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Origins
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Shih tzu dogs are energetic and intelligent. The Maltese shih tzu hybrid is a mix between either a purebred Maltese and a purebred shih tzu or two second-generation Maltese shih tzu crossbreeds. The breed first began making an appearance in the 1990s. The idea behind this mix was to create a low-shedding, small companion dog.
Names
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While this mix is often simply referred to as a Maltese shih tzu, the habit of combining the two purebred names involved is sometimes practiced with this mixed breed. The combined names that can be used include Mal-shi, shihtese or Malti tzu.
Benefits
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Creating crossbreeds is usually done to combine the best traits of two pure breeds. In the case of the Maltese shih tzu, the goal was to breed a dog that was not only as energetic and intelligent as the shih tzu but also has the more hypoallergenic, low-shedding, silky coat of the Maltese.
Traits/Personality
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Maltese shih tzus are usually about 10 inches tall and weigh between 6 and 12 lbs. Their coats can be multiple colors including white, black, brown, tan or a combination of two colors. The most common colors are white or white and tan. The coat should be long and silky with a slight wave. Although personality in a hybrid may take after one breed more than another, Maltese shih tzus tend to be intelligent, outgoing, energetic and alert.
Popularity
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The Maltese shih tzu is a popular designer mixed breed in Australia, and they can also be found in North America.
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The History of Maltese Shih Tzus
While purebred dogs have always been in high demand, mixed breeds or hybrid dogs, are becoming increasingly popular. These designer dogs are the product of one purebred dog being bred to another type of purebred, such as the Maltese shih tzu.