Maltese/shitzu

[Remarkabull]

I have a Maltese x Shih Tzu atm. He was for sale in a pet shop but was older and therefore bigger than the other pups so potential buyers all thought he was going to be too big. Apparently they also didn't like his colour (black & silver, marked like a shnauzer), everyone wants a white puppy .

Anyway, I knew the owner of the shop and she asked if I would have him, so sucker that I am, I did.

He has some issues with strangers, particularly men, and he has the messed up jaw with one tooth hanging out the side of his mouth, but so far no health issues and he is great (if a little bossy) with other dogs.

I would never recommend them though, apart from the fact that they are crosses, you just never know what you're going to get. I've been a groomer and seen some with terrible health and temperament issues.

[Moselle]

Mongrel through and through, and are horrible usually when mixed together

An unfair statement, such a comment is akin to saying that a child from mixed parentage is horrible, you cannot generalise.

umm nothing alike at all, dogs are not humans

cross those two breeds and conformation goes down the toilet, I agree the vast majority are horrible

Yes RSG, I know dogs are not human but same concept, if you know what I mean. My train of thought is that there is good and bad in every avenue, every race, every nook and crannie and to label a particular nationality or in this case, breed or xbreed of dog as horrible is just too harsh and unrealistic. I am sure that lots of others would agree with me, fair crack of the whip, hey? So sad....

[Moselle]

A cross breed is a dog that is bred by crossing 2 pure breeds together.

A mongrel is a dog who's parents are both either cross breeds themselves and/or of many different breeds.

A Maltese x Shih Tzu is a cross breed dog, not a mongrel....provided that either parent was a pure breed of each.

Very accurate statement.

[bradf1405]

Mongrel through and through, and are horrible usually when mixed together

I totally disagree with your comment! I have had pure breed dogs all my life except for the last dog, which was a Maltese/Shitzu. He passed away 2 weeks ago with cancer at age 15. He was the best, most loyal, obedient, and loving dog I have ever had. I would not hesitate to purchase another Maltese/Shitzu. Some would say there is not bad dog, just a bad owner. Dogs like people learn by example.

Welcome to DOL, bradf1405.

The problem with cross breeds is that you can in one puppy get traits from one breed, and other puppy will be more like the other parent, and there is no way to tell what you will get in your mix puppy.

So while your last dog was excellent, your next one might be totally different. It is such a big lottery as to what traits you may end up with when people cross breed.

If your last dog had excellent traits, it would be worth you researching both malt, and shih tzu, and seeing which breed has the traits that were most like what you loved about your last dog. And then buying that breed to ensure you get a dog that is how you want it to be.

The other danger with cross breeding is that there is no incentive for the breeder to use really good dogs for breeding, as cross breed fluffy puppies will sell very fast regardless of any physical problems they may develop when older, and it is hard to see problems under a fluffy coat.

Buying a purebreed from a good ethical breeder is really the only way you can buy a puppy and know what to expect in terms of conformation and behaviour.

Cross breeds such are a lucky dip. And unfortunately, many grow up to be so different from what their owners imagined when they first met their cute ball of fluff.

Unfortunately, there are bad dogs and good dogs and sometimes good owners can end up with a bad dogs if they buy one that is really badly bred. Good breeders are so important for the future of dogs. They are the ones that developed the traits and looks that we admire in our dogs. Cross breeders do not do anything to ensure that the dog they breed has the right genes to pass these traits on to future generations of dogs. They are in it for the money alone, and they put no thought into genetic health at all.

With your reasoning, immigration is not OK too! And a race should never be interbred!! Is this being "racist" ?

Question? Have you got different ethnic backgrounds in your family line? Or are you purebred too?

All dog breed have been interbred to create the so called "pure bred" we know today.

Almost dog breeders will have your beliefs to protect there pockets! I'm not a not breeder, nor am I interested in dog shows. I'm just a person that loves dogs and looks after my pet(s).

With by all my past pure bred dogs, each also have a different traits and behaviour in the same "pure bred" type.

Upbringing in both humans and dogs is very important and greatly determines how one character, traits & behaviour is shaped - not just ones breeding.

Don't get me wrong, I loved them all no matter what pure bred or X bred they were.

I'm happy to take pot luck with another Maltese/Shitzu any day.

[bradf1405]

Mongrel through and through, and are horrible usually when mixed together

I totally disagree with your comment! I have had pure breed dogs all my life except for the last dog, which was a Maltese/Shitzu. He passed away 2 weeks ago with cancer at age 15. He was the best, most loyal, obedient, and loving dog I have ever had. I would not hesitate to purchase another Maltese/Shitzu. Some would say there is not bad dog, just a bad owner. Dogs like people learn by example.

Welcome to DOL, bradf1405.

The problem with cross breeds is that you can in one puppy get traits from one breed, and other puppy will be more like the other parent, and there is no way to tell what you will get in your mix puppy.

So while your last dog was excellent, your next one might be totally different. It is such a big lottery as to what traits you may end up with when people cross breed.

If your last dog had excellent traits, it would be worth you researching both malt, and shih tzu, and seeing which breed has the traits that were most like what you loved about your last dog. And then buying that breed to ensure you get a dog that is how you want it to be.

The other danger with cross breeding is that there is no incentive for the breeder to use really good dogs for breeding, as cross breed fluffy puppies will sell very fast regardless of any physical problems they may develop when older, and it is hard to see problems under a fluffy coat.

Buying a purebreed from a good ethical breeder is really the only way you can buy a puppy and know what to expect in terms of conformation and behaviour.

Cross breeds such are a lucky dip. And unfortunately, many grow up to be so different from what their owners imagined when they first met their cute ball of fluff.

Unfortunately, there are bad dogs and good dogs and sometimes good owners can end up with a bad dogs if they buy one that is really badly bred. Good breeders are so important for the future of dogs. They are the ones that developed the traits and looks that we admire in our dogs. Cross breeders do not do anything to ensure that the dog they breed has the right genes to pass these traits on to future generations of dogs. They are in it for the money alone, and they put no thought into genetic health at all.

With your reasoning, immigration is not OK too! And a race should never be interbred!! Is this being "racist" ?

Question? Have you got different ethnic backgrounds in your family line? Or are you purebred too?

All dog breed have been interbred to create the so called "pure bred" we know today.

Almost dog breeders will have your beliefs to protect there pockets! I'm not a not breeder, nor am I interested in dog shows. I'm just a person that loves dogs and looks after my pet(s).

With by all my past pure bred dogs, each also have a different traits and behaviour in the same "pure bred" type.

Upbringing in both humans and dogs is very important and greatly determines how one character, traits & behaviour is shaped - not just ones breeding.

Don't get me wrong, I loved them all no matter what pure bred or X bred they were.

I'm happy to take pot luck with another Maltese/Shitzu any day.

[Moselle]

Mongrel through and through, and are horrible usually when mixed together

I totally disagree with your comment! I have had pure breed dogs all my life except for the last dog, which was a Maltese/Shitzu. He passed away 2 weeks ago with cancer at age 15. He was the best, most loyal, obedient, and loving dog I have ever had. I would not hesitate to purchase another Maltese/Shitzu. Some would say there is not bad dog, just a bad owner. Dogs like people learn by example.

Welcome to DOL, bradf1405.

The problem with cross breeds is that you can in one puppy get traits from one breed, and other puppy will be more like the other parent, and there is no way to tell what you will get in your mix puppy.

So while your last dog was excellent, your next one might be totally different. It is such a big lottery as to what traits you may end up with when people cross breed.

If your last dog had excellent traits, it would be worth you researching both malt, and shih tzu, and seeing which breed has the traits that were most like what you loved about your last dog. And then buying that breed to ensure you get a dog that is how you want it to be.

The other danger with cross breeding is that there is no incentive for the breeder to use really good dogs for breeding, as cross breed fluffy puppies will sell very fast regardless of any physical problems they may develop when older, and it is hard to see problems under a fluffy coat.

Buying a purebreed from a good ethical breeder is really the only way you can buy a puppy and know what to expect in terms of conformation and behaviour.

Cross breeds such are a lucky dip. And unfortunately, many grow up to be so different from what their owners imagined when they first met their cute ball of fluff.

Unfortunately, there are bad dogs and good dogs and sometimes good owners can end up with a bad dogs if they buy one that is really badly bred. Good breeders are so important for the future of dogs. They are the ones that developed the traits and looks that we admire in our dogs. Cross breeders do not do anything to ensure that the dog they breed has the right genes to pass these traits on to future generations of dogs. They are in it for the money alone, and they put no thought into genetic health at all.

With your reasoning, immigration is not OK too! And a race should never be interbred!! Is this being "racist" ?

Question? Have you got different ethnic backgrounds in your family line? Or are you purebred too?

All dog breed have been interbred to create the so called "pure bred" we know today.

Almost dog breeders will have your beliefs to protect there pockets! I'm not a not breeder, nor am I interested in dog shows. I'm just a person that loves dogs and looks after my pet(s).

With by all my past pure bred dogs, each also have a different traits and behaviour in the same "pure bred" type.

Upbringing in both humans and dogs is very important and greatly determines how one character, traits & behaviour is shaped - not just ones breeding.

Don't get me wrong, I loved them all no matter what pure bred or X bred they were.

I'm happy to take pot luck with another Maltese/Shitzu any day.

I could not have put it better myself brad. It is so true that even amongst purebreds, dogs have differing temperaments, not all purebreds are the same, not all purebreds are predictable and even amongst littermates there is a diffference in personality....you get the livelier pup, you get the timid pup, you get the boisterous pup, you get the runt and so the list goes on.

[raz]

Oh dear. Buckle up folks. Hi Brad. You might want to equate yourself with the board rules.

Edited November 18, 2010 by raz

[Moselle]

I have a Maltese x Shih Tzu atm. He was for sale in a pet shop but was older and therefore bigger than the other pups so potential buyers all thought he was going to be too big. Apparently they also didn't like his colour (black & silver, marked like a shnauzer), everyone wants a white puppy .

Anyway, I knew the owner of the shop and she asked if I would have him, so sucker that I am, I did.

He has some issues with strangers, particularly men, and he has the messed up jaw with one tooth hanging out the side of his mouth, but so far no health issues and he is great (if a little bossy) with other dogs.

I would never recommend them though, apart from the fact that they are crosses, you just never know what you're going to get. I've been a groomer and seen some with terrible health and temperament issues.

I bet that not all shih tzu x maltese have issues with strangers or men, it isn't a particular trait of theirs. This has more to do with their upbringing rather than a breed or xbreed characteristic.

I don't doubt that there are purebred dogs out there in the big wide world that may have a dislike for men or strangers alike. This has nothing to do with breed.....lest we forget - let us not blame the breed (or crossbreed) but the deed....or realistically speaking....the upbringing.

[stormie]

Oh lordy, here we go again...

Moselle, do you spend your days trolling threads to stir up trouble?

Brad - Welcome. But this is a Purebred forum.

[stormie]

I have a Maltese x Shih Tzu atm. He was for sale in a pet shop but was older and therefore bigger than the other pups so potential buyers all thought he was going to be too big. Apparently they also didn't like his colour (black & silver, marked like a shnauzer), everyone wants a white puppy .

Anyway, I knew the owner of the shop and she asked if I would have him, so sucker that I am, I did.

He has some issues with strangers, particularly men, and he has the messed up jaw with one tooth hanging out the side of his mouth, but so far no health issues and he is great (if a little bossy) with other dogs.

I would never recommend them though, apart from the fact that they are crosses, you just never know what you're going to get. I've been a groomer and seen some with terrible health and temperament issues.

I bet that not all shih tzu x maltese have issues with strangers or men, it isn't a particular trait of theirs. This has more to do with their upbringing rather than a breed or xbreed characteristic.

I don't doubt that there are purebred dogs out there in the big wide world that may have a dislike for men or strangers alike. This has nothing to do with breed.....lest we forget - let us not blame the breed (or crossbreed) but the deed....or realistically speaking....the upbringing.

A cross bred dog doesn't have traits.

And I disagree that it's only upbringing which determines personality. Yes, a dogs personality may vary through the breed, but can be quite similar throughout certain lines.

Edited November 18, 2010 by stormie

[Moselle]

Oh lordy, here we go again...

Moselle, do you spend your days trolling threads to stir up trouble?

Brad - Welcome. But this is a Purebred forum.

You may not agree with my thoughts but that does not entitle you to label me a troll? I was stating the obvious in saying that there is good and bad everywhere and you accuse me of wanting to stir trouble??

[stormie]

Oh lordy, here we go again...

Moselle, do you spend your days trolling threads to stir up trouble?

Brad - Welcome. But this is a Purebred forum.

You may not agree with my thoughts but that does not entitle you to label me a troll? I was stating the obvious in saying that there is good and bad everywhere and you accuse me of wanting to stir trouble??

Um where did I label you a troll? The word was used as an adjective. Sorry, I should have said sifting or browsing

[Moselle]

I have a Maltese x Shih Tzu atm. He was for sale in a pet shop but was older and therefore bigger than the other pups so potential buyers all thought he was going to be too big. Apparently they also didn't like his colour (black & silver, marked like a shnauzer), everyone wants a white puppy .

Anyway, I knew the owner of the shop and she asked if I would have him, so sucker that I am, I did.

He has some issues with strangers, particularly men, and he has the messed up jaw with one tooth hanging out the side of his mouth, but so far no health issues and he is great (if a little bossy) with other dogs.

I would never recommend them though, apart from the fact that they are crosses, you just never know what you're going to get. I've been a groomer and seen some with terrible health and temperament issues.

I bet that not all shih tzu x maltese have issues with strangers or men, it isn't a particular trait of theirs. This has more to do with their upbringing rather than a breed or xbreed characteristic.

I don't doubt that there are purebred dogs out there in the big wide world that may have a dislike for men or strangers alike. This has nothing to do with breed.....lest we forget - let us not blame the breed (or crossbreed) but the deed....or realistically speaking....the upbringing.

A cross bred dog doesn't have traits.

And I disagree that it's only upbringing which determines personality. Yes, a dogs personality may vary through the breed, but can be quite similar throughout certain lines.

How can you say that? you know only too well that when the subject of pit bulls arises and they are all categorised as being a vicious breed of dog, all PB lovers jump on their soap boxes (and rightfully so) with stories that if a PB attacks it is because of an irresponsible owner and so forth....yet how is it that the same rule of thumb doesn't apply to crossbred dogs? All I am asking for here is FAIRNESS, I cannot stand hypocrisy. Yes this is a purebred dog forum but that is not to say that we have to denigrate crossbred dogs as being the pit of the earth!

[Are You Serious Jo]

I've seen some Godawful shih tzu/maltese crosses over the years, you take two different types of conformation and cross them and you end up with disasters. Especially the mouths, all over the place, and the coats . I haven't seen one cross of those breeds that could hold a candle to a pure of either breeds.

[poodlefan]

How can you say that? you know only too well that when the subject of pit bulls arises and they are all categorised as being a vicious breed of dog, all PB lovers jump on their soap boxes (and rightfully so) with stories that if a PB attacks it is because of an irresponsible owner and so forth....yet how is it that the same rule of thumb doesn't apply to crossbred dogs? All I am asking for here is FAIRNESS, I cannot stand hypocrisy. Yes this is a purebred dog forum but that is not to say that we have to denigrate crossbred dogs as being the pit of the earth!

Pitbulls were developed to be dog aggressive - the chances of getting a DA one is higher in that breed because it was selected for and desireable in the breed when it was developed.

On the other hand, to be handled at the level of arousal required for the fighting ring, they HAD to be very non people aggressive. A dog that couldn't be handled was a danger to its owner. That's a point made very strongly by breed defenders when accusations that the breed is "vicious" are levelled.

If you're going to cite the arguments used by defenders of the breed when talking about attacks on people please get your facts straight. Irresponsible ownership is not confined to owners of this breed.

Few posters are denigrating crossbred dogs. Some posters are promoting them - and that's a breach of forum rules. You seem to have particular trouble abiding by that rule Moselle.

Edited November 18, 2010 by poodlefan

[stormie]

How can you say that? you know only too well that when the subject of pit bulls arises and they are all categorised as being a vicious breed of dog, all PB lovers jump on their soap boxes (and rightfully so) with stories that if a PB attacks it is because of an irresponsible owner and so forth....yet how is it that the same rule of thumb doesn't apply to crossbred dogs? All I am asking for here is FAIRNESS, I cannot stand hypocrisy. Yes this is a purebred dog forum but that is not to say that we have to denigrate crossbred dogs as being the pit of the earth!

Pitbulls were developed to be dog aggressive - the chances of getting a DA one is higher in that breed because it was selected for and desireable in the breed when it was developed.

On the other hand, to be handled at the level of arousal required for the fighting ring, they HAD to be very non people aggressive. A dog that couldn't be handled was a danger to its owner. That's a point made very strongly by breed defenders when accusations that the breed is "vicious" are levelled.

If you're going to cite the arguments used by defenders of the breed when talking about attacks on people please get your facts straight. Irresponsible ownership is not confined to owners of this breed.

Few posters are denigrating crossbred dogs. Some posters are promoting them - and that's a breach of forum rules. You seem to have particular trouble abiding by that rule Moselle.

Thank you PF - answered better than I could.

[poodlefan]

How can you say that? you know only too well that when the subject of pit bulls arises and they are all categorised as being a vicious breed of dog, all PB lovers jump on their soap boxes (and rightfully so) with stories that if a PB attacks it is because of an irresponsible owner and so forth....yet how is it that the same rule of thumb doesn't apply to crossbred dogs? All I am asking for here is FAIRNESS, I cannot stand hypocrisy. Yes this is a purebred dog forum but that is not to say that we have to denigrate crossbred dogs as being the pit of the earth!

Pitbulls were developed to be dog aggressive - the chances of getting a DA one is higher in that breed because it was selected for and desireable in the breed when it was developed.

On the other hand, to be handled at the level of arousal required for the fighting ring, they HAD to be very non people aggressive. A dog that couldn't be handled was a danger to its owner. That's a point made very strongly by breed defenders when accusations that the breed is "vicious" are levelled.

If you're going to cite the arguments used by defenders of the breed when talking about attacks on people please get your facts straight. Irresponsible ownership is not confined to owners of this breed.

Few posters are denigrating crossbred dogs. Some posters are promoting them - and that's a breach of forum rules. You seem to have particular trouble abiding by that rule Moselle.

Thank you PF - answered better than I could.

The whole point of purebred dogs is that its the very predictability of their traits that lead to breeds being developed and then bred on.

A crossbred dog by virtue of its lineage is less preditable in terms of which traits it will inherit from its parents. Its a canine lottery. And, as I pointed out, when bred out of less than ideal specimens of any breed you get less than ideal pups. The difference between your average BYB cross of these breeds and well bred purebred parents is vast.

[Remarkabull]

I have a Maltese x Shih Tzu atm. He was for sale in a pet shop but was older and therefore bigger than the other pups so potential buyers all thought he was going to be too big. Apparently they also didn't like his colour (black & silver, marked like a shnauzer), everyone wants a white puppy .

Anyway, I knew the owner of the shop and she asked if I would have him, so sucker that I am, I did.

He has some issues with strangers, particularly men, and he has the messed up jaw with one tooth hanging out the side of his mouth, but so far no health issues and he is great (if a little bossy) with other dogs.

I would never recommend them though, apart from the fact that they are crosses, you just never know what you're going to get. I've been a groomer and seen some with terrible health and temperament issues.

I bet that not all shih tzu x maltese have issues with strangers or men, it isn't a particular trait of theirs. This has more to do with their upbringing rather than a breed or xbreed characteristic.

I don't doubt that there are purebred dogs out there in the big wide world that may have a dislike for men or strangers alike. This has nothing to do with breed.....lest we forget - let us not blame the breed (or crossbreed) but the deed....or realistically speaking....the upbringing.

A cross bred dog doesn't have traits.

And I disagree that it's only upbringing which determines personality. Yes, a dogs personality may vary through the breed, but can be quite similar throughout certain lines.

I have 5 dogs Moselle, and he is the only one that has that issue. They have all be 'raised' the same way by me so I reject that in this case it has anything to do with how he was raised. I have another that is DA - she is the only dog I have that is, is that my fault too?

I agree that there are alot of spoilt, babied dogs out there that due to lack of training and socialisation have behaviour problems but I can promise you that it is not the case in this house.

I have 2 kids - they have the same parents and are being raised the same way - they are completely different from each other. Why can't that happen with dogs too, don't they have individual personalities?

[Greytmate]

With your reasoning, immigration is not OK too! And a race should never be interbred!! Is this being "racist" ?

Question? Have you got different ethnic backgrounds in your family line? Or are you purebred too?

We talk about dogs on this forum. The same rules don't apply to humans.

All dog breed have been interbred to create the so called "pure bred" we know today.

That is a myth!

Some modern breeds have had breeds crossed into them, but the original breeds came about through natural and then artificial selection, and only using certain types of dogs for breeding. Not cross breeding at all.

Think about it. How can we have anything cross anything, unless there were at least two different breeds to start with.

Almost dog breeders will have your beliefs to protect there pockets! I'm not a not breeder, nor am I interested in dog shows. I'm just a person that loves dogs and looks after my pet(s).

And one with little knowledge of purebred dogs. But you will learn if you stick around that breeding well-bred purebreed dogs is much more expensive to do than to cross breed dogs. My beliefs have everything to do with protecting dogs and not anyone's pockets.

With by all my past pure bred dogs, each also have a different traits and behaviour in the same "pure bred" type.

Nobody said all dogs are identical. But most traits have a strong genetic tendency, so if you are after certain traits you can get them by choosing dogs that have those traits in their bloodlines. And you can't do that with dogs that don't have pedigrees.

Upbringing in both humans and dogs is very important and greatly determines how one character, traits & behaviour is shaped - not just ones breeding.

My belief it is mostly genetic, and only some environmental. But then, I have worked very closely with hundreds of dogs, so have a good understanding of them. Dogs can be shaped a lot by the environment, but how they are shaped by it is determined genetically.

Don't get me wrong, I loved them all no matter what pure bred or X bred they were.

I'm happy to take pot luck with another Maltese/Shitzu any day.

That is great. There are plenty available from rescue organisations that need good homes.

The sad thing is, when people get Pot Luck dogs, and the dogs turn out to have faults or traits they were not expecting, and the dog is the one that suffers. Many dogs are sold as Whatever cross Whatever, because the breeders knows that people have no way of knowing what the dog should really look like, and won't realise they have something different.

[Moselle]

How can you say that? you know only too well that when the subject of pit bulls arises and they are all categorised as being a vicious breed of dog, all PB lovers jump on their soap boxes (and rightfully so) with stories that if a PB attacks it is because of an irresponsible owner and so forth....yet how is it that the same rule of thumb doesn't apply to crossbred dogs? All I am asking for here is FAIRNESS, I cannot stand hypocrisy. Yes this is a purebred dog forum but that is not to say that we have to denigrate crossbred dogs as being the pit of the earth!

Pitbulls were developed to be dog aggressive - the chances of getting a DA one is higher in that breed because it was selected for and desireable in the breed when it was developed.

On the other hand, to be handled at the level of arousal required for the fighting ring, they HAD to be very non people aggressive. A dog that couldn't be handled was a danger to its owner. That's a point made very strongly by breed defenders when accusations that the breed is "vicious" are levelled.

If you're going to cite the arguments used by defenders of the breed when talking about attacks on people please get your facts straight. Irresponsible ownership is not confined to owners of this breed.

Few posters are denigrating crossbred dogs. Some posters are promoting them - and that's a breach of forum rules. You seem to have particular trouble abiding by that rule Moselle.

Yes I know that pitties were bred to be DA but woe and betide if this fact is made into a discussion as all PB lovers do have a tendency to get on their high horses at the sound of that, countless times I have seen photos of a PB photographed with cats, guinea pigs, smaller dogs and human babies as a way of proving that they need not be animal aggressive. So it isnt a case of PB owners getting upset only when it comes to attacks on humans. And yes, absolutely....irresponsible owners are NOT confined to PB...god knows that there are wayyy too many irresponsible louts of any breed of dog unfortunately.

As for promoting crossbreeds - I have never done that hence I dont know what you are talking about? Having said that there is good and bad anywhere and everywhere is hardly what I call "promotion"...