| Pure breeds are defined as "of or belonging to a | | | | Tibet, China and may be as much as 2000 years old. |
| recognized strain established by breeding individuals of | | | | Shih Tzu are believed to be a cross breed of the |
| unmixed heritage over many generations." Purebred | | | | Lhasa Apso and Pekingese. These toy dogs are |
| dogs are extremely popular and are the only dog | | | | sturdy and have two coats of soft, silky, multi-colored |
| breeds recognized by the American Kennel | | | | fur. Their personalities are described as alert, stubborn, |
| Association (AKC). These dogs have a documented | | | | intelligent, and energetic. Shih Tzu may have various |
| ancestry, or pedigree, as well as specific | | | | health problems such as ocular disease and spinal |
| characteristics of the breed they represent. Pure | | | | problems. Their coats are high-maintenance and |
| breeds are selectively bred, or inbred, to retain and | | | | require daily brushing. Some owners may have the |
| strengthen their genetic traits. | | | | dog groomed in a "pet clip" or "puppy cut", which is a |
| Two popular pure breeds are the Shih Tzu and the | | | | short style that requires less upkeep. |
| Maltese. Both are ancient breeds originating in China | | | | The Maltese (pronounced mawl-tees) side of the |
| and Malta, respectively. Because of their popularity and | | | | Maltese Shih Tzu mix may date back 28 centuries. |
| because of specific desirable traits, Maltese and Shih | | | | The breed is from the Island of Malta, and has not |
| Tzu mixed breeds have gained recognition and | | | | changed significantly in the intervening years. This |
| interest. A Maltese Shih Tzu mix is called a Mal-Shi. | | | | breed has a single coat of long, silky white fur with |
| Though mixed breeds are commonly known as | | | | dark eyes and a black nose. The fur does not shed |
| "mutts," the mixing of two pure breeds is viewed as a | | | | and thus is considered hypoallergenic. The Maltese is |
| crossbreed or hybrid. Hybrids are recognized by the | | | | similar in appearance (except for the uniform |
| American Canine Hybrid Club and can register and | | | | whiteness of its coat) to the Shih Tzu with a long, |
| compete with proper documentation. Mixing two pure | | | | sturdy body that is prone to spinal problems. |
| breeds is thought to result in a better overall dog with | | | | These dogs are characterized as sociable, highly |
| any possible combination of both its parents' different | | | | energetic, difficult to housebreak and fearless. Their |
| genetic characteristics. | | | | lack of fear for other animals and extreme energy |
| Maltese Shih Tzu mixed breeds, or Mal-Shi, are | | | | can make them a handful for owners. But they are |
| recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club. A | | | | also lapdogs that enjoy cuddling and are also good |
| Mal-Shi puppy will have characteristics of both its | | | | overall family pets. |
| parents. The fur is silky and may be wavy or straight | | | | The hybrid, Mal-Shi, puppies-which are the result of the |
| and in varying colors. It is also hypoallergenic and sheds | | | | remarkable Maltese and Shih Tzu breeds- have the |
| very little. Mal-Shi dogs are energetic, sociable and alert. | | | | varied traits of both parents. Just as the Shih Tzu |
| The Mal-Shi comes from two breeds with long | | | | originally descended from a mix of the Lhasa Apso |
| histories and it is no surprise that owners believe this | | | | and Pekingese, it is possible that one day the Maltese |
| mix benefits from both lines of ancestry. | | | | Shih Tzu may be recognized as a pure breed by the |
| The Shih Tzu dates back to at least 17th century | | | | American Kennel Association. |