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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Maltese or Shih--tzu

28 replies

Wishimaywishimight · 31/12/2022 15:17

DH and I have been thinking about getting a dog for years and I think we will be in a good position to do so soon. I wfh full time, DH is in the office 2 days pw. We have a smallish secure garden. Finances are good, mortgage will paid off early 2023. No children, we are early 50s.

We both had dogs growing up, love them and know there is work and lots of patience involved.

We do go away a few times a year but my sister lives nearby and would be an eager dog minder. Also our next door neighbour walks / minds dogs.

We definitely want a small breed and are thinking either maltese or shih-tzu. Wondering if anyone has any tips / advice.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
5
Roselilly36 · 31/12/2022 15:21

I love both, but prefer Lhasa Apso, gorgeous little dogs.

Barbie222 · 01/01/2023 19:34

There's a cross of both called a Malshi, isn't there?

whataboutsecondbreakfast · 01/01/2023 20:35

I would go for a maltese over a shih-tzu, just because they have less health problems.

Darklane · 02/01/2023 00:44

I have Maltese & Yorkies. The Maltese take a lot more grooming , they both have long coats but the Maltese coat is much finer so matts far more easily unless you are prepared to spend a lot of time each day grooming. Leaving it just a couple of days can result in a difficult situation for both you & more importantly the dog.There is always clipping but, personal opinion, I don’t see the point of getting a long coated breed to keep clipped instead of having a small breed with an easier coat.

Justaflippertyjibbet · 02/01/2023 00:53

Our Lhasa Apso is a dream dog. He was easy to toilet train and is very reliable now. He is cute and funny and very appealing. Everyone he meets loves him and remarks how soft he feels. He has a range of commands and has recall to my whistles. He is a sturdy little chap under the fur and enjoys a good roll about on the floor with my husband. Downside, of course, is the grooming, every six weeks at the groomer along with little daily brushes. This breed is certainly worth considering, he makes us smile on a daily basis.

sequin2000 · 02/01/2023 01:01

We have a Coton de tulear, cousin of the Maltese. A lovely dog who can walk for miles or sleep all day. We keep his coat in a puppy cut so less maintenance needed.

Maltese or Shih--tzu
Justaflippertyjibbet · 02/01/2023 02:48

Lhasa Apso

Maltese or Shih--tzu
losingit31 · 02/01/2023 17:54

Maltipoo all the way - mine is adorable!

Maltese or Shih--tzu
Riapia · 02/01/2023 18:25

Wishimaywishimight · 31/12/2022 15:17

DH and I have been thinking about getting a dog for years and I think we will be in a good position to do so soon. I wfh full time, DH is in the office 2 days pw. We have a smallish secure garden. Finances are good, mortgage will paid off early 2023. No children, we are early 50s.

We both had dogs growing up, love them and know there is work and lots of patience involved.

We do go away a few times a year but my sister lives nearby and would be an eager dog minder. Also our next door neighbour walks / minds dogs.

We definitely want a small breed and are thinking either maltese or shih-tzu. Wondering if anyone has any tips / advice.

Get the cross.
Shitese.

Your’e welcome 😉

Noeggsontoast · 02/01/2023 18:37

We have two Shih Tzu. We considered Maltese but some can be a bit territorial from the exposure we had to the breed. They're the most loving placid dogs we've ever had. They love hiking in the Lake District, rambling in our local forests and beaches, proper little explorers. I do keep them in coat, so daily brushing for about 15mins each.

Maltese or Shih--tzu
Alfiemoon1 · 02/01/2023 18:45

Our Lhasa apso is great such a character

hiredandsqueak · 02/01/2023 19:04

We have a rescue lhasa apso, she's a lovely little dog, well behaved, loves a walk and at thirteen she is still as fit as a fiddle. She guards the house and does bark at anything that passes by the window which is tedious at times and she won't sit on the floor if there is a space on the sofa and she won't sit on the sofa if there is a lap available, she loves human company.

Melsy88 · 03/01/2023 07:32

I had a DNA test done on my rescue and found she's a mix of Maltese, Shihtzu, Lhasa and Havanese ! Gorgeous dog.
Having then spent more time researching each breed, if I got another I'd go for Havanese.

Original poster
Wishimaywishimight · 03/01/2023 12:39

Thank you so much for all of your very useful advice and opinions. As for the photos, I can only say I would love to meet every one of them, they are beyond adorable!

@Justaflippertyjibbet - what a pose, I don't think I have ever seen a more chilled dog!!

Lots to think about, looks like Lhasa Apso's are going to be added to the mix. I really don't mind grooming needs and would be more than willing to spend time daily on this.

My only previous experience is with yorkies which I completely adore but would perhaps like another breed this time round. My yorkie lived to be almost 19 years old, I still think about him and miss him and I'm a little worried I would look upon a new yorkie as something of a replacement which would be unfair on the newcomer.

Lots more research to be done I think.

Thanks again all!

OP posts:
Cocopuff · 03/01/2023 20:04

We have a lhatese - Lhasa apso Maltese cross. she's only 18 weeks but adorable and loves her people, but does need ALOT of grooming.

cosmicgarland · 03/01/2023 20:16

Our Lhasa apso is an absolutely joy, really intelligent and friendly.

Selok · 03/01/2023 20:17

We have Malshi, Maltese and Shih Tzu cross, she is adorable and the best companion ever!

EraOfTheGrey · 03/01/2023 20:24

Melsy88 · 03/01/2023 07:32

I had a DNA test done on my rescue and found she's a mix of Maltese, Shihtzu, Lhasa and Havanese ! Gorgeous dog.
Having then spent more time researching each breed, if I got another I'd go for Havanese.

I have a havanese and she's amazing. She's chilled, funny, happy and affectionate. I'm even thinking of a second one.

Melsy88 · 03/01/2023 20:27

EraOfTheGrey · 03/01/2023 20:24

I have a havanese and she's amazing. She's chilled, funny, happy and affectionate. I'm even thinking of a second one.

Show quote history

That's what I've heard!!
I think my dog has inherited more Lhasa traits!! I.e. stubborn and sassy but also lovely! 😅

EraOfTheGrey · 03/01/2023 20:31

Melsy88 · 03/01/2023 20:27

That's what I've heard!!
I think my dog has inherited more Lhasa traits!! I.e. stubborn and sassy but also lovely! 😅

Show quote history

My DH wanted a Lhasa as he liked their history but in the end I won with my beautiful girl. Saw a Lhasa at the groomers today and he was so adorable.

YourWinter · 03/01/2023 20:33

I’d definitely choose a Lhasa Apso in preference to Maltese or Shih-Tzu. I really prefer terriers though.

ilovepixie · 03/01/2023 20:43

Lhasa apso all the way. The most loving funny loyal wee dog ever.

Maltese or Shih--tzu
Verv · 04/01/2023 11:31

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

cheeseisthebest · 04/01/2023 11:37

I have a shihtzu he's the best, most chilled boy ever.

Verv · 04/01/2023 14:28

Apologies for withdrawing post earlier. I was saying that I have a Mal-shi who is very loving, sweet, and stubborn when she wants to be.
Theyre a great cross breed and would answer the Maltese or ShihTzu question!

Both breeds make great family pets, but if I had to choose one, I would say shih-tzu as they're a little more confident (imo)
Expect to get the stink-eye when your commands dont tie in with their wishes though!