Malshi - Little & Cute Companion

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The popularity of designer breeds and mixed breeds is steadily on the rise. People seem to like specific dog traits, and they can get them by getting a crossbreed. However, choosing the exact genes and characteristics, you would want in a dog is not easy. In fact, it is hardly possible, especially in crossbreeds. One of these popular crossbreeds is the Malshi. The mix between a Maltese and Shih Tzu.

Both of these breeds make fantastic companions. They were bred to be the perfect, gentle, obedient family dogs, and the cross between the two should have the same character. The idea behind crossing these two breeds and creating a Malshi is to get the perfect, non-shedding companion. Here are the most important things you should know about a Malshi.

What kind of a pet is the Malshi?

The Malshi is a crossbreed, which means it is a mix of two pureblooded dog breeds. In this case, those two breeds are the Maltese and the Shih Tzu. Creators of these hybrids usually say Malshis get the best of both breeds. However, that is not always the case. It is impossible to choose and handpick genes that you would like. There can be many differences between two Malshis, even if they come from the same litter.

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The majority of these dogs still make amazing family companions. They are reasonably intelligent, and Malshi owners said these dogs can be a pleasure to train. They should have a kind temperament that makes them ideal pets for families with kids of all ages. Malshi dogs get along with other pets because of their wonderful, friendly characters.

Malshi character

The exact character of crossbreeds like the Malshi can only be observed. It is nearly impossible to guess. One of the most significant advantages pureblooded dogs have is predictability. You can be pretty sure about individual characters of both Maltese and Shih Tzu, but if you blend their personalities, you can never be sure what the new Malshi puppies will be like until they grow up. 

Based on the information we collected from many Malshi owners, we can describe what most of these dog’s characters are like. Malshi is a friendly dog. They are patient and gentle, and they get along great with other pets in the household. They are naturally friendly towards everyone, even cats and other pets you might have. They have no natural hunting instinct, so they can easily get along with pets like gerbils, guinea pigs, or ferrets. However, all interactions between pets should be monitored. Keep in mind that accidents can still happen.

This might be a small companion dog, but it is still a dog. Many dog owners treat their Malshi puppies like babies and forget they have the same needs as other dogs. Malshis should be socialized from a young age. If you train your dog and invest time in their development, you can be relatively sure they will end up being the best version of themselves. However, if you fail to provide your dog with socialization and training, Malshis can become snappy and intolerable towards other dogs. Make sure you introduce your Malshi puppy to different sights, sounds, animals, and people while they are still puppies. You will rip the rewards when your Malshi puppy develops into a well-behaved, friendly dog.

How to care for a Malshi?

All dogs will require a certain type of care. Some dogs will require more grooming but less activity, and others might need precisely the opposite. Malshi crossbreed is playful, and these dogs will love being active as long as they are with their families. However, they are not too active, and 2 walks a day, and 30-minute playtime is more than enough to keep them happy.

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Diet

Like all dogs, the Malshi will require a healthy diet. Since it is a small dog, there are specialized dog foods with unique recipes for smaller dogs. However, both parent breeds are prone to certain food allergies. Make sure you pick a high-quality food that will provide your Malshi with all the necessary nutrients they might need. You can start by checking out this article - Best dry dog food.

Grooming

As you can imagine, your new Malshi puppy will require some grooming. Shih Tzus and Maltese dogs are known for their long, soft coats, and it is not unreasonable to expect Malshi puppies to end with that type of coat. They are not the biggest shedders in the world; in fact, they are quite the opposite. However, brushing at least three times a week will be necessary to keep their coat as healthy as possible. If you don’t brush their coat, it can easily get tangled and matted.

These dogs will require special eye and ear care. Make sure you check their ears at least twice a month and clean their eyes with a moist cotton cloth. Malshis are relatively clean, and a bath every two to three months will be more than enough. Keep in mind these dogs probably won’t wear their nails down naturally, so it is up to you to trim them. You should also brush your Malshi’s teeth at least three times a week. If you don’t like doing that, getting them dental chews might be a good idea.

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Malshi health

One of the things creators of crossbreeds boast about is the health of their dogs. The idea is that crossbreeds have the “hybrid vigor.” This term describes a vast gene pool crossbreeds have and that it makes them somehow healthier. What they fail to mention is that crossbreeds are susceptible to diseases from both sides of the family. Unfortunately, there is no way of telling which genes will become dominant. There is a lack of data from these dogs since there are no official statistics about diseases these dogs are prone to. However, owners reported these problems with their Malshis;

• Patellar luxation
• White Shaker Syndrome
• Respiratory issues
• Heart anomalies
• Congenital liver disease
• Eye infections
• Encephalitis
• Hip dysplasia

Getting a Malshi puppy

When it comes to getting a Malshi puppy, there might be some issues you come across. Malshi is a crossbreed, which means no official kennel clubs recognize them as a breed. That means there are no official or registered breeders that are controlled by their governing kennel club. The only way to get a Malshi puppy is to get in touch with the owner community and ask for recommendations.

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However, it is a good idea to check all the recommendations you get. There are a lot of scams going on in the world of dog breeding, especially among designer breeds. Never pay anything upfront, and make sure you see the environment these breeders keep their dogs in. The average price of a Malshi puppy is around $900. However, Malshi puppies whose parents have great pedigrees can go for a lot more than that.

World Dog Finder team