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Malshi: Profile, Temperament, Health, and Care Guide

A Malshi is a designer cross between a Maltese and a Shih Tzu, bred to combine two gentle, companion-focused toy breeds into one affectionate, low-shedding lap dog.

Because it’s a mixed breed rather than an AKC-recognized breed with a fixed standard, a Malshi’s exact traits vary depending on its specific parentage and generation, though certain patterns show up consistently enough to plan around. This guide covers where the cross originated, its temperament, how big Malshis get, how long they live, the health problems they are prone to, grooming, how much exercise they need, how easy they are to train, what to feed them, the pros and cons of owning one, and what else people ask.

What Is a Malshi and Where Did the Cross Originate?

A Malshi is a cross between a Maltese and a Shih Tzu, developed in the United States as part of the broader toy-breed designer-dog trend, pairing two breeds already bred for centuries as companions to nobility. Breeders paired the two specifically to combine the Maltese’s gentle, silky coat with the Shih Tzu’s sturdy, easygoing temperament, aiming for a dog with real lap-companion credentials from both sides of its parentage. Malshis are not recognized by the AKC as an official breed, and like most designer crosses, a dog’s exact mix of traits depends on its generation and which parent genetics come through strongest.

The American Kennel Club does not register the Malshi as a breed, so there is no official Malshi standard; its parent breeds are each described in their own AKC breed standards for the Maltese and the Shih Tzu.

What Is a Malshi’s Temperament Like?

A Malshi’s temperament is gentle, affectionate, and easygoing, blending the Maltese’s devoted companionship instinct with the Shih Tzu’s calm, people-focused nature. Malshis are commonly described as adaptable to apartment living and genuinely devoted to their family, and the breed generally does well with children and other pets when socialized early. This mix is genuinely people-oriented and doesn’t do well left alone for long stretches, so consistent companionship matters for this cross.

How Big Do Malshis Get?

A Malshi typically stands 6 to 10 inches at the shoulder and weighs 6 to 12 pounds as an adult, falling between its two compact parent breeds. Coat color varies with the cross, commonly producing white, cream, gold, or combinations depending on which parent genetics dominate. Individual size can still vary meaningfully depending on the specific parents used in a given litter.

How Long Do Malshis Live?

Malshis live 12 to 15 years, a lifespan typical of small designer crosses between two generally long-lived toy breeds. Regular veterinary care, including the health screening covered below, supports a full lifespan for this cross.

What Health Problems Are Malshis Prone To?

Because a Malshi inherits traits from both parent breeds, it can be prone to health conditions documented in either the Maltese or the Shih Tzu.

• Patellar luxation. A kneecap condition common in small breeds, present in both parent lines.
• Dental disease. A tendency toward crowded teeth and plaque buildup common in small-breed mouths.
• Brachycephalic airway issues. A breathing and heat-tolerance concern linked to the Shih Tzu’s shorter muzzle, which can carry through to some Malshi individuals.
• Eye conditions. Dry eye and tear staining, both documented more often in small, flat-faced breeds like the Shih Tzu.
• Portosystemic liver shunt. A congenital liver condition documented in the Maltese side of this cross.

How Do You Groom a Malshi?

A Malshi’s coat needs regular brushing several times a week to prevent mats and tangles, and the exact texture depends on the individual dog’s parentage, ranging from the Maltese’s silky, flowing coat to the Shih Tzu’s denser double coat. Many owners keep a Malshi’s coat trimmed shorter for easier upkeep, and regardless of coat type this cross sheds relatively little, though no dog is completely allergen-free.

How Much Exercise Does a Malshi Need?

A Malshi needs roughly 20 to 30 minutes of daily exercise, a modest amount reflecting its small size and companion-focused heritage from both parent breeds. Without enough physical and mental engagement, a Malshi can become bored and develop unwanted habits like excessive barking, though this cross is generally calmer than many other small toy breeds.

Are Malshis Easy to Train?

Yes, Malshis are generally easy to train with patience and consistency, inheriting a genuine eagerness to please from both the Maltese and Shih Tzu sides of their parentage. Positive reinforcement training works well, and early socialization and consistent obedience work in puppyhood help set up a well-mannered adult.

What Should You Feed a Malshi?

A Malshi does well on a high-quality small-breed formula suited to its size and activity level, with portions based on the individual dog’s actual weight and body condition rather than a one-size-fits-all guideline. A veterinarian can help set an appropriate feeding plan, particularly for individuals with brachycephalic traits that may affect eating pace.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Owning a Malshi?

Here are the main advantages of owning a Malshi.

• Gentle, affectionate, highly trainable temperament
• Relatively low-shedding coat
• Well suited to apartment living given its small size
• Genuinely calm compared to many other toy crosses

Here are the main drawbacks of owning a Malshi.

• Size, coat, and temperament can vary meaningfully between individual dogs and generations
• Can inherit health risks from either parent breed, including dental and eye conditions
• Needs regular grooming to prevent matting
• Not officially recognized by the AKC, so no fixed breed standard exists

Malshi-specific rescue organizations and general shelters both place adult dogs regularly, worth a look for anyone drawn to this cross but not set on a breeder search.

What Else Do People Ask About the Malshi?

The questions below cover how much a Malshi costs, whether Malshis are hypoallergenic, the difference between the Malshi and the Maltipoo, and how much a Malshi sheds.

How much does a Malshi cost?

Malshi prices vary widely by breeder, region, and generation, and a puppy from a breeder who performs health testing on the parents typically costs more than one from a breeder who skips that testing. Adopting an adult Malshi through a rescue is usually a lower-cost alternative.

Are Malshis hypoallergenic?

Malshis are often described as hypoallergenic because they shed relatively little compared to many breeds, but no dog is completely allergen-free. Regular grooming reduces loose hair and dander further regardless of an individual dog’s exact coat type.

What is the difference between the Malshi and the Maltipoo?

A Malshi crosses a Maltese with a Shih Tzu, giving it a calmer, more settled temperament, while a Maltipoo crosses a Maltese with a Poodle and tends to be sharper to train given the Poodle’s working intelligence. Both crosses share the Maltese’s affectionate, companion-first personality as a base.

How much does a Malshi shed?

A Malshi sheds relatively little compared to many breeds, since both the Maltese and Shih Tzu parent breeds have hair-type coats rather than heavy-shedding double coats. Regular brushing still matters to prevent matting regardless of the low shedding.

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