Maltese Shih Tzu in Australia — the honest 2026 guide
Also known as: Malshi
By Dogthings Editorial · Updated 2026-09-04
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Affectionate designer lap dog that genuinely suits apartment living. Coat maintenance is real — keep them in a shorter 'puppy cut' unless you enjoy daily brushing.
Maltese Shih Tzu temperament
Sweet, velcro, happy to be carried. Can be yappy without socialisation.
History in Australia
Popularised in Australia through the 2000s as a low-shedding alternative to poodles. No formal pedigree but consistent temperament.
Who the Maltese Shih Tzu suits
Good for:
- Apartments
- Seniors
- Low-exercise households
Watch out for:
- Dental disease
- Tear staining
- Barky if under-socialised
Training a Maltese Shih Tzu
Toilet training is the usual challenge — indoor pee pads + strict outdoor schedule works best. Tooth brushing from 10 weeks.
Owning a Maltese Shih Tzu in Australia
Microchipping, council registration, desexing, strata by-laws and restricted-breed rules apply to every dog in Australia regardless of breed. The state-by-state detail is in our guide to Australian dog ownership laws.
What matters specifically for a Maltese Shih Tzu: toy-sized dogs attract the lower end of council registration fees, and generally clear the size conditions strata schemes are permitted to impose. Budget $35 – $60/month on food, on top of the $400–900/year in routine care every Australian dog owner carries.
Common Maltese Shih Tzu health issues
- Dental disease
- Patellar luxation
- Portosystemic shunt (rare)
Insurance note: Dental disease and luxating patella claims dominate. Mid-range premiums.
Best food for a Maltese Shih Tzu in Australia
Our top picks based on coat quality, digestion, and AU availability:
- Hill's Science Diet Small Paws
- Royal Canin Mini Adult
- Ivory Coat Small Breed
Essential gear for a Maltese Shih Tzu
Six things that genuinely matter for a Maltese Shih Tzu living in Australia:
The best Maltese Shih Tzu-specific food deals, insurance updates, training tips and AU vet care — once a month, one email. Unsubscribe any time.
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Frequently asked questions
How often should I groom a Maltese Shih Tzu?
Professional groom every 6–8 weeks plus brushing every 2–3 days. Keep them in a 'puppy cut' for a lower-maintenance daily routine.
Maltese Shih Tzu-specific cost + care reading
- Maltese Shih Tzu lifetime cost breakdown — first-year + 10-year numbers
- Brachycephalic care guide — BOAS surgery costs, insurance loading, heat-stroke management
- Snake bite cost in Australia — every AU owner should read this before summer
- Best pet insurance Australia 2026
Similar dog breeds
If the Maltese Shih Tzu doesn't quite fit, these breeds share a similar size and energy profile:
Read next
- Apartment vs Backyard Dogs in Australia — which breeds actually work in a unit?· 7 min read
- Puppy Vaccination Schedule Australia — C3, C5, C7 explained· 6 min read
- First-Year Dog Budget Australia — what a puppy actually costs in 2026· 8 min read
Still deciding on a Maltese Shih Tzu?
Run the numbers with our food cost calculator, or compare pet insurance for Maltese Shih Tzus before you commit.
Updated 2026-09-04 · Not veterinary advice — always consult your vet.