In terms of universal devotion, this crossbreed is no different from the other petite and fluffy breeds. Another great family pet and therapy dog is the Malshi (pronounced /mall-she/).

This hybrid, also known as MalShih, Malt-Tzu, Maltzu, and Malti-zu, will steal your heart.

Let's take a look at why this furball would be a great addition to your household, as well as the Mal-Shi growth chart.

When Do Mal-Shi Stop Growing?

If the Malshi dog's coat is allowed to grow out, the dog will resemble the Shih Tzu breed. The hair around the face and on the ears will resemble Shih Tzus, but the dog's snout will protrude further out. This is an advantage of the Maltese mix; Malshi pups do not have the severe breathing difficulties that Shih Tzu dogs experience. 

Shih Tzu dogs' teeth can also be undershot, resulting in dental difficulties, however the Malshi does not have this issue. The color of Malshi coats will be similar to that of the Maltese breed, beginning with some variety at an early age and gradually becoming a purer white with maturity.

Mal-Shi Growth Pictures

What is the Standard Mal-Shi Size

A fully grown adult Malshi Dog weighs 15.4 pounds on average (7kgs). This Malshi is considered to be of ordinary size. Our Maltese Shih Tzu is four years old, very active, and weighs 17.41 pounds (7.9kgs). Her build is slightly greater than that of most Malshi Dogs we encounter on walks; because of her active lifestyle, she has developed a very powerful muscular body.

What is the Full Grown Mal-Shi Weight?

We chose to spay our female Malshi at the age of 18 months because the dog is considered completely grown and has attained their full weight at this point. It is recommended that a dog be desexed between the ages of 4 and 6 months. This is done before the first heat cycle to guarantee that there are no undesired litters.

However, there are benefits and drawbacks to getting the dog spayed as soon as possible. Having your female Malshi spayed before the age of four years can also reduce the chance of uterine infection later in life.

How To Weigh Your Mal-Shi Puppy?

If you want to maintain track of your Mal-Shi's weight, you must first learn how to weigh him properly.

To begin, you should be able to weigh your Mal-Shi at home if he is a puppy or if you are just large enough to hold him. This can be accomplished with a standard bathroom scale.

To begin, weigh yourself and record the result. Then, while standing on the scale, pick up your dog and hold him. The difference in weights represents your dog's weight.

If your dog is too huge to carry, you can either invest in a dog scale, which can cost upwards of $100, or contact your veterinarian. The majority of veterinarian offices will enable you to use their scale.

Unless there is a health problem, you can weigh an adult Mal-Shi once every six months. Once a week is sufficient for a puppy to ensure he is growing normally.

What Is A Mal-Shi’s Neck Size?

To determine the neck size of your dog, use a soft and flexible tape measure to determine the neck size of your dog where her collar naturally falls. Then, put two fingers between your dog's neck and the tape measure to ensure that the dog collar fits snugly but comfortably. Mal-Shi’s average neck circumference is between 10 and 14 inches.

How Big Do Mal-Shis Get?

The Malshi dog is a small to medium-sized dog that can grow to be 20 inches long (50cm) and 15 inches tall (38cm).

Although it is not as well-known as other hybrids like the Goldendoodle and other Poodle mixes, the Malshi is nonetheless popular in Australia and North America. They're now finding their way to the United States, where they're one of the most sought-after designer dogs.

Factors That Affect Mal-Shi Puppy Growth 

Genetics

Genetic factors contribute significantly to the breed's total size. Their parents' DNA dictate their rate of growth and development throughout their lives.

The size of the parents might give you an idea of how the puppy will look, however, they may grow to be larger than their parents in some situations. Other factors also play a role, but the gene is the most important.

Diet & Nutrition

The amount of food you provide your Maltese is also critical. If you overfeed him, the dog has a tendency to gain weight.

On the other side, underfeeding the dog might result in underweight and stunted growth. In either case, they may face specific risks to their overall health status.

You should provide quality dog food for your Maltese that is minimal in fillers and additives but rich in nutritional value. While he is a puppy, feeding him twice daily is appropriate; as he matures, you can adjust his feeding plan.

Keep sweets away from them as kids are prone to tooth and gum problems. It has been determined that simply altering the diet of your Maltese can increase their overall life expectancy by up to two years or more.

Physical Activity & Health

The health of your Maltese can have an effect on his size. If your Maltese is unwell with an infection, worms, or congenital sickness (a disease that is present from birth), his growth rate will be slowed.

Certain congenital disorders, such as hepatic shunts and patent ductus arteriosus, are fatal. If this is the case, it is critical to take them to the veterinarian immediately.

Exercises also have an effect on your Maltese's size. Regular exercise strengthens the heart and promotes blood circulation in your Maltese. This boosts their bone density, strengthens their muscles, and promotes joint mobility, all of which help them maintain a healthy weight.

Because Malteses are prone to behave similarly to their owners, if you are laid back, your Maltese will likely emulate you and become laid back as well. Taking them for at least 20 minutes each day on a stroll enhances their quality of life.

Parents of Mal-Shi

Maltese

The Maltese is one of the Malshi's parents. This purebred is an old dog that is well-known in Malta and may have been brought there by Phoenicians. Nobody knows for certain when the Maltese initially appeared. We do know that the Maltese appeared in Greek art as early as the fourth and fifth centuries B.C.

Malteses are toy-sized purebreds that stand no taller than 10 inches (25 cm) and weigh 4 to 6 pounds (2 to 3 kg).

Owners occasionally tie the coat at the top of their heads into a knot, finishing with a bow, due to their beautifully long and silky white hair. Aside from being beautiful dogs, they also have hypoallergenic fur.

The Maltese is an outstanding watchdog and courageous protector of the family since it is hardy, versatile, and bred to be a companion. Maltese owners are proud of their pets' docility, devotion, and playfulness.

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu make up the other half of the Malshi's ancestry. This breed is also an ancient one, appearing on tapestries dating back 2,000 years.

Its name is a Chinese phrase that translates to “Lion Dog,” alluding to the breed's resemblance to lions seen in ancient Chinese art. These dogs were bred by Tibetan monks to be given as presents to the Chinese aristocracy and were the sole property of the Imperial Court. When they are not with their humans, palace Eunuchs will take care of them.

Shih Tzus also have a hypoallergenic coat. It is available in a variety of colors, including gold, liver, brindle, black and white, liver and white, and blue. Their fur is long, straight, and silky, similar to that of the Maltese.

This popular toy breed has a height of 9 to 10.5 inches (23 to 27 cm) and a weight of 9 to 16 pounds (4 to 7 kg).

They're little, but they're affectionate, playful yet gentle, and were bred to be a good companion.

Common Questions about Mal-Shi

At What Age Is A Mal-Shi Fully Grown?

Malshi puppies will have stopped growing at the age of 8 months, but they will not be at their full weight. Malshi dogs are inclined to mature faster than larger dog breeds. The photographs below depict our Malshi Dog's development from a puppy at six weeks of age to a four-year-old dog. Some people believe that Malshi Dogs cease growing at 2 months of age, but this is not true; as you can see, she grew significantly between 3 and 12 months of age. Even now, at four years old, she appears larger to us than she did when she was a year old.

How Long Are Mal-Shis Pregnant?

For most Mal-Shi mothers, pregnancy lasts roughly 6-7 weeks or 60 days. Anything that is older than 65 days should be checked by a veterinarian to ensure that everything is proceeding as planned! There are numerous elements that can influence the normal and healthy length of a Maltese pregnancy.

How Many Puppies Does Mal-Shis Have?

The normal Mal-Shi litter size is 2 – 5 puppies, but having just one puppy is not unheard of. Every now and again, a litter of 6 or more pups will be born. During her heat cycle, a female dog can get pregnant at any time.

What Is The Life Expectancy Of Mal-Shis?

The Malshi, like most tiny dogs, has a lengthy lifespan. These companions have a lifespan of 12–14 years. He is also a reasonably healthy dog, although both parents have some common health issues that he may inherit. Shih Tzu and Maltese, for example, are both prone to patellar luxation, or a sliding kneecap.

How Much Does It Cost To Own A Mal-Shi?

In the world of designer dogs, the Malshi is fairly widespread. You can anticipate paying between $500 and $1,500 for one of these lovely puppies if you look for a reputable breeder.

How To Help Your Mal-Shi Lose Weight If He Is Overweight 

As with humans, exercise is critical for your overweight dog's health. Increased movement helps your dog burn off excess energy (and calories consumed). Avoid panic! Exercising your pet does not have to include marathons or lengthy hikes. Regular walks and the opportunity to run and play safely off-leash. 

Even creating a stimulating indoor environment that encourages your dog to exercise on a regular basis can help. Bear in mind that different breeds require varying amounts of exercise, so visit your veterinarian, breeder, or your dog's breed standard for recommendations on recommended activity levels.

Distinguish Begging from Hunger

Begging is not necessarily motivated by a desire for more food; it is also used to gain attention. (And, by rewarding the behavior, you reinforce and encourage it to continue.) If your dog begs, do not automatically assume he is hungry. Trust your instincts and keep track of the date and time of your last meal. 

If your dog is prone to begging and you are prone to succumb to those puppy dog eyes, choose a high-protein meal with a fiber blend to help control your dog's hunger and voluntary food consumption. In this manner, you may feed your dog with the assurance that he will feel fuller and content for a longer period of time.

Restriction on treats and table scraps

Even when our dogs are not begging, many of us provide an excessive amount of treats and table scraps. Dogs are not required to share our food! Consider treats and scraps for your pet in the same way that you would candy for children to help you keep them in check. If you're going to utilize snacks for training, choose low-calorie, low-fat ones and keep the portions small. 

As an alternative, keep in mind that clickers are excellent for reinforcement… and they have no calories! After all, a few extra pounds can make a significant impact in the lives of dogs, which are significantly smaller than humans. (Even the colossal breeds!) Therefore, focus on a balanced diet and resist the temptation to “reward” them with extra.

Customize Your Dog's Diet

Not all weight-loss foods are created equal, which is why it's critical to match your dog's nutrition plan to their unique needs. Choose a brand that caters to your dog's unique needs, whether they be weight control, dietary sensitivities, or illnesses.

How to take care of Your Malshi Dog

Extreme weather is not tolerated by the Maltese Shih Tzu cross. While it appears that they would be alright throughout the winter season, their long silky fur lacks a strong insulating layer to keep them warm.

If you live somewhere where it gets particularly cold, make sure you have heated beds, blankets, and even a jacket to keep your dog warm and cozy.

If it's too hot outside in the summer, put your dog in an air-conditioned area and don't let her out for too long. This canine is prone to respiratory issues. We'll go over it further afterward. For the time being, let's focus on how to care for this crossbreed.

What should I feed my Malshi?

A full-grown Maltese Shih Tzu mix requires 45 calories per pound of body weight per day, which equates to 14 to a half cup of dry kibbles. Puppies will require approximately 55 calories per pound each day.

If you want a more precise amount for your dog, try this calorie calculator to determine the exact daily caloric intake your canine companion requires based on her age, size, activity level, and health.

To avoid blood sugar crashes, we propose splitting their diet into two or three meals. This will help prevent your dog from becoming overweight.

The Maltese-Shih Tzu cross's health

This crossbreed is generally healthy, with a lifetime of 12 to 14 years. However, like with all dogs, there are some genetic predispositions and illnesses to be aware of as your four-legged companion matures.

Malshis can develop minor skin allergies as a result of several things such as allergens in the air or a component in their food. She may begin to lose her hair, develop skin sores, have red skin between her toes, shake her head frequently, or itch excessively.

If you find black spots on your Shih Tzu Maltese mix, there could be several causes. Malshis, like Maltese, can have pigmented or non-pigmented skin. Dark stains on their bodies can appear as they age and are increasingly exposed to the light. Their pigmentation spots will be flat, black or greyish, and the size of huge freckles.

Large, crusted black patches, on the other hand, could represent sweat gland cysts, tumors, or signs of other disorders.

The Mal-Shi might inherit serious health issues from their parents, including elbow and hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, hypothyroidism, White Shaker Syndrome, and von Willebrand's disease.

If you're delighted to have a Malshi puppy but are concerned about these diseases, educate yourself about the health issues that the parental breeds are prone to. This can assist you in being prepared and knowing what to do to keep these diseases at bay.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Mal-Shi Growth Chart: