The Malshi is a crossbreed of the Maltese and Shih Tzu, two small dog breeds. Though they were originally bred in Australia, they have since gained popularity around the world. Malshis typically weigh between 6 and 12 pounds and stand 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder.

They have a life span of 12 to 14 years. The Malshi’s coat is long, silky, and slightly wavy. It is white or white with tan markings but can be a combination of other colors, such as black, brown, black and white, brown and white, and black and brown.

The Malshi is considered to be hypoallergenic and is a low shedder. However, because of their long coats, they require lots of grooming. 

Malshi Generations

When looking for a Malshi puppy, you may come across terms such as F1, F1B, or F2. These terms refer to the generation of the pup and indicate what percentage of each parent breed is present. 

F1 Malshi

The first generation (F1) of Malshis are fifty percent Maltese and fifty percent Shih Tzu. These are the result of breeding a purebred Shih Tzu with a purebred Maltese.

F1b Malshi

F1B generation occurs when an F1 Malshi is bred with either a purebred Maltese or Shih Tzu. As a result, the F1B puppies in the litter are often even smaller.

F2 Malshi

The F2 generation is the litter when two F1 Malshis are bred together, and any future generations would be referred to as such (F3, etc.).

The Maltese and Shih Tzu are both desirable breeds, so when owners want a dog that has the physical attributes of both, there is little demand for dogs beyond the first generation (F1).

History

The Malshi is a designer breed that originated in the 1990s in Australia. These dogs are a cross between the Maltese and the Shih Tzu and were bred to create a companion dog with the best characteristics of both breeds.

Today, Malshis are gaining popularity worldwide due to their loving and affectionate nature. Although the exact origins of the Maltese are unknown, it is thought that this breed originated on the island of Malta over 2500 years ago. The Shih Tzu, on the other hand, is a Chinese breed that originated around 1000 years ago.

Despite their different backgrounds, the Maltese and the Shih Tzu share many common features, which is evident in the Malshi. 

Appearance

They have a rounded head with a short, broad muzzle and a black nose. Their eyes are oval-shaped and can be amber or hazel in color. They have long, feathered ears that hang down close to their cheeks.

Coat

The Malshi coat is one of the most distinctive features of this breed. The hair is long, silky, and slightly wavy, with a single layer that is very smooth to the touch. The coat can be white or white with tan markings, but it can also be a combination of other colors, such as black, brown, black and white, brown and white, or black and brown.

The Malshi is also a hypoallergenic breed, meaning it is less likely to cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to pet dander. And finally, the Malshi is a low shedder, making it an ideal breed for people looking for a pet that won’t leave too much hair around the house.

Size

Malshis are a small breed of dog, weighing 6-12 pounds and standing 9-11 inches tall at the shoulder. Due to their small size, Malshis are generally considered a good choice for first-time dog owners.

Lifespan

Malshis have an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years. When comparing different dog breeds, this puts the Malshi squarely in the middle of the pack – not too short or too long. But, of course, there are always exceptions to the rule, and some individual Malshis may live for many years beyond the average.

Conversely, poor health or accidents can, unfortunately, lead to a shorter life. Ultimately, however, the lifespan of a Malshi is primarily determined by genetics and cannot be changed. Fortunately, the Malshi’s relatively long lifespan means that owners can enjoy many years of companionship with their furry friend.

Environment

Although Malshies are gentle and loving dogs, they should not be left alone with small children. These dogs might seem fragile and insecure because of their size, but in actuality, they are incredibly devoted to their family unit and need companionship. If you plan on leaving a Malshie home by themself for an extended period, consider another pet that can keep them company.

Malshies are best suited for a home or apartment where someone can be present most of the day. Although they don’t require strenuous activity, Malshies still need one or two short walks each day to help expend their energy. As such, an individual who is at least moderately active will make for the perfect owner for a Malshi.

Since Malshies are fiercely loyal to their families, they require a lot of attention and love. If you have very young children who can’t provide that level of time or patience, then a Malshy might not be the ideal pet for your household.

Temperament

The Malshi is a cross between a Maltese and a Shih Tzu, two breeds known for their friendly and affectionate nature. As a result, the Malshi is typically a lapdog that loves to cuddle and be close to its owner. However, they are also loyal and protective of their family, making them excellent watchdogs.

In addition, Malshis generally get along well with other pets and children, although they may need supervision around very young children since they are small enough to be accidentally injured. Despite their gentle nature, Malshis are also known for being intelligent and clever, so they can quickly train for tricks or obedience.

Overall, the Malshi temperament makes them ideal companions for families with children of all ages.

Grooming

Because of their long hair, Malshis require regular grooming. 

Brushing

The Maltese side of your Malshi means they will have long, silky hair that can tangle easily. To prevent mats and tangles, brush your Malshi daily with a quality dog brush. Pin brushes and slicker brushes work well for this breed. Be sure to brush gently, especially around the face where the hair is thinner and more delicate.

Bathing

Malshis do not need to be bathed frequently—once every month or so is sufficient. However, when you do bathe them, be sure to use a tearless shampoo to avoid irritating their eyes. This is especially important because Malshis are prone to tear stains, which can be unsightly. A bath will also help prevent tangles and mats from forming in their long hair.

Ears

Check and clean your Malshi’s ears once a week to prevent infection. Use a cotton ball dampened with dog ear cleaner to gently wipe the inside of their ears, being careful not to insert anything into the ear canal itself. You should also trim any hair that is growing inside the ear canal so that air can circulate properly. If you notice any redness, discharge, or odor, contact your veterinarian immediately, as these could be signs of an ear infection. 

Nails

Ideally, you should trim your Malshi’s nails every two to three weeks. Use dog nail trimmers and cut only the tip of the nail, taking care not to cut too close to the quick. If you accidentally cut the quick, it will bleed and be painful for your dog—so err on the side of caution! 

Teeth

Brushing 2-3 times per week helps reduce tartar buildup and prevent gum disease—and it’s also good for their overall health! Use a dog-specific toothpaste and brush gently in circular motions. You can also use canine dental wipes or rawhide chews specifically designed for cleaning teeth.

Nutrition

Because of their small size, Malshis require less food than some of the larger breeds of dogs. Therefore, it is essential to feed your Malshi a high-quality diet that meets their specific nutritional requirements in order to keep them healthy and happy.

Malshis require a diet high in protein and fat and low in carbs. Unfortunately, this breed of dog does not do well on a grain-based diet. The best way to ensure that your Malshi is getting the proper nutrition is to feed them a diet specifically made for small breeds of dogs. You can also supplement their diet with human-grade foods such as chicken, beef, fish, vegetables, and fruit.

When feeding your Malshi, it is important to avoid feeding them table scraps or food high in fat, salt, or sugar. These foods can cause weight gain, pancreatitis, and other health problems. In addition, it is vital to ensure that your Malshi always has access to fresh water. Water is crucial for keeping your fur baby hydrated and flushing toxins from their system.

Training

Malshis are intelligent, eager-to-please dogs that respond well to positive training methods. They are quick learners and excel at obedience, agility, and other dog sports. Malshis thrive on human companionship and do not do well when left alone for long periods.

For this reason, it is important to begin training as early as possible. Puppy classes are a great way to socialize young dogs and teach them basic manners. For owners who are unable or unwilling to attend formal classes, there are many excellent books and online resources that can provide guidance on everything from housebreaking to obedience training.

With a little patience and consistent reinforcement, most Malshis will quickly learn the basics of good canine citizenship.

Exercise

How much exercise a Malshi needs depends on their age, health, and energy level. For most dogs, between 30 and 60 minutes of activity per day is sufficient. Exercise is essential for your dog’s health and can take the form of walks, frisbee, fetch, or any other activity that gets them moving.

It’s important to start slowly and gradually build your dog’s endurance. And always make sure to have fresh water available for them to drink after exercising. 

Conclusion

If you’re considering adding a new furry friend to your family, you might want to consider a Malshi puppy. These beautiful dogs are a cross between a Maltese and a Shih Tzu and make great pets for people of all ages.

They’re relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise and grooming, and they love nothing more than cuddling on the couch with their favorite human. So what are you waiting for? Go find your perfect Malshi today!