15 Things You Must Know Before Bringing Home a Maltese Shih Tzu Puppy
You fell for that teddy-bear face. We get it — we did too.
Before you bring a Maltese Shih Tzu home, knowing the real day-to-day makes everything easier.
Here are the essentials we wish we knew on day one, so you can start strong and stress less.
1. What This Mix Really Is
The Maltese Shih Tzu, often called a Mal-Shi, is a deliberate cross between a Maltese and a Shih Tzu.
You are getting a companion-first dog: affectionate, people-focused, and happiest glued to your side.
Because it is a mix, looks and coat types vary even within the same litter — some lean silky and straight, others fluffy with more volume.
2. Size and Lifespan
Most adults land around 7 to 14 pounds and 9 to 11 inches at the shoulder.
They are long-lived for dogs this size, typically 12 to 16 years when well cared for.
Plan for a marathon, not a sprint — consistent habits you set now will echo for a decade plus.
3. Temperament You Can Expect
These pups are sweet, social, and tuned to your mood.
They crave company and can develop separation anxiety if left alone too long without training.
With kindness and structure, you get a cheerful shadow who loves laps and gentle play.
4. Exercise Needs
Think daily, not daunting: two short walks and play bursts, about 30 to 45 minutes total, usually hits the spot.
They are small, so watch for overexertion and heat, especially if your pup inherits a shorter muzzle from the Shih Tzu side.
5. Grooming Commitment
Low-shedding is not low-maintenance. Expect brushing several times a week to prevent mats, daily if you keep a longer coat.
Professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks keeps them comfortable and tidy. Eyes and ears need regular cleaning, and tear staining is common on light coats.
Nails grow fast on small dogs with indoor lives — add trims every 2 to 4 weeks.
Daily
Quick face wipe, eye corner check, and 2-minute brush behind ears and under collar.
Weekly
Longer brush-out, ear check, teeth brush, and paw pad tidy if fuzzy.
6. Health Considerations
Watch for small-dog issues: dental disease, luxating patellas, and tracheal sensitivity.
From the Shih Tzu side, some pups have shorter muzzles; be extra cautious with heat and vigorous play.
Keep weight lean and joints supported. A soft harness is kinder than a collar for walks.
7. Vet Plan and Vaccines
Book the first wellness exam within a few days of coming home. Bring any records you have.
Your vet will schedule core vaccines, deworming, flea and tick prevention, and discuss spay or neuter timing.
Ask about baseline dental care early — prevention is easier than extraction later.
8. Feeding a Small-Breed Puppy
Choose a reputable small-breed puppy food and feed by body condition, not just the back-of-bag chart.
Smaller, more frequent meals help tiny tummies; at first, three to four meals a day is common.
Very small pups can dip in blood sugar if meals are skipped. Keep routine steady and treats small.
9. House Training Reality
They are smart but small bladders need patience. Expect several weeks of consistency.
Use a schedule: outside after waking, eating, playing, and every 2 to 3 hours. Reward immediately outside.
Crates and playpens prevent accidents and help them relax between outings.
10. Training Style That Works
Positive reinforcement is everything with this sensitive mix. Harsh corrections shut them down.
Keep sessions short and upbeat. Pay generously for the behaviors you want, and they will repeat them.
Focus early on sit, down, come, leave it, and relaxed alone time.
11. Socialization Matters
From 8 to 16 weeks, introduce new sights, sounds, surfaces, and friendly people and dogs in a controlled way.
Short, pleasant exposures build confidence and reduce adult anxieties. Think elevator rides, gentle grooming, and calm kids with treats.
12. Barking and Noise Levels
Alert barking is common in small companion breeds. Channel it rather than fight it.
Teach a quiet cue, reward calm, and give them a job when the doorbell rings, like going to a mat for a treat party.
13. Living Space and Safety
Great for apartments and houses alike if needs are met. They do best indoors close to you.
Puppy-proof low and high: secure cords, block stair gaps, and use ramps or a footstool for furniture to protect knees.
They are heat-sensitive and chill quickly; plan shade in summer and a cozy layer in winter.
14. Budget and Ongoing Costs
Upfront: vaccinations, microchip, crate and pen, harness and leash, bowls, bed, grooming tools, and first training class.
Ongoing: quality food, professional grooming, preventatives, toys, and annual vet visits. Dental cleanings are a likely future cost — budget ahead.
Pet insurance or a dedicated savings fund can turn surprises into manageable moments.
15. Breeder or Rescue: Start Right
Choose an ethical source. Responsible breeders welcome questions, show you where puppies are raised, and share health histories of both parents.
Rescues and shelters also see Mal-Shi and similar mixes. Ask about temperament, medical records, and any foster notes.
Sviatoslav Oleksiv founded The Pets and Love in 2019. A lifelong pet owner and Rhodesian Ridgeback enthusiast, he writes and edits our guides to help fellow pet parents give their animals the best care.
Every guide follows our editorial standards. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice — always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet's health.