Our Malti-Tzu’s and Westie-Tzu’s are one of the highest qualities you can find in California!
Our puppies come in beautiful colors, most of them have a very thick, silky and a lushes coats. As they develop, around the 3-6 months of age, their even thicker more mature teddy coat comes in. They have all one thing in common, they are all hypo-allergenic, have NO hair loss, have no dent-ruff, and have a super silky and gorgeous coat.
We start a stringent potty training and create training program in their 5th week, as they are slowly being weened from their mom. We introduce cooked, soft, warm puppy chow. Our puppies get a lot of attention and are being played with, loved and cuddled daily, which explains why they are so well dis-positioned and adjusted to other people and dogs.
Here are some of the pictures of our sold pups. 🙂 Read up on our testimonial page, about what previous buyers of our pups have been saying. If you have any concerns or are interested in getting in touch with previous buyers, we will be glad to connect you.
Malti-Tzu’s (Mal-Shi) are designer breeds from a Shih-Tzu and a Maltese. Westie-Tzu’s are designer breeds from a Shih-Tzu and a West Highland Terrier (Westie).
What is a Malti-Tzu (also called Mal-Shi)?
The “Malti-Tzu” is a highly desired designer dog that has gained temendous popularity in the last several years and has become one of the most popular ones of all the designer breeds in the United States. The Malti-Tzu is one of the designer breeds that are being developed in the United States. Breeders are seeking to create an intelligent, friendly and good-looking lapdog that is kids-friendly, energetic, and loving to the whole family. A crossbreed between two pure-breeds is commonly referred to as hybrid or designer breed. The Malti-Tzu is a hybrid that was bread with a combination of two different pure-breeds. In general, mom is a purebred Chinese Shih Tzu and dad a Maltese. Combinations of Malti-Tzu’s with Malti-Tzu’s or Malti-Tzu with Malteses, create also wonderful combinations and cute faces with short legs. Their parents and ancestors play a big role on the outcome of their looks, temperament, size, hair structure, and color of coat, as well as over-bite, under- bite, length of mouth, spacing of eyes, length of body, and length of legs. So, do your research from what breeder you buy, consider this knowledge as you choose your puppy.
Character:
The Malti-Tzu is known to be affectionate, mellow, playful and sweet natured. The Malti-Tzu has become one of the most desired family pets with children in the United States. The Malti-Tzu is a quick learner, very intelligent and typically trains very well and easy with persistence and tiny ¼” soft rawhide treats that one keeps readily available during training. It is also recommended to use a clicker in combination with the training, which is widely available at pet stores. A Malti-Tzu is an affectionate breed that loves cuddling, his tummy rubbed, loves to spend long hours in bed with you or on your lap. He loves nothing more than getting his one-on-one attention with its family. The Malti-Tzu does great with other breeds, but it is very important to socializing your Malti-Tzu and introduces smaller dogs at first in the dog park and is being gradually introduced to taller dogs as time permits. Due to their small size, especially as puppies, it is recommended to supervise play between children and the Malti-Tzu, since the Malti-Tzu can be inadvertently hurt by play that is too rough. Malti-Tzu’s should not be left alone for long periods of time, as they miss their human companionship. Malti-Tzu’s do wonderful being your companion at work, if it is permitted, or shopping in your bag. Be careful and have a short leach attached to its collar, in case of an unexpected jump or fall from your shoulder bag. They love the attention and action of going shopping, cradled in a save and snug bag, with their little heads looking out into the world. Malti-Tzu’s are no avid barkers and love to travel with its family. As with many dogs, but even more so with Malti-Tzu’s, they become very attached to its owners and become therefore very protective. They are not the perfect guard dog, because of their kind and friendly nature. They do best if their owners are consistent, gentle, and caring.
Ideal Environment:
A Malti-Tzu will do excellent in a house or apartment with/without yards due to their small size. They will make wonderful companions for any family with or without children, as well as singles and seniors. They can be the perfect dog, if the owner(s) are typically allergic against fur. The Malti-Tzu has no fur, they have hair, and therefore, he has no hair-loss. The Malti-Tzu was produced from a Shih Tzu and Maltese that both don’t have hair loss, making this breed the perfect choice for dog-loving owners with allergy problems.
Coat:
Malti-Tzu’s have a soft and relatively long and silky coat. In general, the coat is medium to double thick, silky, straight or a fluffy teddy-type of coat. Any color or combination of color is possible due to its crossbreed. No standards dictate the coat type or color at this time. Daily brushing of every angle, behind ears, neck, under their legs, under their tail is necessary to keep their coat tangle and matt- free. Professional grooming and trimming every six weeks is recommended. Bathing is recommended every other month or when needed. During hot climate, it is recommended to give your Malti-Tzu’s a shorter haircut, and during colder climate it is best to put on a sweater over their coat, especially if the coat is being kept short year-around. Malti-Tzu’s are also free of dandruff as well.
Grooming:
Daily brushing of about 5 minutes, and a bath once a month or every other month is a must to keep them clean and free of mats. What you need to groom your Malti-Tzu:
- Bathtub with shower-handle (ideal)
- Fresh towel
- Small children scissors (rounded corners a must!) to avoid injury
- Dog clippers (NOT human clippers!)
- Rounded bristle brush
- Small comb
- Conditioning dog shampoo or even Pantene
- No-tears dog shampoo or even no-tears Johnson & Johnson baby shampoo
- Leave-in conditioner or one that is sensitive enough for a baby
- Dog dryer or your own dryer with a diffuser or on lower setting, to avoid burning
- No-tangle spray coat conditioner, for after you padded the coat dry
- No-tangle fur bands
- Tiny rubber bands for dogs or babies
- Colorful bows/ties
- Nail clippers
- Q-tips for ears
- Eye wipes (hypoallergenic)
- Ear mite cleanser
- Ear mite medication
Temperament:
Very loyal, loving, playful, energetic, dedicated, and want to please their owners. Malti-Tzu’s have the attitude of a large breed dog and make a wonderful watchdog. Although the Malti-Tzu will never be a guard dog due to their size, they will surely make an excellent watchdog and will always warn or alert his owner when strangers approach the house/yard.
Size:
6-14 inches tall, depending on the size and weight of both, mom and dad.
Weight:
4-15 pounds, depending on the parents. Take the total weight of the parents and divide it by two. This gives you the average weight. The smallest puppy will always run about 2-4 lb. smaller than the average. The same for the largest puppy in the litter runs about 2-4 lb. larger than the average puppy. If your puppy is 1 lb. at week 10, it is a good chance he/she will end up 4.5-5 lb. as an adult.
Health and Life Expectancy:
As with many other dogs, the Malti-Tzu breed can have health issues like hip dysplasia, eye problems, and thyroid problems. It is recommended to investigate and ask the breeder for any health issues pertaining the parents of the puppies. In general, a healthy diet in conjunction with dog vitamins and brewer’s yeast (to insure a shiny coat), good vet care, and a clean cut around their eyes and ears, will provide usually a long life expectancy between 12 and 16 years. Keep in mind, that leaner dogs live a longer life.
Maintenance:
The Malti-Tzu breed will require maintenance to keep its coat in beautiful condition. If the coat is kept long, the coat needs a daily bushing of about 5-10 minutes, depending on the length. It is recommended to bathe your Malti-Tzu once every two months with small amounts of gentle (tear-free) baby or puppy shampoo. A conditioner it a necessity, as this will untangle the coat so much easier after your Malti-Tzu is padded dry. Blow-drying is fine, as long as it is not too hot and not in his eyes/face. Assure a save location for the bathing, grooming, brushing, and blow-drying, in order to avoid your puppy to fall off the counter. You might want to tie him on a leach and secure him safely to avoid this danger. A leach attached to each side of the sink and his collar could provide a save and convenient spot for your puppy and you. Many owners have their Malti-Tzus go in for grooming about every 6-8 weeks. Short haircuts reduce the maintenance needs and are recommended for regions with warmer climates. Your Malti-Tzu needs daily exercise in order to maintain their health and muscles. Insure a save and well fenced off grassy area with plenty of shade on hot days and the availability of fresh water at all times.
Food and Diet:
Malti-Tzu’s need a well-balanced, high-quality diet of dry kibble, designed for small, active dogs. Dry food is essential because they are predisposed to oral health like tooth decay, tooth loss and/or gum disease. Those issues are less prevalent or non-existing, if your Malti-Tzu gets a daily healthy diet of dry kibble.
Recognized Clubs
Because Malti-Tzu’s are not purebred dogs, major registries, such as the American Kennel Club and the Canadian Kennel Club, do not recognize Malti-Tzu’s on their registry.
The Malti-Tzu is recognized by the following organizations:
- DBR – Designer Breed Registry.
- DRA – Dog Registry of America, Inc.
- ACHC – American Canine Hybrid Club
- DDKC – Designer Dogs Kennel Club
- IDCR – International Designer Canine Registry
Thank you,
California Shih Tzu.com