Mal-shi Puppies for Sale

overview of the Mal-shi Dog Breed

Do you want a smaller dog that loves children, thrives on human interaction and companionship, and loves being the life of the party?

If that describes the ideal dog for your family, then take a look at our Malshi puppies for sale below!

As a designer crossbreed between the Shih Tzu and Maltese, the Malshi brings the best in both breeds. Their love for human interaction, love for children, and playful attitude are sure to bring joy, laughter, and companionship to your family and home.

If you are ready to have a new best friend in your home, then bring home your Malshi puppy! You can also browse our other puppy breeds for sale.

Mal-shi temperament

Good with Children: Malshis do very well with children. Their love of life and smaller size make them an excellent companion and pet for children. However, because of their small size, you need to train children to be gentle in their interactions with a Malshi.

Alert and Watchful: Although they are not typically known as guard dogs, Malshis may still exhibit an alert nature and bark to alert their owners of unfamiliar sounds or visitors.

Adaptable: Due to their small size and adaptable nature, Malshis can do well in various living situations, including apartments or houses with small yards.

Devoted: The Malshi breed is a breed dedicated to their owners and family. Even though they enjoy human companionship in general, they quickly form a special bond with their owners and family that lasts a lifetime.

Playful: This breed loves to play and have fun! They don’t like being left out of the action, and their energy and playfulness bring laughter and joy into any home.

Loves Attention: Malshi dogs thrive on being the center of attention, and they aren’t afraid to show off if they need to get the attention! Combined with their playful energy, the Malshi is guaranteed to become your family’s new best friend!

Lapdog: As a smaller dog who loves companionship, the Malshi makes an excellent lapdog that loves human touch and snuggles.

It’s important to remember that while these are common personality traits of Malshis, individual dogs can vary based on genetics, upbringing, and socialization. When considering a Malshi as a pet, spend time with the puppy’s parents if possible, and provide consistent training, socialization, and care to ensure a well-rounded and happy companion.

Mal-shi Breed history

The Malshi is a designer breed and a cross between the Maltese and Shih Tzu. Because it is a crossbreed, it is not yet formally recognized by the American Kennel Club.

The Malshi was first bred in Australia in the 1990s.  The original purpose was to have the energy and companionship of the Shih Tzu without needing as much grooming or the high level of allergens.

The Malshi quickly gained popularity in Australia, and it was soon being bred in the United States and other countries.

The Malshi also has other names and is referred to as Malshi, Malt-tzu, Maltzu, Malti-zu, Malti Tzu, Mal-Tzu, Shih-tese, and Shima.  Yes, that’s a lot of names for one breed of dog!

If you want to see some closely related cousins of the Malshi, check out the Maltipoo and the Maltichon.

Mal-shi Average size

The Malshi breed is a toy breed and small.  Their height as adults ranges from 8-10″ tall, and they weigh between 6 and 12 pounds.  

Average Mal-shi lifespan

Although they are still a new crossbreed, most Malshi dogs live an average lifespan of 12-14 years.

Mal-shi body features

Many Malshi dogs have a two-toned colored coat.  The bulk of the coat is often white, although it can also be a gray or darker color.

Malshis with a white coat often have black, tan, or dark gray markings around the ears, eyes, and sometimes back.

grooming Your Mal-shi Puppy

The Malshi usually requires less work than a Shih Tzu, but you still want to pay careful attention to the coat and have your Malshi groomed regularly.

As a crossbreed, different Malshi have their coats grow and shed at different rates.  However, you should groom several times a week, or daily if you see loose hair and dirt in their coat.

Regular grooming should be done – the length can vary based on your personal preference.  

Malshi dogs don’t need regular baths either.  Most bat

Keeping Your Mal-shi Puppy Healthy

The Malshi is a generally healthy breed, but there are several things to watch for:

First, the longer and sometimes thicker coat can result in a Malshi become too warm when exposed to extensive heat.  Be careful in warm conditions and pay close attention to your Malshi to make sure it stays hydrated and cool.

Second, make sure their eyes stay clean of dirt, dust, and other pieces that can cause irritation or problems.  If you see the eyes getting red or swollen, you should take your Malshi to the vet.

Like all dog breeds, they are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, two of the most common health issues among dogs.

Hip and elbow dysplasia occurs when the leg or hip becomes weakened, and it can result in arthritis or potential lameness if not addressed.

One of the best ways to prevent this is by keeping your dog from too much running on hard surfaces, especially when they are puppies.

Typical Mal-shi Allergens

Allergens are caused by dander, which is dead skin cells.  These skin cells are shed by any animal, including humans.

Although the Malshi is supposed to have fewer allergen concerns than the Shih Tzu, the exact shedding tendencies of a Malshi is affected by their dominant breed.

To help keep allergen levels low, make sure you groom your Malshi regularly and remove loose hair and dirt from its coat.

If you have someone in your home with animal allergy concerns, it is good to consult your family physician. 

• What two breeds do you cross to get a Malshi?
  Malshis are a cross between the Maltese and the Shih-tzu.
• Do Malshis like to cuddle?
  Yes! Malshis are lapdogs that love to snuggle and cuddle.
• Are Malshis a yappy breed?
  Like all dogs, Malshis can be loud at times. However, they seem quieter than both of their parent breeds.
• Are Malshis high energy?
  Malshis are moderately active. They do not require an excessive amount of exercise and generally conform their activity level to that of their owners.
• Where did the Malshi originate?
  Malshis originated in Australia. The breeders’ goal was to gain the energy and companionship of a Shih-tzu without the high grooming needs and allergen levels.
• What colors do Malshis come in?
  Malshis usually have two-tone coats. Most often they are primarily white with spots of black, tan, or dark gray.
• Do Malshis make good family dogs?
  Yes, Malshis make great family dogs! They are usually good with kids and they love social interaction.
• Can Malshis handle heat?
  Not very well. Malshis have thick, luxurious coats and they get hot easily. Be sure to keep your Malshi cool!
• Do Malshis shed a lot?
  Low shedding tendencies was one of the traits breeders were going for when they created the Malshi. These dogs do not shed much and are a good choice for allergy sufferers. However, always remember to check with your health provider if you are worried about dog allergies.
• Are Malshis hard to groom?
  Malshis are easier to groom than Shih-tzus. However, their long, silky coats will still take some hardcore maintenance. You will want to brush your Malshi regularly to prevent matting and tangling.