Maltese Shih Tzu
Puppy
Fully Grown
The Maltese Shih Tzu (which is often misspelt as Maltese Shitzu) is a crossbreed of the Maltese and the Shih Tzu. This hybrid breed doesn't cope well with being home alone or separated from their owners for too long.
They are very playful and affectionate ... the more they can be carried around or sit on your lap, the happier they will be. They are a great choice for retired people or families where somebody is always home or can take the dog with them when they go out.
Being carried around and babied as they often are, Maltese Shih Tzus can easily develop so-called "small dog syndrome", with an overabundance of confidence and bravado despite their small size.
This breed naturally prefers humans and would rather play with kids or adults than other dogs. Early socialisation is important, and we recommend you treat them like dogs, even if they look like stuffed teddy bears that need protection!
They are low-shedding, but do shed throughout the season and are not as allergy friendly as some of the other hybrid dog breeds.
| Weight: | 3-6 kg |
| Health risk: | Medium |
| Life expectancy: | 12-14 years |
| Coat: | Medium |
| Grooming intensity: | Medium |
| Monthly cost (food): | Low |
| Trainability: | Medium |
| Activity level: | Low |
There are many sources to get your Maltese Shitzu from. Considering the number of homeless dogs without a future, we strongly encourage you to consider rescuing a dog. Your local shelter or rescue organisation can be a helpful place to start, or try contacting your local or national breed club or a reputable breeder and asking if they have pets available for rehoming. Many rescue organisations have active Facebook pages, which can also be a good place to enquire.
Here are some links that could be useful for finding a Maltese Shitzu to adopt:
To help your rescued Maltese Shitzu to settle into your home, our Rescue Dog Guide gives you tips and advice on bringing your rescue dog home.
If you decide you’d prefer to get your Maltese Shitzu from a breeder, the following guides will help you to find a responsible breeder:
