Bringing home a Maltese Shih Tzu mix for adoption can be a rewarding experience for any family. However, there are several things you should consider before doing so. This article will discuss some of the important considerations to make when adopting a Malshi.
Know What You’re Getting
It’s important to know what breeds make up your prospective dog’s genetics. Malshis have somewhat unpredictable characteristics and temperaments, just like any other crossbreed, so understanding their lineage is key in determining what you may be getting into. Researching the two parent breeds and their traits can help you understand what attributes your dog may inherit from each breed. Reputable breeders will have greater success breeding gentle, well-behaved dogs by judicious selection of the parents.
Research Potential Health Issues
Different breeds can bring different health risks with them. Knowing which health issues may arise with the combination of a Maltese and a Shih Tzu is essential for providing proper care and treatment when needed. Some common illnesses associated with the Malshi include hip dysplasia, heart disease, eye problems and Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome. Doing research on both Maltese and Shih Tzu health issues and speaking with a vet can help you identify potential health concerns that may arise in the future.
Be Prepared for Potty Training
Potty training isn’t always easy, especially if you don’t know how much time it could take to train your dog properly. With the Malshi, it’s important to understand that small breed dogs are generally harder to housetrain. You should know how much patience and effort will be needed for housebreaking success. While some Malshi puppies may pick up on it quickly, others will have challenges in this area. Additional guidance and training may be necessary to ensure that your Malshi puppy can be successfully housetrained – look into crate training as an option.
Establish Boundaries Early On
It’s important to establish boundaries early on in order to effectively shape behaviour as your Malshi grows up. Puppies learn quickly but they also need structure and consistency in order to understand what is expected of them and develop obedience. Establishing boundaries such as where they are allowed in the home or yard can help keep them safe while preventing bad behaviours from developing. Small dog syndrome can arise if a Malshi is allowed to rule the house – and this makes them prone to poor behaviour even when they’re interacting with strangers and other dogs.
Exercise Requirements
Malshis are generally low-energy dogs, but every dog is unique. It’s important to know how much exercise your specific dog will require before making a decision about adoption. Some dogs need more exercise than others in order to stay healthy and happy – it’s best to meet with your puppy and the parent dogs so that you have a better idea of what kind of energy levels they have. No matter how active your dog is, it’s essential that you provide adequate opportunities for physical activity, even if it’s only 30 to 45 minutes each day.
Overall, adopting a Maltese Shih Tzu mix is an exciting process that comes with many responsibilities; however, by taking the time to research and be prepared, you can live a long, fulfilling life with your new puppy.
