Facts About Maltese Shih Tzu

Meet the Maltese! The Ultimate Guide to Maltese Breed

Also known as Maltese, the Maltese is a hybrid of a toy Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

With their wavy hair, floppy ears and cute eyes, these dogs have an innocent teddy bear look. They are also fun and full of life, making them the perfect addition to any family.

Maltese Origins

People have been crossing different dog breeds for years. They do this aiming to get a particular look, temperament and working ability. This is how many purebreds like the Doberman Pinscher started.

Cross-breeds like the Maltese have gained a lot of popularity in the past ten years. The first Maltese is said to have been bred in USA in the 1950s before reaching the UK and Australia.

But like most hybrid dogs, the Maltese is yet to be recognised as a breed by international Kennel Clubs.

Key Characteristics of Malteses

Are Malteses family-friendly?	They are highly intelligent and a great suit for families of all ages and sizes.
What kind of exercise do they need?	A short walk for half an hour or so is enough. As Malteses are playful, they burn off energy throughout the day. They do so by playing with a range of toys, which keep them mentally stimulated.
Common diseases and conditions	Malteses may suffer from:Syringomyelia- a condition where their skulls turn out to be too small for their brains.Mitral Valve Disease- it’s a condition that affects the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.Cataracts- it’s characterized by the formation of a cloudy membrane over your dog’s eye.
Life Expectancy	10 to 14 years.
Temperament	Malteses are a gentle and sweet-natured dog breed. They are lively and friendly dogs that are very sociable. Even though they look like teddy bears, these dogs are intelligent as they are trainable.
Size	Weight: 5 – 12 kg Height: 30 – 35 cm
Suitable environment	This is mainly an indoor dog. Its small size makes it perfect for an apartment. Plus it does not create a mess at home. Although it has a curious nature, the Maltese likes observing its surrounding silently.
Grooming	They are non-shedding to low shedding dogs. But even though they don’t shed that much, their fur still needs regular grooming. It’s a good idea to brush their coat on a weekly basis to prevent it from getting tangled.

Other considerations:

The Maltese is a hypoallergenic dog. But, if he/she takes more traits from the Spaniel, he/she could not be hypoallergenic.
The dog may have inherit the short muzzle from his Spaniel lineage. For such dogs, you should not expose them to sunlight for too long because they’re heat-sensitive.
Are likely to experience separation anxiety. If they are not well-trained and then left all alone at home, they may become a little anxious.

How can I take good care of my Maltese or Maltese Puppy?

Nutrition

The good thing is that Malteses are not fussy eaters. They are happy to eat wet or dry food. Unfortunately, small dogs are vulnerable to dental problems. Ensure you feed your dog high-quality kibble and bones to enhance the health of his teeth and gums.

Grooming

The coat of a Maltese can take the traits of either one of its parents. This means that it can be curly like that of a Poodle or wavy like the Spaniel’s. Whichever one it takes after, Maltese requires regular brushing, at least weekly.

Recommended grooming tips:

Clean your dog’s ears on a regular basis using cotton wool or a damp cloth. Malteses have long floppy ears, which makes them prone to ear infections.
Introduce your dachshund puppy to a grooming regime early
Wipe your dog’s eyes using a tear stain remover wipe on occasion.

Exercise

The Maltese is a moderate-energy dog, so he doesn’t need much exercise. In fact, he can get all his exercise needs met by playing indoors.

Training

The fact that they are inquisitive and eager to please makes dachshunds easy to train. The Poodle is ranked the 2nd most intelligent dog breed, and this can be seen in its offspring- the dachshund- which can learn a variety of tricks.

For the best outcome, start training your dachshund early and use a gentle approach.

Most Asked Maltese Questions

How can I find a breeder with Maltese puppies for sale?

Malteses are considered a rare breed so finding a dachshund breeder can be tricky. But one of the easiest ways to find a reputable breeder is to consult a breeder. This professional will ensure that your dachshund puppy receives all the right vaccinations. Plus, he can advise you on how to take care of your dog.

How much is a Maltese puppy?

Malteses for sale typically cost between $3000 and $6000 approximately for a dachshund puppy. This price will vary depending on the dog, its heritage and training. Although expensive, this is a dog with few health issues and one that will keep you company for many years.

How much does taking care of a dachshund cost?

Since they are a tiny breed, dachshunds generally don’t cost much to raise. On average, you will spend $20 a week to feed your pup. This does not include the occasional trips to your local vet.

Do Malteses make good watchdogs?

Yes, because they are alert and watchful. Malteses will notify you when there’s a stranger at your doorstep. However, this is not the kind of dog that will intimidate or bite intruders.

Are Malteses good with children and the elderly?

Malteses are very sociable, so they get along well with kids. However, you should monitor how your kids interact with the dog. This way, you can prevent them from bullying or teasing the dog.

These dogs are also suitable for the elderly, particularly because they’re small. Malteses also have few nutritional and grooming needs so they are easy for to handle.

This is general information and should not be relied on as adoption or purchasing advice.