A Maltese Shih Tzu is generally a good dog. They are small, typically weighing less than 10 pounds, and have a long, silky white coat. They are loyal and friendly, making them excellent lap dogs, and have moderate energy levels, so they need some daily exercise, but aren’t overly active.
Maltese Shih Tzu typically get along well with other pets, including other dogs and cats, as well as with children. They make wonderful companions, as they are always ready to please, eager to learn, and devoted to their owners.
While they do require some grooming and need to be watched around other dogs, for the most part, a Maltese Shih Tzu can make a great addition to any family.
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What is the lifespan of a Maltese Shih Tzu?
The average lifespan of a Maltese Shih Tzu is between 10-15 years. Of course, this number may be lower or higher depending on how the dog is cared for and if they should suffer from any genetic issues or health concerns.
A healthy Maltese Shih Tzu should have regular vet check-ups and be fed a high-quality diet to ensure they are living the fullest life. Additional activities such as daily walks and playtime are ideal for fostering a life of longevity.
With good care, a Maltese Shih Tzu can live into its teenage years.
It’s important to keep in mind that the lifespan of any dog can vary. So, if your Maltese Shih Tzu should live longer than 15 years or shorter than 10, it’s still considered within the norm.
Do Maltese Shih Tzu have health problems?
The Maltese Shih Tzu, like all breeds of pedigree dogs, is predisposed to certain health conditions, usually due to the inbreeding that has taken place over many generations to produce the desired characteristics for their breed such as a long coat and small size.
Some common health concerns for Maltese Shih Tzu include slipped stifles, kidney and bladder stones, hypoglycemia, and periodontal disease. Heart issues may also arise for Maltese Shih Tzu, and in extreme cases, serious eye problems have been reported.
It is therefore important to be aware of the potential health conditions your Maltese Shih Tzu may experience and to take steps to prevent or diagnose them early on. Breeders should also be screened carefully to ensure they are producing healthy puppies.
Feeding your pet healthy, nutrient-rich diets and providing regular veterinary check-ups is also essential to ensure their long-term health and wellbeing. With proper care and attention, the Maltese Shih Tzu can be a very healthy, lively, and happy companion.
How big do Maltese Shih Tzu dogs get?
Maltese Shih Tzus are hybrid dogs, resulting from the cross-breeding of the Maltese and the Shih Tzu breeds. As such, the size of this breed can vary widely. Generally, Maltese Shih Tzus average between 9-14 inches tall and weigh 8-16 pounds.
The breed is small in size, but can pack quite the personality. They are often referred to as ‘purse puppies’ or ‘teddy bear dogs’ due to their cuddle-friendly size and majestic appearance. Some Maltese Shih Tzus are larger or smaller than the average size, however this may be due to the influence of other breeds in their ancestor line.
How long can a Maltese Shih Tzu be left alone?
The amount of time a Maltese Shih Tzu can be left alone depends on several factors, including the age and temperament of the individual dog. It is generally recommended that a Maltese Shih Tzu not be left alone for more than four to six hours at a time.
Young puppies need frequent attention and should not be left alone for more than two hours. Dogs who are elderly, or those with separation anxiety, should never be left alone for long periods of time.
When determining how long a Maltese Shih Tzu can be left alone, consider your pet’s age and how it will cope with the time spent alone. If the pet is young and lively, it may be able to handle up to four hours on its own.
However, if the pet is older or suffers from separation anxiety, it may need companionship more frequently. In this case, it is advisable to have a family member or friend come over to check in on the Maltese Shih Tzu during the day or to arrange for dog daycare.
Ultimately, it is important to recognize that a Maltese Shih Tzu should not be left alone for long periods of time, as it can lead to destructive behaviors or excessive barking. With the appropriate care, time, and attention, it is possible to have a happy and healthy Maltese Shih Tzu.
What are the cons of owning a Shih Tzu?
Owning a Shih Tzu can be both a rewarding and challenging experience. While these dogs are generally sociable and friendly, they can come with some drawbacks. Here are a few of the cons of owning a Shih Tzu:
– High Maintenance: Shih Tzus need regular grooming, including brushing and daily baths. In addition, they have facial hair and long coats that require daily brushing, and they need regular trips to the groomers.
– Expensive Vet Bills: Shih Tzus are prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and eye problems. They often require regular vet check-ups and may need costly treatments.
– Separation Anxiety: Shih Tzus can become clingy and suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for long periods of time. As a result, they are not a good choice for those who don’t have enough time to spend with them on a regular basis.
– Poor Training: Shih Tzus can be difficult to train due to their stubborn nature and short attention span. They tend to be stubborn and require consistent training in order to learn obedience.
– Prone to Barking: Shih Tzus are highly vocal and tend to bark and yap a lot, which can become noisy and annoying. They will also bark when they are bored or anxious, which can cause a disturbance.
What illnesses are Maltese dogs prone to?
Maltese dogs are relatively small breeds, and as such, they may be prone to certain health issues common in smaller breeds. Although they are generally healthy, they can suffer from Patellar Luxation, Collapsed Trachea, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, Hypoglycemia, Liver Disease, and Heart Disease.
Patellar Luxation occurs when the knee joint of a Maltese dog is dislocated or slips out of place, causing the knee caps to move or come out of their normal positions. This condition commonly causes lameness, pain, and in severe cases, surgical correction may be required.
Collapsed Trachea is a condition where the tracheal rings are weakened, leading the trachea to be flattened and unable to expand properly. With this condition, a Maltese may have difficulty breathing, panting, and coughing.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease is a degenerative joint disease that affects the hip joints of Canines, leading to deformity and lameness in the hind legs of Maltese dogs.
Hypoglycemia occurs when a Maltese’s blood glucose level drops too low and the body is unable to regulate it. Symptoms of this condition include lethargy, confusion, difficulty waking, and trembling.
Liver Disease can affect Maltese dogs of all ages and can be determined through blood tests that measure levels of liver enzymes. Symptoms of liver disease in a Maltese may include vomiting, jaundice, anorexia, weight loss, and excessive drinking.
Heart Disease can be diagnosed through clinical signs and symptoms in Maltese dogs, including coughing and difficulty breathing, lethargy, fainting, and nervousness. Heart diseases can be mild or severe, but those that are severe may require medications and surgery to correct.
What is the most common cause of death in Shih Tzus?
The most common cause of death in Shih Tzus is cancer. Sadly, Shih Tzus are prone to developing several different types of cancers, including mast cell tumors, histiocytic sarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, lymphosarcoma, and skin cancer.
Additionally, other illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and respiratory infections can also be fatal in Shih Tzus. The best way to help prevent illness and death in Shih Tzus is to ensure they receive regular checkups and vaccinations, take steps to manage their weight, and provide them with a healthy and nutritious diet.
Additionally, daily exercise and regular brushing and grooming is key to a healthy lifestyle for your Shih Tzu.
Why are Maltese puppies so expensive?
Maltese puppies are quite expensive due to several factors. Firstly, they are one of the most sought-after breeds in the world, so they can be more expensive than other breeds of the same size. In addition, they require more frequent grooming due to their beautiful long white coat, which includes regular professional cuts and treatments – adding to the cost.
Additionally, not only do Maltese puppies come in smaller sizes than other breeds, but they also have some of the smallest litters. This can contribute to a higher price because it increases the rarity of the breed, which leads to high demand.
Ultimately, the combination of their popularity, their maintenance needs, and small-size litters can add up to make Maltese puppies quite expensive.
What is the cheapest price for a Maltese puppy?
The pricing of a Maltese puppy will vary depending on various factors such as its age, quality, gender, breeder, demand and location. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $800 to $4,000 for a Maltese puppy.
If you are looking for the cheapest price for a Maltese puppy, you may want to look at adopting from a rescue or shelter. And while they may not be the absolute cheapest, they are often very affordable.
Adoption fees are typically under $500. Additionally, rescue puppies often come spayed or neutered and up to date on vaccinations, making them a great deal.
Are Maltese worth it?
Yes, Maltese are definitely worth it! This loyal and devoted breed of dog is known for their sweet nature, intelligence, and effortless charm. Maltese are also incredibly cuddly and affectionate, making them an excellent companion pet.
They are also very low maintenance – they require minimal grooming, their exercise needs are minimal, and they tend to get along with almost everyone they meet. With proper training and socialization, Maltese are incredibly social animals who are great with children.
Overall, Maltese are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a loving and devoted companion pet.
Are Maltese dogs high maintenance?
Maltese dogs are considered to be low maintenance pets compared to other breeds because of their small size, minimal grooming needs, and generally gentle temperament. They are also relatively easy to train and are content with a basic amount of exercise and stimulation.
However, Maltese dogs may still require more grooming and care than some other small breeds. They usually require regular brushing, trimming, and bathing. They also tend to benefit from daily walks or playtime, especially if they live in a household with only one person.
Additionally, Maltese dogs can be intelligent and curious, so they may require more mental stimulation than some other breeds. So while Maltese dogs may not be high maintenance compared to some other breeds, they may still require more attention and care than some other small breeds.
Can a Maltese be left alone all day?
No, it is not recommended for a Maltese to be alone for an extended period of time. This breed is known for its loyal and affectionate nature, and a Maltese left alone all day could suffer from extreme separation anxiety, curiosity, destructiveness, or other behavioral problems that can indicate a lack of mental stimulation.
Even if your Maltese is well trained, they still need interaction with people or other temperate animals to thrive. For this reason, if you must leave your Maltese alone for extended periods of time, it is important to leave them with a companion or to hire a dog-sitter or canine daycare service.
Additionally, you may want to consider providing them with mentally stimulating toys and plenty of exercise to help keep them occupied throughout the day.
Is a male or female Maltese better?
The answer to this question will depend on your own personal preference, as both male and female Maltese can make wonderful companions. Neither gender is necessarily ‘better’ than the other.
When it comes to Maltese, each gender may exhibit subtle, yet distinct differences in personality. Generally speaking, females tend to be more gentle and loyal, while males may be more independent and dominant.
Of course, each Maltese and individual pup can possess different characteristics and behaviors, regardless of gender.
When making your decision, consider which gender offers the traits and characteristics that best suit your lifestyle. If you are looking for a dog who will be your faithful and loving companion, then a female may be the best fit for you.
Alternatively, if you are looking for an independent, yet playful dog, then a male may be the better choice. Ultimately, it will come down to your own research and preferences when it comes to selecting the gender of your Maltese pup.
Are Maltese good house dogs?
Yes, Maltese dogs are great house pets. They are small and affectionate, so they do well in apartments or small houses. Maltese dogs have low energy levels and need little exercise, making them a good choice for those who don’t have a lot of time to devote to exercising.
They are intelligent, alert and quickly learn commands, making them relatively easy to train. they also bond quickly with their owner, are very loyal and generally get along well with children. With their friendly personalities and charming good looks, they make wonderful companions.
