Maltese Shih Tzus (aka Malshi) are sweet-natured and full of charm — they may be small, but they have big hearts! Their adaptable personality makes them perfect for households of all kinds, especially those looking for a gentle companion.
Whether you’re thinking about adding a pup to your pack or already have a dog, this is your essential guide to Maltese Shih Tzus. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this beautiful breed – from holistic health, the best food for Maltese Shih Tzus to training tips – so you and your pup can make the most of every moment together.
Top breed takeaways
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Maltese Shih Tzu temperament: Friendly, affectionate, and happy to be the centre of attention, Malshis are great companions. They’re known for being confident and gregarious, making friends wherever they go. But they’re also happy to snuggle on your lap for a lazy afternoon snooze.
What is a Maltese Shih Tzu mixed with? Like their name suggests, this breed is a hybrid between a Maltese and a Shih Tzu.
What does a Maltese Shih Tzu look like? The Maltese Shih Tzu typically has a long and wavy coat and comes in various colour combinations, including white, black, and shades of brown. They’re small dogs with features of both breeds, but they tend not to have the Shih Tzu’s short nose or distinctive bulging eyes.
How long does a Maltese Shih Tzu live for? With proper care, Maltese Shih Tzus can live between 12 and 14 years. You can support your pup’s long, healthy life with a holistic approach to health, including nutritious food, and plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
How big does a Maltese Shih Tzu grow? Malshis reach physical maturity by the time they’re 10 months old. This small breed usually weighs between 3 and 7 kg and stands about 20 to 30 cm tall. Their mature height and weight depend on their gender and the size of their parents.
Caring for a Maltese Shih Tzu puppy
Whether you’re welcoming your first puppy or you’re experienced with Maltese Shih Tzus, raising a puppy is a fun and exciting journey. With gentle care, consistent training, and a nutritious diet, these adorable little pups will thrive.
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Feeding a Maltese Shih Tzu puppy
Malshi puppies benefit from a diet rich in high-quality protein for tissue growth, essential vitamins and minerals for bone development and brain function, and low glycaemic load carbohydrates for sustained energy.
Puppies don’t need specific puppy food if they’re getting the right proportion of nutrients to support their development. With Lyka’s custom-portioned, nutrient-dense meals, mealtime is no longer a guessing game – it’s an easy step toward a happier, healthier Maltese Shih Tzu.
Read more: Puppy Nutrition 101: what puppies eat for optimal health →
How to train a Maltese Shih Tzu
Maltese Shih Tzus are clever and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. However, they can sometimes be stubborn and can pick up bad habits as quickly as they learn good ones.
The right nutrition can boost your Malshi’s receptivity to training by optimising their cognitive ability, energy, mood, and memory.
Training a Maltese Shih Tzu puppy
When you first welcome a puppy into your home, toilet training is usually the top priority. Generally speaking, puppies can hold their bladder for one hour every month of age, so they’ll need frequent bathroom breaks throughout the day and night. There will be a few accidents along the way, but with patience and consistency, they’ll get the hang of it in no time.
Malshis are quick learners with amiable natures, making training a fun activity for you both. With positive reinforcement, you’ll see how eager they are to please. Enrichment activities and early socialisation build your puppy’s confidence and cognitive skills. Obedience classes are also a great way to bond with your pup and make them responsive to your commands and cues.
The gold standard of training is force-free training, focusing on building obedience through positive reinforcement.
How much exercise does a Maltese Shih Tzu need?
Maltese Shih Tzus have moderate energy levels, but they still require regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. Aim for 30 minutes of daily walks, interactive playtime, and mental enrichment with puzzles and toys.
How to groom a Maltese Shih Tzu
Maltese Shih Tzus have long and silky coats requiring regular brushing and clipping to prevent tangles and mats. The hair around their eyes can be prone to tear-staining, so a gentle wipe of their eyes with a clean damp cloth can help.
If you'd like the fuss-free option, you can always take your Maltese Shih Tzu to a groomer. However, if you'd like to take care of grooming yourself, here's what to look out for:
How often should I wash my Maltese Shih Tzu?
Maltese Shih Tzus need a bath every 6-8 weeks, unless they’ve discovered a muddy puddle or rolled in something smelly. Always use dog-friendly shampoo, as human products can irritate their skin.
Why does my Maltese Shih Tzu smell?
All clean and healthy dogs have a slight doggie aroma. But if your pup has a particularly pungent odour, it may be caused by one of these issues:
Ear infections: ear mites leave a malodorous dark brown, waxy discharge. Speak to your vet about treatment.
Oral health: if your dog has bad breath, they may have a dental issue, like gingivitis, requiring further investigation by your vet. Remember to clean their teeth regularly.
Skin infections or allergies: all dogs can suffer from skin allergies. If hives are scratched, they can become infected and smell if left untreated.
Digestive issues: high-wheat, corn, or legume diets can lead to unpleasant gas or anal gland issues. Instead, fuel them with fresh, digestible food like Lyka, which promotes overall digestive health.
Feeding your Maltese Shih Tzu
The best Maltese Shih Tzu diet is rich in high-quality protein, nutrient-dense ingredients, and healthy fats. Lyka’s meals are designed to meet the needs of every Maltese Shih Tzu, from curious puppies to wise seniors.
Maintaining the right weight and body shape is crucial for a Maltese Shih Tzu as excess weight can affect their mobility, quality of life, and lifespan.
Every dog is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. That’s why Lyka calculates your pup’s portions based on their age, weight, and activity level.
Common Maltese Shih Tzu health concerns
Maltese Shih Tzus from reputable breeders are generally healthy, but they can still develop health issues or inherit conditions from their parents.
Brachycephalic airway syndrome
Their short snouts can lead to breathing issues. Watch for signs of difficulty breathing or overheating, especially during exercise and the summer months.
Dental problems
Small breeds are often prone to dental issues. Regular brushing and dental check-ups are essential to keep their teeth and gums clean and healthy.
Read more: Protecting your dog’s dental health: how to clean your dog’s teeth →
Joint issues
Maltese Shih Tzus can be prone to luxating patellas; a developmental condition where the kneecap slips out of place.
Read more: Arthritis in dogs: tips to naturally help your pup's sore joints →
How much does a Maltese Shih Tzu cost?
If sharing your life with Maltese Shih Tzu fills you with excitement, we’re right behind you: the relationship between a pup and a parent is very special. But it’s a commitment that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
If you’re wondering how much a Malshi is, a puppy from a reputable breeder can cost up to $3,500. In addition to the initial cost of buying or adopting a dog, there’s the ongoing cost of ownership like healthcare, food, training, exercise, and equipment. Veterinary bills can be expensive and unexpected, so it’s worth considering pet insurance.
Maintaining your dog’s health with a holistic approach, including nutrition from fresh food, is essential for their wellbeing and can be a preventative measure against common health concerns, like skin issues.
Read more: The real cost of chronic illness in dogs and how you can prevent it →
Maltese Shih Tzu FAQs
Are Maltese Shih Tzus good with children?
Yes, they are a gentle and friendly breed that’s often used as therapy dogs, making them great family pets. They are more suited to older children who have developed fine motor skills and understand how to engage gently and respectfully with small dogs.
Are Maltese Shih Tzus high maintenance?
They require regular grooming but are relatively low maintenance in behaviour.
Do Maltese Shih Tzus bark a lot?
They can be vocal, but with proper training, excessive barking can be managed.
How often should I bathe my Maltese Shih Tzu?
Bathe them every 4-6 weeks using a gentle dog shampoo.
When should I desex my Maltese Shih Tzu?
Most dogs are desexed when they reach maturity. Your vet will consider your dog’s age, size, health, and behaviour to determine the right time for the procedure.
Parenting a Maltese Shih Tzu comes with many decisions. Lyka exists to make mealtimes easy, with tailored meal plans delivered to your door. We’re proud to be fuelling Maltese Shih Tzus across Australia — from energetic pups, all the way through to dogs in their golden years. Join our pack of proud Maltese Shih Tzu parents today.
Join our pack of proud Maltese Shih Tzu parents today.
