pisces: What is the normal life span of a Shih Tzu?
I have 2 male Shih Tzus cross Maltese (Malshi) and was wondering how long roughly they would be my mates, I can't bear to think of the world without them in it. They are 9 years this coming November. I love them very much even though they are little devils.
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Answers and Views:
Answer by -Angel-
Good question, it is good to know all you can about your dogs.
Lifespan is 14 to 16 years
Answer by Art Y
Toy and small breed dogs live longer than medium or large breed dogs. Therefore the Shih Tzu lifespan is up to 16 years. And since this is an approximation, some Tzu can live 17, even 18 years. Much the same way that it often happens with humans, females Tzu will - in general -- live a bit longer than males -- approximately 1.4 years.
Keep your Shih Tzu in good health, trust your veterinarian and follow through with proper diet and exercise. It will help much towards increasing the Shih Tzu lifespan. Since a certain percentage of dogs pass away due to cancer, one can eliminate certain types simply by spaying or neutering their dog. For the male Shih Tzu lifespan, if an owner has the dog neutered, it will eradicate the possibility of developing testicular cancer.
Maltese dogs have a life expectancy of 14-16 years. Some live even longer. The average lifespan of a Maltese can reach fifteen years.
Answer by N
The Maltese Shih Tzu is a "designer breed," a cross between a Maltese and Shih Tzu. Designer dogs aren't true breeds — they're crosses of two specific breeds. If you're interested in a Maltese Shih Tzu puppy, understand that his looks, size, and temperament aren't as predictable as those of purebreds, since you don't know which characteristics from each breed will show up in any given dog.
Maltese Shih Tzus are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Maltese Shih Tzus can suffer from respiratory problems. Heat and humidity can aggravate these conditions, so a home with air-conditioning is best.
The normal lifespan of the Maltese Shih Tzu mix is 12-14 years.
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Answer by chetco
According to several breed sites, Shih Tzu live 12-14 years. Maltese live 15-17 years.
A lot depends on how much they are loved, and how well they are cared for, so yours should live very long lives.
Answer by embigguns
Maltese Shih Tzus may live 16 years
Know better? Give your own answer to this question!
anthony jimenez says
I stumbled across this post in anguish. The light of my life Lilly passed away suddenly at just under 10 years old. She was a Shitzu Maltese mix, and an amazingly sweet girl. My wife found her dead in the yard, eyes wide open and no signs of trauma. She would have been 10 in a few months. All of our dogs are well cared for and out live their expected life spans. So I’m in grief, and I guess my thoughts should be weighed in that light. She was my constant companion, and the glue that bonded my wife and I in our dating years. She knew everytime I really needed her, and was next to me at every moment I can think of. Spirited? When I brought home a giant schnauzer that has grown to 93 pounds, she mentored and kept pace with her. OK. Enough. Lilly was a special dog. She was better than most humans. I have another, Faith, that is amazing as well, and has big shoes to walk in. I guess you should all take this into account: this amazing, wonderful dog toppled over at just under 10 years old in the yard, I assume from a massive heart attack. All the info on the net shows 12 to 14 years minimum. They are very anxious, and clearly, now that I’m looking closer, prone to heart failure. So be aware, they will steal your heart, and defend it to the death, at their own expense. They live hard and die young, making everything they touch better.
RussianDog says
So sorry to hear about your loss! R.I.P. Lilly, little girl…
Diane halford says
My almost seven yr old schitzu,Maltese is getting less active. Is this normal. I am 84 and have not been as active and chatty as usual because of illness. I do take him to daycare two or three times a week which he has always loved and always got excited to go but lately not so much. He seldom plays by himself with his toys anymore.
Sometimes I wonder if he is worried about me but has never been a real cuddly lovey dog .
I have had him since he was a puppy and love him dearly. He’s such a sweet little guy.
He had a bout with pancreatitis but it’s been awhile. He is still on prescription food ..maybe he misses cheese and his favorite treats..
I shoot balls for him and he used to go and go but now he sometimes sits down after a few.
He has been to the vet and all his blood work and urine is fine.
I don’t know if I should ask about an X-ray.
Mark says
Seven years is not a big age for Malshi though it’s difficult to expect a 7-year-old to be as active and playful as a puppy. Watch your boy attentively to make sure he hasn’t got any pains (muscles, teeth, bones). Carefully turn his head from side to side, move his legs. Pain is a frequent cause of the change in behavior. If you find something that bothers him, ask your vet for a remedy.
Anne Millman says
How much does a Maltese shit zui cost and where do you find them and do they have a rescue for them. Do you think they will make a good diabetic service dog for me. Thank you!
Art F. says
Malshi is not a real breed but a mix of two breeds, a Maltese dog and Shih Tzu, that are both popular for their beautiful appearance. You can find Maltese/Shih Tzus on the internet, and they normally cost from 300 to 800 dollars. They are nice dogs that can be trained to do certain things but for such a vitally important function as a diabetic service dog, it’s better to use pure dog breeds that have already proved to be good diabetic alert dogs, first of all, Labradors and Poodles. You have probably visited a specialized website https://www.diabeticalertdogsofamerica.com/ where they give more information about the dogs that suit this job best.
spaceytracey3 says
I work at a grooming shop and have had shihtzu's and Maltese's as old as 20 yrs. When I was young we had a maltese put down at 26.
Lees says
My mums maltishit is 16. Going strong with a bit of dementia
Christine DeCosta says
Thank you…..God Bless you. You helped me some much today.
Christine DeCosta says
Spaceytracey3. You made my day!