Maltese Shih Tzu: Size, Temperament, Shedding & Care Guide

A Maltese Shih Tzu, also called a Malshi, Malti Tzu or Shih Tzu Maltese, is a small companion dog created by crossing a Maltese with a Shih Tzu.

A full-grown Maltese Shih Tzu is usually around 20–30cm tall and often weighs about 3–7kg, although size can vary depending on the parents. They are known for being affectionate, adaptable and often lower-shedding than many other dogs, but they still need regular grooming, training, companionship and veterinary care.

This guide covers Maltese Shih Tzu size, temperament, shedding, grooming, health, puppy costs and whether this small dog may suit your home.

Maltese Shih Tzu at a Glance

• Also called: Malshi, Malti Tzu, Maltese x Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu Maltese
• Size: Small companion dog
• Adult height: Usually around 20–30cm at the shoulder
• Adult weight: Often around 3–7kg
• Coat: Soft, medium to long, straight or slightly wavy
• Shedding: Often low, but coat type varies between dogs
• Exercise needs: Moderate
• Lifespan: Often around 12–15 years with suitable care
• Best suited to: Homes wanting a small, affectionate dog with time for grooming and companionship

 What Is a Maltese Shih Tzu?

A Maltese Shih Tzu is a cross between a purebred Maltese and a purebred Shih Tzu.

Because it is a crossbreed, no two Maltese Shih Tzus are exactly alike. Some may take after the Maltese side with a finer, silkier coat and a lighter build. Others may look more like a Shih Tzu, with a fuller face, slightly sturdier frame and thicker coat.

Most Malshis are bred as companion dogs. They are usually people-focused, affectionate and well suited to homes where they can be involved in everyday family life.

For more information on one side of their family tree, read our Shih Tzu care guide .

Maltese Shih Tzu Size: How Big Do They Get?

A full-grown Maltese Shih Tzu is generally a small dog.

Most adults are around 20–30cm tall at the shoulder and often weigh roughly 3–7kg. Some may be a little smaller or larger depending on the size, genetics and body shape of their parents.

A Maltese Shih Tzu puppy may reach much of its adult height by around its first birthday, then continue filling out in body shape and muscle over the following months.

What Does a Full-Grown Maltese Shih Tzu Look Like?

A full-grown Maltese Shih Tzu often has:

• A compact, sturdy body
• A round or slightly domed head
• Large dark eyes
• Drop ears covered with soft hair
• A coat that can be straight, silky, fluffy or slightly wavy
• A tail that may curl over the back

Their coat colour can vary widely. Common colours include white, cream, gold, black, brown, grey and mixed markings.

Maltese Shih Tzu Temperament: Are They Good Pets?

Maltese Shih Tzus are often affectionate, alert and playful companion dogs.

They usually enjoy being close to their people and may follow family members around the home. Many enjoy cuddles, short play sessions, gentle walks and learning simple tricks.

Their personality can lean more towards either parent breed. Some may be calm and gentle, while others may be more confident, lively or a little stubborn.

They can suit many homes, including apartments, smaller houses, families, couples and older owners. However, they still need daily interaction, routine and basic training.

Are Maltese Shih Tzus Good Family Dogs?

A Maltese Shih Tzu can be a lovely family dog when children are taught to handle small dogs gently.

Their smaller size means they can be more vulnerable to rough play, accidental falls and being picked up incorrectly. Supervise young children and teach them not to disturb the dog while eating, sleeping or resting.

They may also suit older owners looking for a smaller companion, provided grooming, walks and veterinary care are manageable.

Do Maltese Shih Tzus Bark a Lot?

Maltese Shih Tzus can be alert and may bark when someone approaches the home, when they hear unfamiliar sounds or when they want attention.

They are not automatically excessive barkers, but barking can become a habit if it is rewarded or left unmanaged.

Early training, regular activity and calm routines can help. For extra support, read our guide on how to stop dog barking at night .

Can a Maltese Shih Tzu Be Left Alone?

Maltese Shih Tzus can manage short periods alone when gradually trained, but they are usually happiest in homes where someone is around for much of the day.

They may become bored, vocal or unsettled if left alone for long hours regularly. Start with brief periods apart, provide a safe resting area and avoid making departures overly emotional.

Read our guide to dog anxiety if your dog shows signs of distress when left alone.

Do Maltese Shih Tzus Shed?

Maltese Shih Tzus are often described as low-shedding dogs, but they are not completely non-shedding.

Their coat may hold loose hair rather than dropping it around the home in the same way as heavy-shedding breeds. This can make them feel easier to manage indoors, but it also means loose hair can build up in the coat and form mats.

No dog is completely hypoallergenic. People with allergies may react to dander, saliva or urine rather than fur alone. Spend time with the individual dog before committing if allergies are a concern 

Maltese Shih Tzu Grooming Needs

Low shedding does not mean low grooming.

A Maltese Shih Tzu usually needs brushing several times each week, or daily if kept in a longer coat. Regular brushing helps prevent painful knots and mats, especially behind the ears, under the legs, around the collar area and near the tail.

Most owners also book professional grooming every six to eight weeks, depending on coat length and lifestyle.

A basic grooming routine may include:

• Brushing the coat regularly
• Cleaning around the eyes if tear staining develops
• Checking ears for wax, odour or irritation
• Trimming nails when needed
• Brushing teeth with dog-safe toothpaste
• Bathing only when needed with a suitable dog shampoo

Browse our range of pet grooming tools for brushes, clippers and at-home coat care.

Training a Maltese Shih Tzu Puppy

Maltese Shih Tzu puppies are usually smart and responsive, but they can also develop stubborn habits if training is inconsistent.

Start with simple skills:

• Name recognition
• Toilet training
• Recall
• Loose-lead walking
• Settling calmly on a mat or bed
• Friendly greetings without jumping
• Gentle handling for grooming and veterinary visits

Use short, positive sessions with treats, praise and toys. Avoid punishment-based training, especially with a sensitive small dog.

For toilet training, puppy training pads can be useful during the early stages, particularly for apartment living or overnight routines.

Exercise Needs

Maltese Shih Tzus have moderate exercise needs.

Most adults enjoy short daily walks, indoor games, gentle fetch and time spent exploring new smells outside. They do not usually need intense running or long-distance exercise, but they still benefit from daily activity.

A balanced routine may include:

• One or two short walks
• Indoor play sessions
• Gentle trick training
• Food puzzles or supervised enrichment toys
• Short social outings suited to their confidence level

Choose dog toys for small dogs that match their size, chewing habits and play style.

Feeding and Nutrition

Choose a complete and balanced dog food that suits your Maltese Shih Tzu’s life stage, body size and health needs.

Puppies need a suitable puppy formula while they are growing. Adult dogs generally do well with measured meals rather than free feeding. Small dogs can gain weight quickly, so use the feeding guide as a starting point and adjust based on body condition, activity and veterinary advice.

Avoid choosing food only because it is labelled grain-free, hypoallergenic or fashionable. Dogs with suspected food allergies or digestive issues should be assessed by a veterinarian before changing diets.

Browse dog food for small breeds and life stages , along with dog bowls and feeders for everyday mealtimes.

Maltese Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan

A Maltese Shih Tzu can live around 12–15 years, although lifespan varies between individual dogs.

As a crossbreed, a Malshi may inherit traits or health concerns from either the Maltese or Shih Tzu parent line. Not every dog will develop these issues, but owners should know what to watch for.

Potential concerns can include:

• Dental disease due to a small mouth
• Eye irritation, tear staining or eye conditions
• Skin sensitivities or allergies
• Luxating patella, where the kneecap can slip out of place
• Breathing difficulties or heat sensitivity if the dog inherits a shorter muzzle
• Weight gain if meals and treats are not measured

If your dog snores heavily, struggles during warm weather, pants excessively after light activity, has eye discomfort or changes in appetite, speak with your vet.

Regular vet visits, dental care, parasite prevention, a healthy weight and suitable grooming all help support long-term wellbeing. 

Maltese Shih Tzu Puppies in Australia: What to Ask a Breeder

If you are looking for Maltese Shih Tzu puppies in Australia, take your time and avoid rushing into a deposit.

A responsible breeder should be open about the puppy’s parents, health history, living conditions and care routine.

Ask to see:

• The puppy’s mother and, where possible, the father
• Where the puppies were raised
• Veterinary health-check records
• Vaccination, worming and microchip details
• Information about the parents’ health screening
• A written agreement outlining support and return arrangements
• Breeder registration details where required in your state or territory

Be cautious if a seller pressures you to pay immediately, refuses visits, cannot provide records or only wants to meet in public places.

The purchase price is only one part of the cost. Before bringing home a puppy, budget for food, grooming, training, veterinary care, parasite prevention, insurance, bedding, toys and travel equipment.

Helpful Products for a Maltese Shih Tzu

A Maltese Shih Tzu does not need endless products, but a few well-chosen essentials can make daily care easier.

Consider:

• Small dog beds for a cosy, correctly sized sleeping space
• Pet ramps and stairs for dogs that need help reaching the couch or bed
• Pet grooming tools to manage brushing and coat care
• Dog toys for play and mental enrichment
• Puppy training pads for early toilet-training support

Is a Maltese Shih Tzu Right for You?

A Maltese Shih Tzu may suit you if you want a small, affectionate dog that enjoys being part of everyday family life.

They can be a good fit for apartments and smaller homes, but they still need walks, play, grooming, training and companionship.

They may not be the best choice if you want a dog that is fully independent, needs little grooming or can be left alone for long workdays.

With patient training, regular grooming and a stable home routine, a Maltese Shih Tzu can become a loving and entertaining companion for many years.

Maltese Shih Tzu FAQs

How big does a Maltese Shih Tzu get?

A full-grown Maltese Shih Tzu is usually around 20–30cm tall at the shoulder and often weighs about 3–7kg. Size can vary because this is a crossbreed. A puppy’s final size depends on the build, genetics and adult size of both parents.

Are Maltese Shih Tzus good pets?

Maltese Shih Tzus can be great pets for homes wanting a small, affectionate companion. They are often friendly, playful and adaptable, but they still need daily interaction, grooming and basic training. Their small size means children should always be taught to handle them carefully and respectfully.

Do Maltese Shih Tzus shed a lot?

Maltese Shih Tzus are often low-shedding, but they do still shed. Loose hair may become trapped in their coat instead of falling around the home, which means brushing is important. Regular grooming helps prevent knots, mats and discomfort, especially for dogs with longer or thicker coats.

Are Maltese Shih Tzus hypoallergenic?

No dog is completely hypoallergenic. Maltese Shih Tzus may be easier for some people to live with because they often shed less than heavy-shedding breeds. However, allergies can also be triggered by dander, saliva and skin particles, so spend time with the individual dog before bringing one home.

Do Maltese Shih Tzus bark a lot?

Maltese Shih Tzus can be alert and may bark at visitors, unfamiliar sounds or changes around the home. Early training, enough activity and calm routines can reduce problem barking. Persistent barking may also signal boredom, fear, anxiety or a need for more suitable daily enrichment.

How long do Maltese Shih Tzus live?

Many Maltese Shih Tzus live around 12–15 years, although lifespan varies. Healthy weight, regular veterinary checks, dental care, balanced food, parasite prevention and early attention to health concerns can all support a longer and more comfortable life.

What health issues can Maltese Shih Tzus have?

A Maltese Shih Tzu may inherit health tendencies from either parent breed. Possible concerns include dental disease, eye issues, skin sensitivity, kneecap problems and breathing or heat sensitivity in dogs with shorter muzzles. Ask breeders about parent health history and speak with a vet about ongoing preventive care.