Mal-shi's at home

 

Origin            

Developed in the 1990, the Mal-Shi was designed to be a low-shedding, hypoallergenic companion dog. One of the most popular hybrids in Australia, this breed is also gaining traction in North America and other countries, due to its small size and outgoing nature.

 

Pedigree

The Mal-Shi is the result of breeding purebred Maltese dogs with purebred Shih Tzus. There are some dogs that have been bred with Mal-Shis as the parents.

 

Food / Diet

The Mal-Shi does well on a diet of high-quality kibble. Serving size depends on the brand, but the average amount would be 1/4 to 1/2 cup of kibble a day, divided into two meals.

The Mal-Shi is intelligent and happy, making him a pleasure to train.

 

Training

The Mal-Shi is intelligent and happy, making him a pleasure to train. Basic obedience will soon be mastered, so be sure to sign up for advanced training once he’s ready to move to something more challenging. He will also make a wonderful therapy dog, thanks to his loving and social behavior. This is an excellent dog for first-time dog owners.

 

Your dog may prove to be a bit stubborn, but positive and consistent training will correct this problem. As well, housetraining can be an issue, so introduce crate training early.

 

Because of its small size, it’s important for you to treat your Mal-Shi like a dog rather than like a baby. If not, he could turn out to be a bratty monster. Treat him like a real dog – make him walk and don’t carry him everywhere.

 

Weight

A Mal-Shi will stand about 10 inches and weigh anywhere between 6 to 12 pounds.

 

Temperament / Behavior

Affectionate, alert, loving, and devoted to their owner, the Mal-Shi is a joy to be around. Because this is a mixed breed, it inherits the personality characteristics of both the Maltese and the Shih Tzu. You can expect you dog to be gentle and affectionate, playful and fearless. The Shih Tzu in this designer breed will be watchful and let you know if something doesn’t seem right. A fast learner, you’ll have fun teaching this dog some new tricks.

 

Amusing and endearing, the Mal-Shi may do better in a household with older children due to his size. Your dog may possess a bit of a stubborn streak, but with early training and consistency, your Mal-Shi will respond well to your commands.

He’s an affectionate companion who loves being with his family. Because he loves his family so much, you don’t want to leave your Mal-Shi alone for long periods at a time, as it can lead to separation anxiety.

 

Common Health Problems

The Mal-Shi can inherit health issues prevalent with its parent breeds. Some common issues include Patellar Luxation and White Shaker Syndrome, which affects young to middle-aged dogs. They can also suffer from respiratory problems, so you should keep your Mal-Shi in an air conditioned home during the summer.

 

Life Expectancy

The Mal-Shi has an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years.

 

Exercise Requirements

The Mal-Shi has moderate exercise needs and will curb his habits to reflect yours. If you’re active, he will keep up with you. But if you’re more laid-back, he’ll be happy to hang out with you.

Your Mal-Shi will need some exercise, like a daily walk or a spirited game of catch. He can leave quite happily in an apartment, as long as he is exercised enough. He loves the outdoors, so it helps if you have a yard for him to play in. He’ll need about 10 to 15 minutes of exercise per day.

Affectionate, alert, loving, and devoted to their owner, the Mal-Shi is a joy to be around.

 

Recognized Clubs

The Mal-Shi is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, as it is considered to be a hybrid breed. However, this breed is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR) and Designer Breed Registry (DBR).

 

Coat

The Mal-Shi’s coat should be long, soft and silky, with a little wave to it. As for coat colors, Mal-Shis are usually white or white with tan markings on the body and ears, but they can also boast combination of other colors (black, brown, black and white, brown and white, and black and brown).

 

Because of long coat, you’ll need to brush your Mal-Ski daily to keep tangles and mats at bay. Some owners choose to keep their Mal-Shi’s coat short, for easier maintenance. You may find that your dog as a problem with tear stains. To combat this problem, you can keep the area around the eye cleaned, which helps with staining.

 

Puppies

Mal-Shis are social, even when they are puppies. Be sure to take them to the dog park and other new environments so they can meet new people and animals.