The M altzu, also called Mal-shi, comes from the cross between Shih tzu dogs and the Bichon M altese, so it's a really adorable looking little dog. More and more crossbred dogs are being adopted, however, it is important to clarify that whether hybrid dogs like this emerge naturally, or not, does not mean that selective breeding should now be promoted, far from it. ! It is important to note that these types of “practices” can develop hereditary he alth issues.
Now, if you have just adopted a M altzu and want to know everything about him to take care of him as he deserves, you have come to the right web page! He is a truly amazing dog, affectionate, loving, sociable and very kind.It is distinguished by its ability to adapt and its ease of cohabitation with other animals. He is extremely family oriented and loves dealing with humans and sharing amazing times with his family. Continue with us and discover in this PlanèteAnimal breed sheet all the characteristics of the M altzu, its care and its particularities.
Origin
- Europe
Physical Characteristics
- Proportional
- Short legs
- Short ears
Size
- Little
Height
- 35-45
Adult Weight
- 3-10
Life expectancy
- 12-14
Recommended physical activity
- High
Character
- Balanced
- Society
- Very loyal
- Active
- Affectionate
- Docile
Ideal for
- Children
- Apartment
- House
- Elderly people
- Allegric people
Recommended climate
- Temperate
Hair type
- Medium
- Curly
- Big
Origin of M altzu or Mal-shi
M altzu is also given other names like M altese tzu or mal-shi. It is considered a crossbreed, a hybrid breed, so it has no official standard and therefore cannot participate in official competitions.
Like other hybrid dog breeds, where and when the first specimens appeared are unknown. What we can say with certainty is that it comes from the crossing of two pure breeds, the Shih Tzu and the M altese Bichon. Although his exact birthplace is unknown, it is suspected that he may have arisen due to the desire to obtain a dog that would have the characteristics of both parent breeds.
Characteristics of M altzu or Mal-shi
Despite some observable variability between different M altzu specimens, there are general characteristics that are found in almost all specimens. Generally, an adult M altzu has a body weight between 2.3 and 6.8 kilograms, with a height at the withers between 25 and 50 centimeters. Due to the small size of the parents, the M altzu is a small-breed dog, with an average life expectancy of around 14-15 years.
The body of the M altzu is compact, it has short legs and dense fur.Its head resembles that of the Shih Tzu, but slightly thinner, with a marked stop that ends in a triangular and black nose. The ears, high insertions, hang down to the height of this stop. His eyes are incredibly soft and expressive and they have a dark color and a rounded shape. As for the facial fur, it is characterized by a thick mustache.
One of the most distinctive physical characteristics of the Mal-shi is its fur. It is generally of moderate length, lustrous, extremely smooth and wavy, especially on its face, sides and tail, which resembles a kind of large curved feather duster. Its coat is two-layered, with a woolly undercoat which allows it to have better insulation against the cold. In addition, the characteristics of its coat make it a hypoallergenic dog.
Colors of Mal-shi
Normally, a M altzu's coat colors are solid and the most common would be: brown, black and white. However, there are also two-tone specimens, in which the coat pattern is mottled or spotted.
The M altzu Puppy
If a puppy is generally restless and playful, the M altzu will be twice as restless. These are dogs that, from their earliest childhood, show a brutal curiosity for everything around them, playing and jumping without stopping and exploring everything around them.
From an early age, they are sociable and affectionate, but to ensure that they will adopt well, especially to other dogs or animals, early socialization is advised.
Character of M altzu or Mal-shi
Tender and affectionate, this is how everyone who has met this puppy often defines the character of the M altzu. And that's not at all wrong, because the M altzu is one of the most attentive and affectionate dogs around. They are truly familiar dogs, enjoying the company of their human and animal family. They adapt well to life in apartments and houses, as long as they are accompanied, no matter where they live.
The M altzu is also an incredibly sociable dog, which quickly establishes contact with people and animals. He does not hesitate to approach even strangers, seeking their attention and affection. Oh, and of course, a little play time never hurt them.
As he is very playful, he loves having toys everywhere, which we recommend to prevent him from getting bored and ending up misbehaving. There are several types of games, some games also stimulate his intellect and are, therefore, extremely beneficial.
How to take care of a M altzu or Mal-shi?
If we have or want to have a M altzu as a partner, there are a number of aspects to which we must pay attention so that he is happy. One of the fundamental pillars of our dog's well-being is, without a doubt, his diet, since it must be adapted to his nutritional needs.On this point, it is recommended to consult the veterinarian in order to adapt the type of food, the frequency and the quantity of meals to your dog. This is a very important point because some animals are more sedentary than others and their energy needs will necessarily not be the same.
As for the maintenance of his pretty coat, the M altzu needs his coat to be brushed at least 3-4 times a week. This is the only way to prevent dirt and loose hair from building up, and also to avoid knots and tangles. In addition, this maintenance allows you to ensure that your dog will not catch any external parasites when you take him out. You can bathe him every two months and grooming is totally optional. Of course, it is not advisable to shave the dog.
Finally, it is useful to emphasize the importance of environmental enrichment. As we have said before, they are very playful dogs that need to be properly stimulated at all times.For this reason, and especially when they are alone at home, it is essential to leave toys available to them, such as food dispensers or smart toys, so that they can be entertained. Likewise, daily exercise is something every dog should get. Being such an active dog, he will need to walk 2-3 times a day, and intersperse his quiet walks with games and activities.
Education of M altzu or Mal-shi
M altzus, as we've said before, are affectionate and gentle dogs, but that doesn't mean their upbringing can be overlooked. As with all other dogs, if basic training guidelines are not followed, the M altzu can become a very nervous dog.
As far as training techniques are concerned, it is recommended to use those based on positive reinforcement, as they have shown great effectiveness and are easy to perform.In short, it consists of rewarding the animal when it does something good and not scolding it if it does something bad. In this way it is possible to educate it without resorting to aggressive educational techniques that are not recommended due to their harmfulness and ineffectiveness.
Although it is recommended to start socializing them and to teach them the basic principles as soon as possible, it is necessary to wait until the animal is a little more mature to attack more complex training. More specifically, it is recommended to wait until the age of 6 months to start teaching him more complicated specific instructions. At this stage, it is recommended to educate it regularly, several times a week, and to show patience and perseverance.
He alth of M altzu or Mal-shi
In general, crossbreeds have a lower rate of typical congenital diseases than purebreds.In the case of the M altzu, it is clearly observed that it enjoys much better he alth than its parent races. Despite this, his he alth should not be neglected, which is why it is necessary to regularly visit the veterinarian, carry out vaccinations and deworm him regularly. In this way, we will know the state of he alth of our partner and we will be able to act as quickly as possible in the event of an anomaly.
Some of the most common diseases are patella luxations, inherited from the M altese, which is why it is recommended to include radiological diagnosis in periodic check-ups.
Where to adopt a M altzu or Mal-shi?
If you plan to integrate a dog into your family, it is important to consider what this entails. You must be fully aware of their needs, emotional as well as social, nutritional and sporting. If you're totally sure you can handle all of this and you clearly want your dog to be a M altzu, we'll give you some advice on adopting one.
First of all, it is recommended that you visit animal associations or shelters in your area, as they may have M altzu that need a family. In this way, you are helping an abandoned animal, giving it the opportunity to live a full and happy life. Second, you can always check on social networks or the web pages of associations or shelters in other cities if they have a M altzu up for adoption, even if it means traveling on your part. If with this trip you can save a life and find the best partner, it will be worth it!
Pictures of M altzu or Mal-shi
