Essential Facts About the Maltese Shih Tzu Mix
Thinking about getting a Maltese Shih Tzu mix? You're not alone.
This little fluffball — also called a Malti-Tzu or Mal-Shi — is one of the most popular designer lapdogs around, and it's easy to see why.
It's low-shedding, allergy-friendly, and has a personality that's genuinely hard not to fall for.
We've spent real time with these pups, and below you'll get the honest rundown: their size, their coat, their temperament, how easy they are to train, and the health quirks worth watching. Let's dig in.
Small, Sweet, and Perfect for Apartment Life
The Maltese Shih Tzu mix is a true toy breed — usually **under 10 inches tall** and around **6 to 12 pounds**.
Think: cat-sized cuddle buddy that fits in the crook of your arm.
Here's why that matters: their tiny footprint makes them ideal for apartments or homes without a yard. They don't need much square footage — but they do need *you*.
Small size is one thing — but what about that famous flat face?
Surprisingly Consistent Looks (and Easier Breathing)
Designer dogs can be unpredictable in appearance. Malti-Tzus buck that trend.
Most share the same signature look: a small body, a soft coat, and that irresistible **teddy bear face**.
Now, here's where it gets interesting.
Unlike purebred Shih Tzus, most Malti-Tzus **don't inherit the flat, brachycephalic snout**.
That's a bigger deal than it sounds — it usually means fewer breathing issues and better tolerance for warm weather.
Coat colors range widely — from all white to blends with tan, black, or brown. The texture is typically silky and soft, sometimes with a gentle wave.
That gorgeous coat comes with one big responsibility.
Low-Shedding and Allergy-Friendly — But Grooming Takes Work
You'll hear the word "hypoallergenic" attached to this mix constantly.
Here's the honest version: **no dog is 100% allergy-proof**, but Malti-Tzus get about as close as it gets.
Whether their coat is single- or double-layered, they shed very little.
But there's a catch.
That low-shedding coat doesn't clean itself. Left alone, it mats — and mats pull on the skin and cause real discomfort.
- Brush several times a week to prevent matting
- Schedule regular professional trims
- Keep the hair around the eyes trimmed and clean
- Skip grooming for weeks and hope for the best
- Assume "low-shedding" means "low-maintenance"
Now for the part everyone falls in love with.
Calm, Affectionate, and Great for Families
This is where the Malti-Tzu really shines.
They're not the yappy, high-strung stereotype some people expect from a toy breed.
Instead, they tend to be **gentle, affectionate, and deeply people-oriented**.
“This is a dog that wants to be part of your daily life — your fluffy shadow from room to room.”
That easygoing nature makes them a strong fit across the board.
Families with kids
GreatGentle and affectionate — supervise young kids around such a small dog.
Seniors
ExcellentLow space needs and loves companionship without heavy exercise demands.
First-time owners
GreatTrainable, forgiving, and eager to please.
Left alone all day
With careProne to clinginess and separation anxiety if left too long.
Good news: all that eagerness makes them a joy to train.
Easy to Train — Especially With a Bit of Love
These dogs don't come from a working-dog background, but don't mistake that for dim.
They're smart and genuinely eager to please — a great combination for training.
How to train a Malti-Tzu the right way
- Start earlyBegin basic obedience as soon as they settle in.
- Keep it positiveReward-based training works far better than corrections for this sensitive breed.
- Make it funShort, playful sessions hold their attention and build enthusiasm.
- Be consistentThey pick up routines quickly when the rules stay the same day to day.
Because they're usually not stubborn like some small breeds, they lock in routines fast when you stay consistent.
But there's one myth about small dogs worth clearing up.
Not the "Small Dog Syndrome" Type — If You Socialize Early
You've probably met a tiny dog with a huge attitude. Some call it the Napoleon Complex, others call it Small Dog Syndrome.
Here's the truth: that behavior isn't baked into the Malti-Tzu's DNA.
For Malti-Tzus, temperament is shaped far more by upbringing than by size. Early socialization and consistent training are what prevent bad habits.
What looks cute in a puppy becomes a real problem in an adult. Address it early rather than excusing it.
Well-raised Malti-Tzus are typically friendly with people, other dogs, and even cats — especially when socialization starts young.
Finally, the health picture — mostly good, with a few things to watch.
Generally Healthy, but Know What to Watch For
Here's the reassuring part: these pups typically live **12 to 14 years**, and sometimes longer with great care.
They're a generally healthy mix. But like every breed, they have a few known vulnerabilities.
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall health | |
| Knee health | |
| Neurological | |
| Heat tolerance |
Most importantly, where you get your puppy matters.
Quick poll
What's drawing you to the Maltese Shih Tzu mix most?
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. They’re trainable, forgiving, eager to please, and don’t need a lot of space — a great combination for someone learning the ropes of dog ownership.
Not long. They’re companion dogs prone to separation anxiety, so a few hours is usually the comfortable limit. Build up alone-time gradually and provide enrichment when you’re out.
Generally less than the typical toy breed. They tend to be calm rather than yappy, though early training helps curb any nuisance barking.
Yes, they’re gentle and affectionate. Just supervise young kids closely — these dogs are tiny and can be injured by rough handling.
Usually, especially when socialized young. They’re naturally friendly and adapt well to other pets in the home.
No dog is 100% allergy-proof, but Malti-Tzus are about as close as it gets. They shed very little, which many allergy sufferers tolerate better.
Regular effort. Brush several times a week to prevent matting, keep the eye area trimmed and clean, and schedule professional trims.
For most people it’s the coat upkeep and the fact that they don’t like being left alone. Plan for both and they’re an easy, delightful dog to live with.
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.