Origins

• Shih tzu dogs are energetic and intelligent.shit-tzu... image by sophie roussel-loriot from Fotolia.com
  
  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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• The Maltese shih tzu is a popular designer mixed breed in Australia, and they can also be found in North America.