The maltese x shih tzu is not a breed as such, but has proven to be one of the best family dogs you could have.
It is a cross between the maltese, an all white dog with a pointy nose, and the shih tzu, a multi-coloured dog with large eyes and quite a flat face. Their offspring, although having short muzzles, are not prone to the eye and breathing problems of the pure shih tzu, and they come in an array of colours. Both breeds have a coat that does not shed, but must therefore be cut regularly. This means that you do not get hair all over the house and makes them particularly good for those who suffer from allergies. A regular trip to the grooming salon is a good idea. They are happy outgoing dogs that adjust to your lifestyle, be it active, or quiet. This makes them good for elderly owners as they adjust their pace to suit that of their owners, but they are also very good children’s dogs. It is not essential that they are regularly walked, but it is important that they are with you when you are at home as they will love you unconditionally. If provided with dog toys and chew bones, they are not destructive and would rather sunbake than do the gardening.
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