Malshi at a glance
- Size
- Small
- Height
- 25–28 cm
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog. Not assessed yet: Typical adult weight, Energy, Training, Garden, Typical lifespan.
Is the Malshi right for you?
Like every breed, the Malshi is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You live in a flat or smaller home: the breed often adapts well.
- This would be your first dog and you are ready to learn.
- You would like a dog usually content with short daily walks.
- You would prefer a dog that tends to shed little.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You have young children at home.
- You cannot commit to daily grooming.
- You would find barking hard to live with.
How would the Malshi fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Malshi
The Malshi is a small designer crossbreed made by crossing a Maltese with a Shih Tzu. Malshis vary in size, shape, colour and coat, but they are always small companion dogs that mostly want to be with their owner.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Small
A small dog.
- Exercise
Low
Usually content with short daily walks and play.
- Energy level
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Grooming
Daily
The coat usually needs brushing every day.
- Shedding
Low
Tends to shed little, though every dog sheds some hair.
- Trainability
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other dogs
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Good with cats
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Suits first-time owners
Often
Often suits first-time owners.
- Barking / vocality
Can be vocal
Often quick to bark at visitors or unusual sounds.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
Like many designer crossbreeds, the Malshi began in the United States, as part of a search for a small companion that would fit into any family's life, however small the home and garden. It is still uncommon in the UK but is growing in popularity.
A Malshi may be a first cross, with one Maltese and one Shih Tzu parent, may be bred back to one of the parent breeds, or may have two Malshi parents. Both parent breeds are old companion breeds: the Maltese from Malta, and the Shih Tzu from China, where it was developed in the Forbidden City.
Malshi temperament
A Malshi's personality depends on its parents and how it was bred and raised. Both parent breeds are affectionate companions that bond closely with their owners, and Malshis are often happiest with one person. A well-bred Malshi should be outgoing and confident, not nervous, shy or fearful.
Malshis enjoy games, but most of all they enjoy company. Separation-related problems are very common in the crossbreed, and they do not like being left alone, so they suit someone who is home most of the time or can take their dog with them.
They can be quite a barker, especially when bored or left alone. Some may have issues with unfamiliar dogs.
Size and appearance
Malshis are small dogs, usually standing around 25–28 cm at the shoulder. Colour depends on the parents: Maltese are white, sometimes with slight lemon markings, and Shih Tzus can be almost any colour.
How much exercise does a Malshi need?
As long as they get plenty of time with their owner, Malshis are usually happy with half an hour to an hour of walking a day. They can live in a flat or a smaller home as long as they have access to the outdoors for toileting and walks.
Training a Malshi
The Malshi is cleverer than many people think and usually enjoys learning tricks and games. Toilet training can be slow, so be patient and consistent.
- Teach them to walk on a lead and harness.
- Train a reliable recall.
- Start socialisation early and keep it going, so they gain confidence with people and other dogs.
- Be patient and consistent with house training.
Malshi grooming
Malshi coats are likely to be long and silky, and can mat. They are unlikely to shed much, and if they do, the hair often comes out in clumps. They need daily brushing and coat care.
It helps to find a good local groomer who can look after the coat or teach you how to do it yourself as it develops.
Living with a Malshi
The Malshi makes a fun, affectionate companion, but it is small and rather delicate, so it suits families with older, sensible children. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other dogs
Varies with the individual dog.
Cats and small pets
Varies with the individual dog.
Flats and smaller homes
Often adapts to flats and smaller homes.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Often suits first-time owners.
Malshi health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
The Malshi is described as a generally healthy crossbreed, but health varies because some dogs take more after one parent breed than the other. It is worth reading about the conditions that affect the Maltese and the Shih Tzu, and choosing a breeder who prioritises health and behaviour.
Breathing
Because the Maltese has a longer muzzle than the Shih Tzu, the Malshi is likely to have fewer breathing problems than a Shih Tzu, with less shortening of the muzzle and potentially larger nostrils.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Malshi home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Malshi cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Malshi home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, not just the first year.
Buying a Malshi
If you have decided the Malshi suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Malshi
Malshis do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Malshis looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
Find Malshi adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
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Malshi FAQs
Is the Malshi good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Malshi live in a flat?
Often adapts to flats and smaller homes. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Malshi need?
Low: usually content with short daily walks. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the Malshi shed?
Tends to shed little.
How much grooming does the Malshi need?
Typically: daily.
Can the Malshi be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Does the Malshi bark a lot?
Can be vocal. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Is the Malshi good with cats?
Varies with the individual dog. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How big does the Malshi get?
Adults typically stand 25–28 cm at the shoulder.