ShihTzu:
The Shih Tzu is a precious and amazingly special dog breed for a reason. This dog has a unique and surprising inbred traits that allow the Shih Tzu to be one of the most loving and incredibly great pets to have.
Undoubtedly, the most amazing trait of this dog is its behavior. One can immediately see their wonderful personality before even interacting with the Shih Tzu. This breed is extremely friendly and definitely not shy! Seeming to have a naturally happy soul, this dog is a wonderful, loving companion. Always close and loyal to its owners, this Shih Tzu also bonds quickly with any person whom its family accepts.
Therefore, this dog will be un-aggressive and friendly to neighbors, friends, extended family and even strangers once the Shih Tzu reads the reactions of its owners and instinctively knows if a person is "friend or foe".
One of the best behavior traits of the Shih Tzu is that this dog will contently jump up to play around with its owners or others or will cheerfully run through a field as if it is the best place it has ever seen! Alternatively, the Shih Tzu will also be perfectly content to lay on its dog bed, looking on as its human family watches a movie.
As an owner, if you are busy with household tasks, the Shih Tzu will silently watch you, just happy to be in a warm and safe home.
One of the great traits of the Shih Tzu is that this breed cannot be categorized as being the best companion for just one age group. This dog is a perfect companion for everyone from homes with children, to elderly owners living alone. The ability to feel comfortable around people of all ages is one of the reasons why Shih Tzu are great therapy dogs.
Remaining close to its owner, not demanding or high strung, the Shih Tzu will happily keep their human company from morning to night. They have a small size, yet are rather sturdy for a toy breed.
This dog also is a wonderful family pet. Absolutely happy to get attention and be loved by 1 person or 10, the Shih Tzu is a perfect family member. Most of the time, they are perfectly content to sit quietly and wait as long as needed to finally get that hug and pat that they long for so badly.
It is important to make sure that all family members realize just how little the Tzu is, and that all must be careful when playing with the dog and to watch where they step!
Normal and expected behavior blends well for interaction with children. Not a snappy or aggressive dog, he or she will be thrilled to play with toddlers and children.
This dog will usually follow their lead. Although this breed has a regal appearance, it will merrily romp around with children of all ages. When needing a break, the Tzu will simply retreat to their resting area as long as it is easily accessible.
Hypoallergenic: Yes, It is true that Shih Tzu, like other dogs who have hair instead of fur, are basically a non-shedding/Hypoallergenic breed, but do shed a little bit as humans do with hair, but have less dander than most dogs as well.
For this reason they are often classified as “hypo-allergenic.” But no dog is non-allergenic - not even a hairless breed - because a person could be allergic to the saliva or urine of a dog as well as the dander/fur/hair. Best answer is, spend some time with the dog you are looking to ad to your family, to see if you have any reactions. Usually with ShihTzu's you will be just fine.
Life span: 10 – 16 years
Temperament: Playful, Lively, Affectionate, Outgoing, Spunky, Intelligent, Courageous, Alert, Gentle, loyal, Friendly, Active, Happy, Independent, Clever
Mass: Female: 8.8 – 16 lbs (Adult), Male: 8.8 – 16 lbs (Adult)
***KEEP IN MIND, ALL OUR SHIHTZUS ARE UNDER 10LBS***
9 Lovable Facts about Shih Tzu Dogs
Evident from the name, Shih Tzu dogs were bred in China by royal families in the Ming Dynasty. They are very friendly dogs with an adorable face that melts human hearts. Their appearance is elegant with sweeping fur and a compact size. Shih Tzus are hard to resist, especially with these 9 facts about the breed.
1. True Companions Shih Tzus do not hunt, herd or guard. Instead, they were bred to be a companion, making them ultimately friendly both to family and strangers.
2. Very Adaptable Shih Tzus are very adaptable, suited for anything from apartment living to a sweeping countryside home.
3. Adore Kids And Other Dogs Shih Tzus love children and dogs, but they need to be monitored so the small dog does not get accidentally hurt during play.
4. Sensitive To Heat Even though the Shih Tzu’s face is adorable, the shape makes the breed susceptible to heat stroke. Shih Tzus need to be kept in air conditioning during hot months.
5. Beautiful Fur Shih Tzus have beautiful, flowing fur that needs to be brushed and groomed daily to prevent matting.
6. They Snore Shih Tzus sometimes, sleep like humans with wheezing and snoring.
7. Among Oldest Dog Breeds Shih Tzus are one of the oldest dog breeds, with Shih Tzu bones being found as early as 8,000 BC.
8. Little Lion Dogs The Ming Dynasty is known for owning Shih Tzus. They were called little lion dogs and chrysanthemum dogs because their fur around their face looked like chrysanthemum petals.
9. Shih Tzu Myth: There is a myth surrounding this breed. It is said that a Shih Tzu was carried by Buddha and when robbers confronted the prophet on his travels, the Shih Tzu turned into a lion and fought the robbers away. Buddha kissed the Shih Tzu on top of its head afterwards. Many Shih Tzus have a white spot on top of their head where Buddha kissed the dog, or so the myth says.
Vital Stats: Dog Breed Group: Companion ~ Every breed was created for a reason, and the companion dogs are no exception. Their job is to keep people company, perhaps the most important work a dog can do. Height General: 9 inches to 10 inches tall at the shoulder Weight General: 7 to 16 pounds Life Span Up to 15 years
ShihTzu History
Dogs of various sizes, shapes, and colors have been bred in China for centuries. Records substantiate the existence of short, square, "under the table" dogs from at least 1000 B.C. By piecing together historical facts and documented records, it is possible to some extent to follow the development in China of the breeding of dogs likely to be the ancestors of the present-day Shih Tzu.
The ancestry of the Shih Tzu is rather obscure, but it is probable that the breed is primarily of Tibetan origin. The history of the Tibetan “Lion Dogs” is interwoven with the tenets of Buddhism, which originated in India. The lion was closely associated with Buddhism, but the lion was not indigenous to China, so the Chinese and the Tibetan lamas bred their toy dogs to resemble lions. The Shih Tzu (whose name means “lion”) is reputed to have been the oldest and smallest variety of the Tibetan “holy dogs” and bears some similarity to other Tibetan breeds. For much of the long and illustrious history of China, the breeding of the small “Lion Dog” was a favorite pastime of succeeding imperial rulers.
Prior to A.D. 624, documents show that small dogs were exported from Malta, Turkey, Greece, and Persia as gifts to the ruling Chinese emperors. It is likely that the first small Tibetan Lion Dogs from which the Shih Tzu is probably descended came to China during the Qing (Ch’ing) Dynasty (1644-62) as tributes from the Grand Lamas to the Chinese Imperial Court, and that the Chinese interbred these Tibetan dogs with the early western imports and with the Pug and the Pekingese.
The existence of the Shih Tzu as we know it today is owed to the Dowager Empress Cixi (T’zu Hsi), whose kennel of Pugs, Pekingese, and Shih Tzu was world renowned. Although she carefully supervised the kennel during her lifetime and attempted to keep the three imperial breeds separate, the actual breeding was carried out by palace eunuchs who secretly crossed the breeds to reduce size and produce unusual and desirable markings. After her death in 1908, the kennels were dispersed and palace breeding became haphazard. Some breeding was still practiced by private individuals and specimens were exhibited, but the dogs were almost impossible to acquire. So far as is known, the breed became extinct in China after the Communist revolution.
Seven dogs and seven bitches comprise the gene pool of all existing Shih Tzu. These fourteen include the Pekingese dog used in an admitted cross in England in 1952--a cross which caused considerable trouble, as it was done by a newcomer to the breed and reported after the fact. The other foundation dogs included three Shih Tzu imported from China that became the foundation of the Taishan kennel of Lady Brownrigg in England and eight additional imports to England between 1933 and 1959. Three other Shih Tzu were imported into Norway from China in 1932 by Mrs. Henrick Kauffman, including a bitch that was the only Shih Tzu bred in the Imperial Palace to reach the Western world.
Returning military personnel brought some of the first Shih Tzu into the United States during the late 1940s and 1950s and began breeding programs. The unique beauty and outstanding temperament of this “new” breed quickly found favor with the fancy. From the first day of formal AKC recognition (Sept. 1, 1969), the Shih Tzu catapulted from a relatively unknown breed to one of the most glamorous and popular of all canine companions.
This month’s column was contributed by Shih Tzu breeder-judge Victor Joris, author of The Complete Shih Tzu (Howell Book House). We hope you have enjoyed it.
American Shih-Tzu Club
Undoubtedly, the most amazing trait of this dog is its behavior. One can immediately see their wonderful personality before even interacting with the Shih Tzu. This breed is extremely friendly and definitely not shy! Seeming to have a naturally happy soul, this dog is a wonderful, loving companion. Always close and loyal to its owners, this Shih Tzu also bonds quickly with any person whom its family accepts.
Therefore, this dog will be un-aggressive and friendly to neighbors, friends, extended family and even strangers once the Shih Tzu reads the reactions of its owners and instinctively knows if a person is "friend or foe".
One of the best behavior traits of the Shih Tzu is that this dog will contently jump up to play around with its owners or others or will cheerfully run through a field as if it is the best place it has ever seen! Alternatively, the Shih Tzu will also be perfectly content to lay on its dog bed, looking on as its human family watches a movie.
As an owner, if you are busy with household tasks, the Shih Tzu will silently watch you, just happy to be in a warm and safe home.
One of the great traits of the Shih Tzu is that this breed cannot be categorized as being the best companion for just one age group. This dog is a perfect companion for everyone from homes with children, to elderly owners living alone. The ability to feel comfortable around people of all ages is one of the reasons why Shih Tzu are great therapy dogs.
Remaining close to its owner, not demanding or high strung, the Shih Tzu will happily keep their human company from morning to night. They have a small size, yet are rather sturdy for a toy breed.
This dog also is a wonderful family pet. Absolutely happy to get attention and be loved by 1 person or 10, the Shih Tzu is a perfect family member. Most of the time, they are perfectly content to sit quietly and wait as long as needed to finally get that hug and pat that they long for so badly.
It is important to make sure that all family members realize just how little the Tzu is, and that all must be careful when playing with the dog and to watch where they step!
Normal and expected behavior blends well for interaction with children. Not a snappy or aggressive dog, he or she will be thrilled to play with toddlers and children.
This dog will usually follow their lead. Although this breed has a regal appearance, it will merrily romp around with children of all ages. When needing a break, the Tzu will simply retreat to their resting area as long as it is easily accessible.
Hypoallergenic: Yes, It is true that Shih Tzu, like other dogs who have hair instead of fur, are basically a non-shedding/Hypoallergenic breed, but do shed a little bit as humans do with hair, but have less dander than most dogs as well.
For this reason they are often classified as “hypo-allergenic.” But no dog is non-allergenic - not even a hairless breed - because a person could be allergic to the saliva or urine of a dog as well as the dander/fur/hair. Best answer is, spend some time with the dog you are looking to ad to your family, to see if you have any reactions. Usually with ShihTzu's you will be just fine.
Life span: 10 – 16 years
Temperament: Playful, Lively, Affectionate, Outgoing, Spunky, Intelligent, Courageous, Alert, Gentle, loyal, Friendly, Active, Happy, Independent, Clever
Mass: Female: 8.8 – 16 lbs (Adult), Male: 8.8 – 16 lbs (Adult)
***KEEP IN MIND, ALL OUR SHIHTZUS ARE UNDER 10LBS***
9 Lovable Facts about Shih Tzu Dogs
Evident from the name, Shih Tzu dogs were bred in China by royal families in the Ming Dynasty. They are very friendly dogs with an adorable face that melts human hearts. Their appearance is elegant with sweeping fur and a compact size. Shih Tzus are hard to resist, especially with these 9 facts about the breed.
1. True Companions Shih Tzus do not hunt, herd or guard. Instead, they were bred to be a companion, making them ultimately friendly both to family and strangers.
2. Very Adaptable Shih Tzus are very adaptable, suited for anything from apartment living to a sweeping countryside home.
3. Adore Kids And Other Dogs Shih Tzus love children and dogs, but they need to be monitored so the small dog does not get accidentally hurt during play.
4. Sensitive To Heat Even though the Shih Tzu’s face is adorable, the shape makes the breed susceptible to heat stroke. Shih Tzus need to be kept in air conditioning during hot months.
5. Beautiful Fur Shih Tzus have beautiful, flowing fur that needs to be brushed and groomed daily to prevent matting.
6. They Snore Shih Tzus sometimes, sleep like humans with wheezing and snoring.
7. Among Oldest Dog Breeds Shih Tzus are one of the oldest dog breeds, with Shih Tzu bones being found as early as 8,000 BC.
8. Little Lion Dogs The Ming Dynasty is known for owning Shih Tzus. They were called little lion dogs and chrysanthemum dogs because their fur around their face looked like chrysanthemum petals.
9. Shih Tzu Myth: There is a myth surrounding this breed. It is said that a Shih Tzu was carried by Buddha and when robbers confronted the prophet on his travels, the Shih Tzu turned into a lion and fought the robbers away. Buddha kissed the Shih Tzu on top of its head afterwards. Many Shih Tzus have a white spot on top of their head where Buddha kissed the dog, or so the myth says.
Vital Stats: Dog Breed Group: Companion ~ Every breed was created for a reason, and the companion dogs are no exception. Their job is to keep people company, perhaps the most important work a dog can do. Height General: 9 inches to 10 inches tall at the shoulder Weight General: 7 to 16 pounds Life Span Up to 15 years
ShihTzu History
Dogs of various sizes, shapes, and colors have been bred in China for centuries. Records substantiate the existence of short, square, "under the table" dogs from at least 1000 B.C. By piecing together historical facts and documented records, it is possible to some extent to follow the development in China of the breeding of dogs likely to be the ancestors of the present-day Shih Tzu.
The ancestry of the Shih Tzu is rather obscure, but it is probable that the breed is primarily of Tibetan origin. The history of the Tibetan “Lion Dogs” is interwoven with the tenets of Buddhism, which originated in India. The lion was closely associated with Buddhism, but the lion was not indigenous to China, so the Chinese and the Tibetan lamas bred their toy dogs to resemble lions. The Shih Tzu (whose name means “lion”) is reputed to have been the oldest and smallest variety of the Tibetan “holy dogs” and bears some similarity to other Tibetan breeds. For much of the long and illustrious history of China, the breeding of the small “Lion Dog” was a favorite pastime of succeeding imperial rulers.
Prior to A.D. 624, documents show that small dogs were exported from Malta, Turkey, Greece, and Persia as gifts to the ruling Chinese emperors. It is likely that the first small Tibetan Lion Dogs from which the Shih Tzu is probably descended came to China during the Qing (Ch’ing) Dynasty (1644-62) as tributes from the Grand Lamas to the Chinese Imperial Court, and that the Chinese interbred these Tibetan dogs with the early western imports and with the Pug and the Pekingese.
The existence of the Shih Tzu as we know it today is owed to the Dowager Empress Cixi (T’zu Hsi), whose kennel of Pugs, Pekingese, and Shih Tzu was world renowned. Although she carefully supervised the kennel during her lifetime and attempted to keep the three imperial breeds separate, the actual breeding was carried out by palace eunuchs who secretly crossed the breeds to reduce size and produce unusual and desirable markings. After her death in 1908, the kennels were dispersed and palace breeding became haphazard. Some breeding was still practiced by private individuals and specimens were exhibited, but the dogs were almost impossible to acquire. So far as is known, the breed became extinct in China after the Communist revolution.
Seven dogs and seven bitches comprise the gene pool of all existing Shih Tzu. These fourteen include the Pekingese dog used in an admitted cross in England in 1952--a cross which caused considerable trouble, as it was done by a newcomer to the breed and reported after the fact. The other foundation dogs included three Shih Tzu imported from China that became the foundation of the Taishan kennel of Lady Brownrigg in England and eight additional imports to England between 1933 and 1959. Three other Shih Tzu were imported into Norway from China in 1932 by Mrs. Henrick Kauffman, including a bitch that was the only Shih Tzu bred in the Imperial Palace to reach the Western world.
Returning military personnel brought some of the first Shih Tzu into the United States during the late 1940s and 1950s and began breeding programs. The unique beauty and outstanding temperament of this “new” breed quickly found favor with the fancy. From the first day of formal AKC recognition (Sept. 1, 1969), the Shih Tzu catapulted from a relatively unknown breed to one of the most glamorous and popular of all canine companions.
This month’s column was contributed by Shih Tzu breeder-judge Victor Joris, author of The Complete Shih Tzu (Howell Book House). We hope you have enjoyed it.
American Shih-Tzu Club
Maltese:
,One of the brightest and gentlest of the toys, the Maltese is exceedingly playful and enjoys clever games of dexterity such as "pull the hidden toy from under the cabinet with your paw."
This curious, quick-moving sprite doesn't need much outdoor exercise, but he does enjoy dashing around the (fenced!) yard and accompanying you for walks. Larger dogs may view him as a delicacy, so a Maltese must always be leashed or fenced for his own protection. Fences should be triple-checked for slight gaps through which he might wriggle.
Maltese are generally peaceful with the world. Some lines (or some individuals) are more confident and outgoing, while some are more standoffish or cautious.
Training and socialization also play key roles in how a Maltese turns out. If you treat him like a helpless baby or spoil/indulge him, he is likely to end up overdependent and insecure, or bratty and yappy. Instead you should require him to show the same good manners as you would expect from a larger dog.
Very sensitive and responsive to nonforceful training, many Maltese excel in competitive obedience and agility.
Hypoallergenic: Yes,
Life span: 12 – 15 years
Color: White
Origin: Mediterranean Basin
Height: Male: 8–10 inches (21–25 cm), Female: 8–9 inches (20–23 cm)
Weight: Male: 6.6–8.8 lbs (3–4 kg), Female: 6.6–8.8 lbs (3–4 kg)
***KEEP IN MIND, ALL OUR MALTESE ARE UNDER 8LBS***
5 Surprising Maltese Facts
A Maltese may be small, but he's not all fluff. These little dogs only weigh between 4 and 7 pounds (1.8 to 3.2 kilograms), but their sprightly prance, keen attention to their surroundings, affectionate personalities and devotion to their humans will make them a huge part of their owners' lives. A wonderful companion dog, Maltese can live in a variety of homes, including city apartments, since they don't require a lot of exercise. For over 28 centuries the Maltese has had an impassioned following around the globe, and that certainly still applies today. Famous Maltese owners include Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, Tony Bennett and Barbra Streisand. Keep reading to discover more about the Maltese's devoted following and other surprising facts.
1: Maltese May Not Make You Sneeze, There's no doubt that part of the Maltese's allure is its beautiful white hair - not to be confused with fur. Like human hair, the Maltese's white locks grow and occasionally fall out -- but they don't shed like most dogs, they are considered to be a non shed dog. According to the AKC, no breed is guaranteed to be hypoallergenic, but the Maltese won't usually bother allergy sufferers. Unless their Maltese is a show dog, today's owners often opt for a "puppy" cut -- which is shorter than the traditional show cut -- since it takes less time to brush and care for. Although the modern breed standard requires that Maltese have white hair, early Maltese were sometimes golden or tan, and others had black ears. The Maltese and its soft, silky locks took part in the first Westminster Dog Show in 1877, and was called a Maltese Lion Dog. Fans of these small dogs are in good company with people across the ages, and it's not hard to see why!
2: The Maltese Has Royal History Throughout history, Maltese dogs have been companions to royalty, rulers and monarchs. Even a Roman emperor, Claudius, kept one as a pet. Perhaps because of their long silky hair, steady companionship and fabled ability to restore health -- for which it is rumored that they earned the nickname "The Comforter" -- the Maltese's popularity continued rising in the upper classes. The Maltese hit British shores under the reign of King Henry VIII and were welcomed immediately. Mary, Queen of Scots and Queen Victoria each owned Maltese, and in France, Empress Josephine Bonaparte and Queen Marie Antoinette also kept them as pets. More recently, a different sort of King owned a Maltese -- Elvis Presley.
3: Maltese Were Featured in Ancient Writings It's no wonder the Maltese was a darling dog of history -- it played a starring role in early writings. According to the AKC, in the middle of the 1st century A.D., Publius, the governor of Malta, had a Maltese named Issa that he loved. A poet of the times, Marcus Valerius Martialis, wrote lavishly about Issa: "Issa is more frolicsome than Catulla's sparrow. Issa is purer than a dove's kiss. Issa is gentler than a maiden. Issa is more precious than Indian gems... Lest the last days that she see light should snatch her from him forever, Publius has had her picture painted."
The Renaissance poet Ludovico Aristo also wrote about the Maltese in his epic poem "Orlando Furioso," published in its complete form in 1532: "The tiniest dog Nature has ever produced -- Her coat of long hair, whiter than ermine, Her movements exquisitely graceful and Matchless elegance of appearance." (Vol. II, Canto 43)
4: The Maltese Was in a Class by Itself There has been some debate over the past few centuries about whether the Maltese should be classified as a terrier (since it was such a good ratter and had a terrier-like temperament) or a spaniel (since it was a good hunter and physically resembled a spaniel). In 1907, Lillian C. Raymond-Mallock, an English spaniel breeder and author of the reference book "Toy Dogs," wrote that the Maltese should be classified as neither spaniel nor terrier, but suggested that the Maltese and spaniel probably owed their similar good looks to a shared source. The AKC currently classifies the Maltese simply as a toy dog.
5: The Maltese Breed Is Thousands of Years Old The Maltese is the oldest of the toy breeds from Europe. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Egyptian artifacts of Maltese (or Maltese-like) dogs have been found, which means ancient Egyptians may have worshipped the breed. Greek pottery dating from 5 A.D. shows images of small, long-haired dogs like the Maltese, and according to the 18th century religious scholar Carolus Maria DuVeil, ancient Greek writings by historians like Strabo mention small, pretty dogs known as "Catelli.
Vital Stats: Dog Breed Group ~ Companion ~ Every breed was created for a reason, and the companion dogs are no exception. Their job is to keep people company, perhaps the most important work a dog can do. Height General: 8 inches to 10 inches tall at the shoulder Weight General: 4 to 9 pounds Life Span12 to 15 years.
This curious, quick-moving sprite doesn't need much outdoor exercise, but he does enjoy dashing around the (fenced!) yard and accompanying you for walks. Larger dogs may view him as a delicacy, so a Maltese must always be leashed or fenced for his own protection. Fences should be triple-checked for slight gaps through which he might wriggle.
Maltese are generally peaceful with the world. Some lines (or some individuals) are more confident and outgoing, while some are more standoffish or cautious.
Training and socialization also play key roles in how a Maltese turns out. If you treat him like a helpless baby or spoil/indulge him, he is likely to end up overdependent and insecure, or bratty and yappy. Instead you should require him to show the same good manners as you would expect from a larger dog.
Very sensitive and responsive to nonforceful training, many Maltese excel in competitive obedience and agility.
Hypoallergenic: Yes,
- Is one of the smallest breeds
- Is polite with people and other animals
- Sheds very lightly (often a good choice for allergy sufferers) basically considered non-shedding like the ShihTzu
- A Maltese may be right for you.
Life span: 12 – 15 years
Color: White
Origin: Mediterranean Basin
Height: Male: 8–10 inches (21–25 cm), Female: 8–9 inches (20–23 cm)
Weight: Male: 6.6–8.8 lbs (3–4 kg), Female: 6.6–8.8 lbs (3–4 kg)
***KEEP IN MIND, ALL OUR MALTESE ARE UNDER 8LBS***
5 Surprising Maltese Facts
A Maltese may be small, but he's not all fluff. These little dogs only weigh between 4 and 7 pounds (1.8 to 3.2 kilograms), but their sprightly prance, keen attention to their surroundings, affectionate personalities and devotion to their humans will make them a huge part of their owners' lives. A wonderful companion dog, Maltese can live in a variety of homes, including city apartments, since they don't require a lot of exercise. For over 28 centuries the Maltese has had an impassioned following around the globe, and that certainly still applies today. Famous Maltese owners include Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, Tony Bennett and Barbra Streisand. Keep reading to discover more about the Maltese's devoted following and other surprising facts.
1: Maltese May Not Make You Sneeze, There's no doubt that part of the Maltese's allure is its beautiful white hair - not to be confused with fur. Like human hair, the Maltese's white locks grow and occasionally fall out -- but they don't shed like most dogs, they are considered to be a non shed dog. According to the AKC, no breed is guaranteed to be hypoallergenic, but the Maltese won't usually bother allergy sufferers. Unless their Maltese is a show dog, today's owners often opt for a "puppy" cut -- which is shorter than the traditional show cut -- since it takes less time to brush and care for. Although the modern breed standard requires that Maltese have white hair, early Maltese were sometimes golden or tan, and others had black ears. The Maltese and its soft, silky locks took part in the first Westminster Dog Show in 1877, and was called a Maltese Lion Dog. Fans of these small dogs are in good company with people across the ages, and it's not hard to see why!
2: The Maltese Has Royal History Throughout history, Maltese dogs have been companions to royalty, rulers and monarchs. Even a Roman emperor, Claudius, kept one as a pet. Perhaps because of their long silky hair, steady companionship and fabled ability to restore health -- for which it is rumored that they earned the nickname "The Comforter" -- the Maltese's popularity continued rising in the upper classes. The Maltese hit British shores under the reign of King Henry VIII and were welcomed immediately. Mary, Queen of Scots and Queen Victoria each owned Maltese, and in France, Empress Josephine Bonaparte and Queen Marie Antoinette also kept them as pets. More recently, a different sort of King owned a Maltese -- Elvis Presley.
3: Maltese Were Featured in Ancient Writings It's no wonder the Maltese was a darling dog of history -- it played a starring role in early writings. According to the AKC, in the middle of the 1st century A.D., Publius, the governor of Malta, had a Maltese named Issa that he loved. A poet of the times, Marcus Valerius Martialis, wrote lavishly about Issa: "Issa is more frolicsome than Catulla's sparrow. Issa is purer than a dove's kiss. Issa is gentler than a maiden. Issa is more precious than Indian gems... Lest the last days that she see light should snatch her from him forever, Publius has had her picture painted."
The Renaissance poet Ludovico Aristo also wrote about the Maltese in his epic poem "Orlando Furioso," published in its complete form in 1532: "The tiniest dog Nature has ever produced -- Her coat of long hair, whiter than ermine, Her movements exquisitely graceful and Matchless elegance of appearance." (Vol. II, Canto 43)
4: The Maltese Was in a Class by Itself There has been some debate over the past few centuries about whether the Maltese should be classified as a terrier (since it was such a good ratter and had a terrier-like temperament) or a spaniel (since it was a good hunter and physically resembled a spaniel). In 1907, Lillian C. Raymond-Mallock, an English spaniel breeder and author of the reference book "Toy Dogs," wrote that the Maltese should be classified as neither spaniel nor terrier, but suggested that the Maltese and spaniel probably owed their similar good looks to a shared source. The AKC currently classifies the Maltese simply as a toy dog.
5: The Maltese Breed Is Thousands of Years Old The Maltese is the oldest of the toy breeds from Europe. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Egyptian artifacts of Maltese (or Maltese-like) dogs have been found, which means ancient Egyptians may have worshipped the breed. Greek pottery dating from 5 A.D. shows images of small, long-haired dogs like the Maltese, and according to the 18th century religious scholar Carolus Maria DuVeil, ancient Greek writings by historians like Strabo mention small, pretty dogs known as "Catelli.
Vital Stats: Dog Breed Group ~ Companion ~ Every breed was created for a reason, and the companion dogs are no exception. Their job is to keep people company, perhaps the most important work a dog can do. Height General: 8 inches to 10 inches tall at the shoulder Weight General: 4 to 9 pounds Life Span12 to 15 years.
Mal~Shi - Maltese/ShihTzu Mix ~ (We call them Shimaltz):
The Maltese Shih Tzu, also known as the Mal-Shi, Malti zu, and the Malt-Tzu, or Shmaltz by some, is a dog breed hybrid. One of the few "designer dogs" not originating with a Poodle, and therefore not one of the ubiquitous "Poo" or "Doodle" hybrids, the adaptable Maltese Shih Tzu is an adorable, sweet little guy with a long name. Created with the same goal as the Doodles — to be a small companion who doesn't shed and is therefore more appropriate for people with allergies — the Maltese Shih Tzu is a classic cross, a sweet lapdog who likes to play with the kids, great with other pets, and is just a perfect match of both breeds.
Originally bred to be completely nonshedding (which is a misnomer since that's not physically possible), the Maltese succeeds to some degree, since he's a low-shedding companion. However, the Maltese Shih Tzu is much more than that.
He's intelligent and happy, making him a breeze — and a pleasure — to train. He does well as a therapy dog, and his wonderfully social nature makes him a great family pet. He's good with children of all ages and with other dogs and pets.
This extrovert is gutsy and gregarious, and he loves people of any age group. The Maltese sometimes can be high-strung, but when crossed with the aloof Shih Tzu, you get the best of both breeds, a friendly, loving, outgoing dog who's good with people, children, and other pets. Like any dog, this cross needs to be socialized as a puppy and as an adult.
He also needs to be treated like a dog rather than like a baby or a stuffed animal who eats; that's why most dogs this size become little tyrants. It's not in their nature, both breeds are loving, and respectful if you treat them that way. This is what happens by you being overly pampering, and allowing them to be brats — but if you treat your Maltese Shih Tzu like a real dog, he'll act like a real dog. Make him walk, don't carry him all the time everywhere, and he'll have the nice temperament he was meant to have.
The Maltese Shih Tzu may look like either one of the parent breeds, but he doesn't usually have the Shih Tzu's short nose and large eyes. He's an affectionate companion who loves being with his family.
The Maltese Shih Tzu can be active, but he can also adapt to quieter living. He requires some exercise each day through either a walk or a good play session in the yard or home, considering they are small. They can get a good run session in, just playing in the house. He loves being outside and although he makes an acceptable apartment resident, he does love to romp around.
Vital Stats ~ Dog Breed Group ~ Hybrid Height General: From 10 inches tall at the shoulder Weight General: 6 to 10 pounds Life Span 12 to 14 years
Originally bred to be completely nonshedding (which is a misnomer since that's not physically possible), the Maltese succeeds to some degree, since he's a low-shedding companion. However, the Maltese Shih Tzu is much more than that.
He's intelligent and happy, making him a breeze — and a pleasure — to train. He does well as a therapy dog, and his wonderfully social nature makes him a great family pet. He's good with children of all ages and with other dogs and pets.
This extrovert is gutsy and gregarious, and he loves people of any age group. The Maltese sometimes can be high-strung, but when crossed with the aloof Shih Tzu, you get the best of both breeds, a friendly, loving, outgoing dog who's good with people, children, and other pets. Like any dog, this cross needs to be socialized as a puppy and as an adult.
He also needs to be treated like a dog rather than like a baby or a stuffed animal who eats; that's why most dogs this size become little tyrants. It's not in their nature, both breeds are loving, and respectful if you treat them that way. This is what happens by you being overly pampering, and allowing them to be brats — but if you treat your Maltese Shih Tzu like a real dog, he'll act like a real dog. Make him walk, don't carry him all the time everywhere, and he'll have the nice temperament he was meant to have.
The Maltese Shih Tzu may look like either one of the parent breeds, but he doesn't usually have the Shih Tzu's short nose and large eyes. He's an affectionate companion who loves being with his family.
The Maltese Shih Tzu can be active, but he can also adapt to quieter living. He requires some exercise each day through either a walk or a good play session in the yard or home, considering they are small. They can get a good run session in, just playing in the house. He loves being outside and although he makes an acceptable apartment resident, he does love to romp around.
Vital Stats ~ Dog Breed Group ~ Hybrid Height General: From 10 inches tall at the shoulder Weight General: 6 to 10 pounds Life Span 12 to 14 years