The Malshi and the Maltipoo are two adorable hybrid dogs. Both the Malshi and Maltipoo have one parent breed in common, the famous Maltese. A Malshi is a mix of a Maltese and a Shih-Tzu, while a Maltipoo is bred from a Maltese and a toy Poodle. Although these dogs are small in size, they have big personalities. Both hybrids are intelligent, energetic, playful, and loyal. Whether you add a Malshi or a Maltipoo to your family, your furry friend will not produce as much dander as many other dogs, which is one reason that many people are drawn to these breeds.

If you are having trouble choosing between one of these two designer dogs, follow along as we go over their main differences and similarities so you can see which mix is best for you!

Visual Differences

At a Glance

Malshi Breed Overview

The Malshi is a relatively new hybrid dating only back to the 1990s. Breeders were looking for a suitable companion and lap dog for allergy sufferers. What they got from the Malshi was exactly that and more, leading us to their personality and character, which are also ideal for new dog owners.

Personality / Character

Maltese and Shih-Tzu mixes have loyal and affectionate temperaments. They create strong bonds with their human and family. This can be wonderful for a Malshi who goes everywhere with their favorite person or has family surrounding them all the time, but due to their strong bond, it is important to socialize them early on to not depend fully on this dynamic. They will remain loyal to their family, but socializing them at a young age will help when someone outside of the Malshi’s direct inner circle might need to pet-sit or when they encounter someone who may be a great friend to you but a stranger to your dog.

Training

Malshis are so cute and happy that it may be tempting to baby them as puppies. However, this would be a mistake on the owner’s part and can result in the Malshi developing bad habits and growing into a spoiled and stubborn dog with destructive behavior habits that they know that they can get away with. It is best to prevent this with training and to show them who is in charge: you!

Malshis are eager to please and respond best to positive reinforcement. They are quick learners, and training can be a fun bonding time to teach your dog cute tricks.

Despite their ability to train easily, potty training can be an issue for Malshies, as well as other small breeds. Crate training your dog at an early age and using puppy pads as an extra precaution may be useful, along with extra patience from their owner for this training area that is a little more difficult for them.

Grooming

Another area that requires extra attention compared to other breeds is grooming. Grooming timeframes to keep in mind for your Malshi include:

Suitable For:

Malshis make great companions to many different lifestyles. Due to their size, they are ideal for small apartments and condos. They are fun family dogs and do well with older children. Malshis also do well with seniors and anyone who has a single lifestyle. They are fantastic choices for therapy and emotional support dogs because of their size and loyal temperament toward their one person.

They grow a particular fondness toward their humans, even if they are friendly with others. Malshis would not be a great fit for those who travel without them often. Due to their sense of attachment and loyal nature, they would do best in a home where someone is with them most of the time. They are also great for those affected by allergies to dogs, since they do not produce as much dander as most other dogs.

Maltipoo Breed Overview

Maltipoos, like Malshis, were bred in the recent 1990s. They were developed to be low-maintenance companion dogs that would not shed and did not require much space. Maltipoos do not require a large home or yard to live a comfortable life. Just like any hybrid, each dog is unique and can take more after one parent than the other. Looking at both of a Maltipoo’s parents, you can expect certain personality and character traits to come through from both the Maltese and the Poodle sides.

Personality / Character

Maltipoos are extremely friendly dogs that enjoy being around people. They are active and affectionate. Like the Malshi, they do not like being left alone often. However, they are usually laidback dogs. They get along well with other pups and can be quite playful as long as the other dog has a similar temperament. Maltipoos have an easier time training than other breeds due to the intelligence that they often inherit from their Poodle parent.

Training

Maltipoos have an easier time training than many other breeds due to the intelligence they often inherit from their Poodle parent. They are eager to please, like the Malshi, and make a great option for beginners and new dog owners. They are also sensitive and will not do well with harsh training methods. Maltipoos will learn best under positivity and patience. If your Maltipoo senses disappointment, they may try to avoid training, and learning can take much longer.

Grooming

Since Maltipoos come from two breeds with different coats, maintenance will depend on which parent they take after more. If they acquire long straight hair like the Maltese, their coat will require more brushing to prevent tangling, similar to the Malshi. If your Maltipoo acquires a curly coat, it still requires maintenance to prevent matting but may need professional grooming about once a year to keep your Maltipoo looking their best. Maltipoos require the same regular teeth brushing that a Malshi needs to slow down the development of dental disease.

Suitable For:

Maltipoos do not require a big home to live a comfortable and happy life. They are dogs that would do well in a small apartment. Maltipoos are also ideal in families with older children and seniors and make a great breed for those with dog allergies. Just like Malshis, they do not do well being left alone often. They need plenty of attention from their owner but can also do well with other pups to keep them company if their owner is away.

Which Breed Is Right for You?

The Malshi and the Maltipoo are both incredible breeds that are loving, loyal, and hypoallergenic. Both do well with families with older children, are great companions for seniors, and do not require large living quarters or have extreme exercise needs. Between the two, the Malshi would be a great option for someone who wants a companion who is happy to be by their side as often as possible or someone who might have a single lifestyle. They need more attention when it comes to grooming and training in comparison to the Maltipoo, but if you are ready to have unmatched loyalty and adoration toward you specifically, a Maltipoo might be a perfect match. They also may be ideal for a family with multiple people and dogs.

Although both breeds are wonderful for their similarities and differences that make them suitable for the needs of different households, Malshis and Maltipoos have specific needs. If your lifestyle matches, one of these two Maltese hybrids could be a wonderful addition to your home and life!

See Also:

• Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu
• Havanese vs. Maltipoo: What’s the Difference? (With Pictures)

Featured Image Credit: Left-Malshi (PHATCHARADA DUENDAO, Shutterstock); Right-Maltipoo(12photography, Shutterstock)