Cross Training Questions - shih-tzu or mal-shi (maltese and shih tzu cross)?

shih-tzu or mal-shi (maltese and shih tzu cross)?

I'm looking to get a pup very soon; Its will be my very first puppy so i've been doing alot of research for the past 6 months. But what I cant decide is what breed im going to get? originally I was thinking of a shih tzu, then I thought perhaps a maltese but they are pretty rare and expensive so now i'm thinking of a mal-shi. I live in an apartment and would prefer a smaller breed; would a shih tzu generally be bigger than a mal-shi? Aside from its walks I would like to take my dog with me when I'm out and about. I am a frequent train users so will need to be able to sometimes take my dog with me, will a shih tzu or malshi fit into a smaller bag/carrier for such trips? Is there much variation between the two breeds i.e. temperment, size, weight etc?? Thanks in Advance at bettathang... whats so wrong with the term mal - shi? I understand that a maltese and shih tzu cross or mal-shi (whatever you prefer) would be a mutt as it obviously is not a full breed. whats the big deal? Thank you everyone else for your responses. at ' I love my goats' a golden retriever is my ideal dog, I have loved that breed every since I was young but I live in an apartment. When I get a house with a nice big garden the first thing I will do is get a golden retriever :-)

Public Comments

There is no such thing as a mal-shi. That is a stupid name given to a mutt by backyard breeders so idiots will think that they're valuable and buy them. How about you try doing some more research before buying a living thing?
I would check the Humane Society for young adults. You will be quicker on the house breaking and you will be assured that the size is something you can manage. Both of the breeds you mentioned require extensive grooming and can be vocal when left alone in an apartment.
First, I'm against purposeful mixing. In this case and since you cannot get a maltese and need something small, maybe the malshi is the solution. They are smaller of course, although it depends on the parents, because if it's an oversized maltese it won't be the trick. The Shih tzus generally reach more than 10 pounds, malts no, so the baby will be smaller. Besides, you need to be extremely careful of the coat, the teeth and the eyes (three important problematic points for both breeds). Anyway, malshi's are generally beautiful as adults. You may find some of them in shelters too.
Reputable breeders should be able to give you a lot of information about how large their dogs will grow to be, what health issues they are susceptible to, and what kind of personality they'll have. There is a pretty large size range for the Shih Tzu (some are tiny, mine is 10 pounds, and there are some that are 15 or 18 pounds) so there's really no way to assume which would be larger. It's a good idea to visit the breeder and see all of the dogs, not just one puppy. That'll give you an idea of their adult sizes and colors, as well as their adult personalities. Also, for the train, size isn't the only issue - a Shih Tzu that fits in the bag may not be happy about being *stuck* in the bag when there are people around. Ours was 7 or 8 years old before she grew out of her assumption that all people existed to pet her, and she was NOT happy when she felt she wasn't getting enough attention.
Hey My mom grooms dogs all the time and I'll tell you both dogs have year problems and in a matter of months vet bills will sky rocket trust me i had both a shih tzu and a maltese it was afull and once the ear problem starts it doesn't go away and i smells afull to tell you the truth i would go with a teacup yorkie or a minature poodle if you are looking for a dog you can carrie around but if you want a good companion that is loyal and trust worthy go with a golden retriever they may be bigger but they are both friendlier and smarter. Good luck hope you find that special puppy :)
i think you should get a malshi. i have a maltese named keko and a shih tzu named portia! they are both very well tempered and trained (not including being potty trained). sense they are pretty big for a toy dog you would have to find a carrier that the dog can fit nicley into.
Visit petfinders.com you will see what is wrong with these mixed breeds some can be cute but some look so deformed where people are mixing these breeds to get rich they have not done any research to see how these poor mixed breeds do later in life what kind of health trouble they will have to go through when you mix genes like they are doing from all these breeds anything can happen they have no way of knowing how these genes will do together or what health trouble mixing them will cost the pet
Yes! Stay clear of the designer dogs. Responsible breeders do not create "mutts" for profit. Look for a breeder that breeds quaity dogs and does health testing on their breeding animals.
I have a Shih Tzu, they are very small and nice dog. I had a girl and she was very good at learning tricks and she never bit anyone but i now have a boy shih tzu and he will nip a little if you are doing something he doesnt like. I would look at a shih tzu instead of a maltese because i have heard of a couple malteses who eat their own poop and bite more often. Also, i wouldnt buy any type of terrier becuase they bark ALOT. I have also never had an ear problem with either of my shih tzus.