Mal-Shi Registration — Get Official Papers for Your Mal-Shi or Malshi

General Appearance

The Mal-Shi is a small, well-proportioned dog with a sturdy frame and a sweet, expressive face. The breed combines the elegance of the Maltese with the compact and robust build of the Shih Tzu, resulting in a charming and approachable appearance.

Size

• Weight: 6–12 pounds.

• Height: 8–12 inches at the shoulder.

Coat

• Texture: Soft and silky, often slightly wavy or straight.

• Length: Medium to long, depending on grooming preferences. The coat may be kept longer for a flowing look or trimmed shorter for easier maintenance.

• Colors: Common coat colors include white, cream, tan, black, brown, or a mix of these. Patterns may include solid, parti-color, or patches.

Head

• Skull: Round and slightly domed, proportional to the body.

• Muzzle: Short to medium length, with a slight taper toward the nose.

• Nose: Black is preferred, though lighter pigmentation may occur depending on coat color.

• Eyes: Large, round, and dark, with an alert and loving expression.

• Ears: Medium-sized, set slightly below the top of the head, and feathered, hanging close to the cheeks.

Body

• Neck: Medium length, slightly arched, and blending smoothly into the shoulders.

• Chest: Moderately broad and deep, with well-sprung ribs.

• Back: Straight and level, with a short, compact loin.

• Tail: Medium length, carried high and often curled over the back, with a plume of fur.

Legs

• Forequarters: Straight and well-boned, with moderate angulation at the shoulders.

• Hindquarters: Strong and muscular, with well-defined stifles and parallel hocks.

• Feet: Small, round, and compact, with well-arched toes and thick pads.

Movement

The Mal-Shi moves with a lively and smooth gait, showing confidence and poise. Its stride is moderate and well-coordinated, reflecting its playful and agile nature.

Temperament

• Personality: Affectionate, friendly, and eager to please, the Mal-Shi thrives on human companionship and bonds deeply with its family. It is gentle with children and sociable with other pets.

• Energy Level: Moderate. The breed enjoys playtime and walks but is equally content to relax with its family.

• Trainability: Intelligent and eager to learn, the Mal-Shi responds well to positive reinforcement training methods.

Faults

• Aggressiveness or excessive timidity.

• Poor coat quality, such as excessive coarseness or lack of density.

• Unbalanced or exaggerated features that detract from the breed’s appealing proportions.

Care Requirements

• Grooming: Regular brushing (2–3 times a week) is essential to prevent matting and maintain coat health. Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks is recommended for easier maintenance.

• Exercise: Daily walks and play sessions are sufficient to keep the Mal-Shi healthy and happy.

• Diet: A balanced diet suitable for small breeds is recommended, with portion control to prevent weight gain.

Ideal Owner

The Mal-Shi is an excellent choice for families, singles, and seniors seeking a loving and low-maintenance companion. It adapts well to various living environments, including apartments and homes with small yards, as long as it receives sufficient attention and interaction.

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The Mal-Shi — also known as the Malshi, Malti Tzu, Mal Tzu, Shima, Shihtese, Shih-tese, Malt-Tzu, Malti Zu, and Maltese Shih Tzu — is a designer breed created by crossing a Maltese with a Shih Tzu. 101dogbreeds confirms the Mal-shi was developed for the first time in the 1990s and proved to be one of the most popular crossbreeds in Australia. DogPackApp confirms the Mal-Shi also emerged in the United States in the 1990s, where breeders sought to create a small companion combining the best traits of both parent breeds. The breed was specifically developed as a hypoallergenic companion dog — the Maltese contributes its ancient Mediterranean lapdog heritage and silky low-shedding coat, while the Shih Tzu contributes its Imperial Chinese palace dog temperament and compact build. Dogster confirms the Malshi combines the Maltese and Shih Tzu — two popular small dog breeds with exuberant personalities. 101DogBreeds.com + 2

Because the Mal-Shi is a crossbreed — a hybrid of Maltese and Shih Tzu — the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not register Mal-Shis, Malshis, Malti Tzus, or any Maltese and Shih Tzu cross. AKC registers purebred Maltese and purebred Shih Tzus individually, but any cross between the two is permanently ineligible for AKC registration regardless of generation (F1, F1B, or Multigen). Designer Kennel Club (DKC) was built specifically to serve Mal-Shi owners and breeders who need official registration papers and cannot obtain them through AKC.

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Designer Kennel Club provides official registration papers and ownership documentation for Mal-Shis, Malshis, Malti Tzus, Mal Tzus, Shimas, Shihteses, Malt-Tzus, Malti Zus, and Maltese Shih Tzus with no AKC papers or pedigree lineage required. DKC Foundation Dog Registration ($65) accepts any Mal-Shi without existing documentation. For breeders, DKC Litter Registration ($100) gives each puppy an individual DKC registration number that new owners can use to register for $45. All registrations are completed online and papers are delivered as a PDF via email within 2–3 business days.

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Registering your Mal-Shi or Malshi with Designer Kennel Club establishes an official record of breed, ownership, and identification accepted for veterinary records, grooming services, training programs, apartment and housing requirements, and general ownership verification. Register at designerkennelclub.com/registration.