Shih Tzu mixed breeds: Maltese Shih Tzu

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Written by Rebecca Simpson

Pure breeds are defined as "of or belonging to a recognized strain established by breeding individuals of unmixed heritage over many generations." Purebred dogs are extremely popular and are the only dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Association (AKC). These dogs have a documented ancestry, or pedigree, as well as specific characteristics of the breed they represent. Pure breeds are selectively bred, or inbred, to retain and strengthen their genetic traits.

Though pure breeds are still very much in demand, a new type of dog is becoming popular. Mixed breeds, or hybrids, are the result of mating two different pure breeds. Mixed breeds used to be known simply as "mutts", but hybrids are different in that both parents have documented ancestry.

Though mixed breeds are commonly known as "mutts," the mixing of two pure breeds is viewed as a crossbreed or hybrid. Hybrids are recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club and can register and compete with proper documentation. Mixing two pure breeds is thought to result in a better overall dog with any possible combination of both its parents' different genetic characteristics.

The Maltese Shih Tzu, or Mal-Shi, has characteristics of both the Maltese and Shih Tzu breeds. Mal-Shi are known to be social, non-shedding and even hypoallergenic small dogs with straight to wavy, silky fur. An adult Mal-Shi weighs only 6-10 pounds. This hybrid is thought to have the best characteristics of its Shih Tzu and Maltese parents.

The Shih Tzu (pronounced sheet-sue) breed dates as far back as 17th century Tibet, China. This toy breed is thought to have resulted from the cross breeding of the Lhasa Apso and Pekingese. Shih Tzu means "lion", which is why they are referred to by the Chinese as "lion dogs". The Shih Tzu is a small, sturdy dog with a double coat of long silky fur in varying colors. This breed is energetic, alert, intelligent, and also very stubborn. Shih Tzu owners usually tie up the hair above their eyes in a bow or ribbon. Shih Tzu have health problems such as frequent eye infections, inability to withstand high temperatures, and fur that is prone to matting and uncleanliness. Daily brushing and tying up of the hair is necessary and a "pet clip" can be done if the dog is not competing.

The Maltese part of the Maltese Shih Tzu dates back 28 centuries.

The breed originated on the Island of Malta and has not changed in the intervening years. Physically, the Maltese has one layer of fur that is long, silky, straight and pure white in color. The fur is also hypoallergenic and sheds very little. Maltese have dark, expressive eyes and a black nose..

The Mal-Shi comes from two breeds with long histories and it is no surprise that owners believe this mix benefits from both lines of ancestry. Maltese Shih Tzu, or Mal-Shi, dogs have the multi-colored, silky fur and energy of the Shih Tzu as well as the hypoallergenic quality of the Maltese.

Temperamentally, Mal-Shi dogs are energetic, sociable and alert. They are also difficult to housebreak. Perhaps the Mal-Shi, like the Shih Tzu-which is the product of a Lhasa Apso and Pekingese cross breed, will one day become recognized as a pure breed by the American Kennel Association.

Rebecca Simpson
		About the author:
		Rebecca Simpson has raised many dogs and the Shih Tzu is one of her favorite breeds. The first step in quality http://officialshihtzuguide.com/Shih_Tzu_Care/index.php Shih Tzu care is to educate yourself about the breed and the potential health problems that might arise. Learning important basics like health problems facing this breed, where to find a quality vet and how to prepare for http://officialshihtzuguide.com/Shih_Tzu_Care/Shih_Tzu_Diet_and_Nutrition.php emergency care for you Shih Tzu will be helpful in owning in healthy, happy dog.

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