Maltese Shih Tzu

Maltese and Shih Tzu, and the Maltese Shih Tzu cross often called a Mal Shi, are small companion dogs bred to be close to people. They are portable, affectionate and well suited to apartments, but that lovely long coat and small frame come with a genuine care commitment.

This collection gathers what these little dogs need day to day: gentle harnesses and light leads, socks and boots for tiny paws, dental care, travel bags and whelping supplies.

Coat and Grooming

Both breeds carry a long, fine, single coat that keeps growing rather than shedding out seasonally. That means low shedding around the house but real work for you, because a coat like this mats quickly behind the ears, under the legs and around the collar line. Brush daily with a pin brush and a metal comb, working right down to the skin rather than skimming the top, and keep a shorter clip if daily grooming is not realistic.

Tear staining is common in both breeds. Wipe the face gently each day and keep the hair around the eyes trimmed or tied up so it does not sit against the eyeball. Bathing with a mild shampoo, thorough drying and routine nail trims round out the job, and a professional groom every six to eight weeks makes life much easier.

Fit, Teeth and Health Watch-Points

Buy for a small, light frame. A padded harness is a better choice than a collar for walking, since these dogs have delicate windpipes, and it should sit snugly with two fingers of room. Crowded teeth in a small jaw make dental disease very likely, so daily brushing with a small soft puppy toothbrush genuinely pays off.

Watch for patellar luxation, eye irritation and, in Shih Tzu especially, heat intolerance from the shortened muzzle. Small breeds often have small litters and need attentive whelping, so responsible breeders plan ahead with a whelping kit and keep newborns warm on a puppy heating pad. Find brushes in dog grooming supplies and a lightweight lead.

Ready to spoil your little one? Explore the RPBA collection for Maltese and Shih Tzu.