Breed Introduction: Malshi (Maltzu, Mal-Shi, Mal Shi)

The Malshi (also spelled Mal-Shi and Mal Shi) or Maltzu is a cross breed, or 'designer' breed, which means that Malshi puppies have ancestry in two different purebred dog breeds. In the case of Malshi puppies, they are a cross between a Maltese and a Shih-Tzu, hence the name, Malshi (Mal-Shi or Mal Shi). Both Maltese and Shih-Tzus are members of the toy breed group, so you can expect your Malshi to be a small dog, usually in the range of 6 to 10 pounds when fully grown. Cross breed puppies generally take characteristics from both of their ancestral breeds, but usually have an appearance closer to one of its ancestral breeds. However, within a single litter of puppies, there may be some puppies that look more like a Maltese, while other puppies will look more like a Shih Tzu. With Malshi puppies, the puppies will generally have coloring similar to a purebred Shih Tzu, similar to the Malshi puppy shown in the picture above, but will generally be some smaller than a purebred Shih Tzu due to Maltese genes present in the puppy.

The term Malshi can technically be used to define any dog that has ancestry in only the Maltese or Shih-Tzu breeds, although some breeders will have dogs listed as Malshi puppies for sale that do not meet this criteria.  Even dogs that do meet this criteria can vary widely in appearance.  In genetics, a hybrid that is the result from two distinctly different parent breeds is called a first filial generation hybrid, or an F1 hybrid.  In terms of a Malshi, an F1 hybrid is a Malshi whose parents are a purebred Maltese and a purebred Shih-Tzu dog.  An F1 Malshi could then be bred with either another F1 Malshi, a Maltese or a Shih-Tzu and the result would still technically be a Malshi, but a second generation Malshi.  

At Keegan's Puppies, we breed and offer for sale ONLY F1 hybrid Malshi puppies, meaning that our Malshi puppies are bred using purebred Maltese and purebred Shih-Tzu dogs.  To breed our Malshis, American Kennel Club (AKC) registered purebred Maltese and Shih-Tzus are used to ensure the desired characteristics, traits and appearances of the Malshi puppies.  The purpose of breeding a hybrid puppy like a Malshi is to have the positive characteristics of both the Maltese and Shih-Tzu present in a single dog, such as having the coloring of a Shih-Tzu, but the smaller size similar to a Maltese.  Malshis are also non-shedding and hypoallergenic, taking on the characteristics of both the Shih-Tzu and the Maltese.

Malshi Puppy Appearance/Markings

Since the term Malshi is a fairly generic term, the appearance of Malshis can vary.  However, in our experience, F1 hybrid (first generation) Malshi puppies will generally take the coloring and appearance of a Shih-Tzu, meaning that Malshi puppies will have additional coloring and not be all white, as Maltese are.  Similar to Shih-Tzus, Malshis can vary in their coloring, from white with black patches to sable in color.  It is often difficult to tell the difference between a purebred Shih-Tzu and a Malshi puppy if you do not know what you are looking for, as their coloring will be very similar, although the Malshi puppy will generally be smaller than the purebred Shih-Tzu.  Throughout the year we will have various colors of Malshi puppies available.  Please scroll down to see the Malshi puppies we currently have available for sale.

Malshi Puppy Temperament

As with all cross breed dogs, Malshi puppies will take traits from both of their ancestral breeds. Maltese are generally gentle-mannered and affectionate, known for being playful and fearless as well as fast learners. Shih-Tzus are sweet and playful and have an outgoing and affectionate personality. The sole purpose of the Shih-Tzu breed is to be a companion and house pet.  You can expect your Malshi to have some, if not all of these traits. To learn more about the traits of Malshi puppies, you can investigate the traits of the Maltese and Shih-Tzu breeds in more detail. However, the best way to determine the temperament of any Malshi is to meet it and spend time with it, as every Malshi and every dog is unique. Temperament is also affected by the parents of the Malshi puppy as well as the environment in which the Malshi is raised. All of these will provide clues to the temperament of your Malshi puppy before you bring it home.

Right Breed for You?

Malshi puppies are generally small and therefore are easier to travel with than larger dogs. As a smaller dog, they require limited exercise. Malshis are ideal house pets and make great companions. Malshi puppies are very gentle mannered, but are also lively and alert while being trusting towards all, which makes them great family pets as they are great with children. Malshi puppies are easily adaptable to their surroundings and make suitable pets for most homes. Malshi puppies do require some grooming, as they can have a long coat if not trimmed.

Malshi Puppies For Sale

The hybrid Malshi puppies that we currently have available for sale or adoption are listed below. If the Malshi puppies you are looking for are not currently available, you can join our puppy waiting list to be informed when new Malshi puppies are available for sale.  You can also view the other puppies that are currently available for sale. If you have a general question about the Malshi puppies that are for sale or adoption, or any questions about Malshi puppies, you can contact us and we will be happy to answer your question.