The Malshi is a cross between a Maltese and a Shih Tzu, two of the oldest and best-loved companion breeds in the world. The Maltese has charmed people in the Mediterranean for over two thousand years. The Shih Tzu was the prized lapdog of the Chinese imperial court. Both were bred for one job: to be a loving human companion. The cross carries on that job in a small, fluffy, sweet dog of 4-7 kg, with a low-shedding coat and a strong wish to stay close to its people.
That companion background makes the Malshi easygoing, loving, and adaptable. It fits a wide range of homes, from busy families to quiet apartments. It is friendly, gentle, and people-focused, usually good with kids and other pets, and happy to be a lap dog and a shadow. It is not a high-drive working breed, so it brings far fewer behavior problems than a terrier or herding dog would.
The Malshi's real risk, and a common one, is being treated like a toy instead of a dog. Its small size and cute looks tempt owners to carry it everywhere, excuse behavior they would never allow in a bigger dog, and skip training. That is the fast road to "small dog syndrome," where a capable little dog turns demanding, yappy, and anxious. The Malshi can fully learn good manners, walk nicely, and stay calm. The only question is whether the owner treats it like a real dog. Give it consistent rules, gentle training, and early bark control, and it becomes one of the most delightful small companions around.
At a glance:
- Trainability: 7/10, affectionate and food-motivated, cooperates well when taken seriously
- Biggest risk factor: small dog syndrome, carrying it everywhere builds a demanding, anxious dog
- Vocal note: both parent breeds can be alert barkers, install "quiet" early
- Example: a Malshi carried everywhere instead of walked never learns leash manners and often becomes demanding about being held
- Not for: owners planning to treat it as an accessory rather than a real dog
What Makes Training a Malshi Different
1. Preventing small dog syndrome is the main job. The Malshi can learn good manners, stay calm, and walk nicely. But it needs to be treated as a real dog, not an accessory. Carrying it everywhere and excusing bad behavior creates a demanding, anxious dog. Consistent rules create a lovely one.
2. Both parents pass on a tendency to bark. The Maltese and Shih Tzu can both be vocal, and the cross can turn into a constant alert barker if you let the habit form. Teach a "quiet" cue early to head this off.
3. A loving, food-driven nature is a real plus. Both parent breeds are people-focused and responsive, so the Malshi is easy to motivate with food and praise. This makes reward-based training work well once an owner takes it seriously.
4. The coat needs real upkeep. The silky, fluffy coat needs daily brushing and a professional groom every six to eight weeks. Get your puppy used to handling early so grooming stays easy.
Week-by-Week Training Plan for Your Malshi
Weeks 1 and 2 : Foundation and No Exceptions
Establish rules without size-based exceptions and begin grooming conditioning. Our puppy basics guide covers the mechanics.
- Set household rules with no exceptions for the dog's small size.
- Walk the puppy on its own four feet rather than carrying it.
- Begin a "quiet" cue and pair short sessions with high-value food.
- Begin gentle handling of feet, ears, and coat, rewarding calm.
Weeks 3 and 4 : Core Commands
Sit, down, and stay come readily with good food motivation.
- Lure the behaviors and reward the instant they happen.
- Install "quiet" before the alert-barking habit forms.
- Keep sessions short, varied, and rewarding.
Weeks 5 and 6 : Loose Leash and Independence
Install leash manners and build confidence on the ground.
- Use a Y-harness and the stop-and-stand method for loose-leash walking.
- Let the dog walk and explore rather than being carried.
- Reward four-on-the-floor greetings rather than jumping or demanding to be held.
Weeks 7 and 8 : Recall and Alone-Time
Build recall and gentle independence.
- Train recall on a long line in a fenced area.
- Build alone-time tolerance gradually from very short absences.
- Reward calm, settled behavior generously.
Weeks 9 and 10 : Public Manners
Shape polite behavior with the many people who want to greet a fluffy small dog.
- Install a "sit to greet" so encounters are predictable and polite.
- Proof "quiet" at doors, windows, and visitor arrivals.
- Reward calm interactions with strangers.
Weeks 11 and 12 : Tricks and Enrichment
Engage the bright, willing mind.
- Teach roll over, spin, and shake, which the breed enjoys.
- Introduce simple nose work and puzzle feeders.
- Establish a sustainable rhythm of activity, enrichment, and grooming.
Common Malshi Training Mistakes
Mistake 1 : Carrying instead of walking. A carried Malshi never learns leash manners and often becomes demanding about being held. Let it walk.
Mistake 2 : Reinforcing demand barking. Giving attention, food, or pickups in response to barking trains more barking. Do not reward it.
Mistake 3 : Treating the dog as fragile. The Malshi is small but not fragile; normal training, socialization, and exercise apply.
Mistake 4 : Allowing alert barking. Both parents can be vocal; install a "quiet" cue before the habit forms. Full breakdown : Malshi training mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Malshis easy to train ? Yes, when taken seriously, the affectionate, food-motivated nature inherited from both parents makes reward-based training effective. The real obstacle is the owner's tendency to make size-based exceptions; treated as a real dog with consistent rules, the Malshi learns manners readily.
How much exercise does a Malshi need ? Twenty to thirty minutes of moderate activity daily, plus mental stimulation. The breed is a companion rather than an athlete, but it still needs daily walks and play to stay healthy and content, not just lap time.
Are Malshis hypoallergenic ? The low-shedding coat from both parent breeds is generally well tolerated by allergy sufferers, though no dog is truly hypoallergenic. It needs daily brushing and regular professional grooming to prevent matting.
Are Malshis good apartment dogs ? Excellent, they are compact, moderate in energy, and adaptable, and they thrive on being close to their people. A reliable "quiet" cue keeps the alert barking from being a problem in close quarters.
Are Malshis good with children ? With gentle, respectful children and socialization, yes, they are sweet-natured and sociable. Their small size means rough handling is a physical risk, so interactions with very young children should be supervised.
Do Malshis get along with other pets ? Generally yes, with socialization, the companion-bred temperament makes them sociable with dogs and tolerant of other pets. Managed introductions help, as with any dog.
How long do Malshis live ? Typically twelve to fifteen years, a long-lived cross. Responsible breeders health-test both parent breeds for the eye, dental, and patella conditions seen in small companions, so a tested source supports a long, healthy life. Keeping the Malshi lean and maintaining good dental care are the most effective ways to support a long, comfortable old age.
Why TailorPup Was Built for Malshis
A generic small-dog plan either under-trains the Malshi, allowing small dog syndrome, or over-trains it with a working-breed program it does not need. TailorPup's Malshi plan respects the breed's genuine capability while staying calibrated to its actual size and energy, holding consistent rules and managing the alert barking from day one.
Daily 12-minute training sessions plus weekly adjustments. Free 7-day trial, cancel anytime.
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Related: Malshi Training Mistakes · Barking Solutions · Puppy Training Basics