls), which will damage the trust of a sensitive toy breed and can cause fear-based aggression.

What should I feed a Shih Tzu Maltese mix?

Choose an AAFCO-certified small-breed formula with kibble sized for toy dogs (such as Royal Canin X-Small, Hill's Science Diet Small Paws, or Purina Pro Plan Toy Breed). Adult Malshis typically eat ¼ to ½ cup of dry food per day, split into two meals. Wet food toppers can encourage picky eaters but monitor calorie intake to prevent obesity.