Maltese Shih Tzu
The Maltese Shih Tzu, or Malshi, is one of the most common dogs in Australia and one of the least written about. The coat is long and soft and never stops growing. Most need a groom every eight weeks.
- Coat type
- Long
- Groom every
- 8 weeks
- Brushing at home
- Line brush every 2 to 3 days
- Shedding
- Very little. Most of it stays in the coat.
- Watch for
- Tear stains, and knots behind the ears and under the legs
- Time in the salon
- About 95 minutes for a Full Groom
A coat you cannot predict
A Maltese Shih Tzu is a Maltese crossed with a Shih Tzu. There is no set breed standard, so there is no set coat. Some are fine and silky like the Maltese side. Some are thicker and cottony like the Shih Tzu side. Most sit somewhere in between. What they share is hair that grows without stopping, so it needs cutting rather than tidying.
Why eight weeks
Long hair rubs against itself and knots where the dog moves most. Both parent breeds are known for it. A cottony coat is the harder of the two, because it grips itself and flattens down against the skin rather than tangling loosely. Eight weeks keeps the trim short enough that brushing at home still reaches the skin, which is the whole point of brushing.
Some Malshis have the shorter Shih Tzu muzzle. We hand dry those dogs, keep the session short, and stop if your dog needs a break.
Home care between grooms
- Line brush every two to three days. Hold the coat up with one hand and brush a thin line at a time, from the skin out.
- Wipe under the eyes each day with a damp cloth, and check behind the ears while you are there.
- Check under the front legs and where the harness sits. Those flatten first.
Line brushing, shown by iGroomHub, our partner. This is how our groomers brush, and it is the way to do it at home.
What you need at home
- Steel comb
Run it down to the skin. If it stops, you have found a knot.
- Slicker brush
This is the brush you line brush with. Follow it with the comb.
- Shampoo and conditioner
A good conditioner keeps long hair sliding past itself instead of knotting. Our range is made with chemists: 100% natural, vegan and palm oil free.
What we do for Maltese Shih Tzus at WOOOF
Most book a Full Groom: bath, full dry, ears, nails, a face trim and a scissor finish, about 95 minutes. Face shape is the choice most owners care about, so bring a photo. If the coat has flattened we add dematting and shorten the gap to the next visit. Bring puppies to the Happy Puppy Club first.
What a Maltese Shih Tzu groom costs
Set to a small dog with a long coat, which is where a Malshi sits.
Showing the lowest prices, for a small dog with a curly / long coat. Pick your dog’s weight and coat to see their price.
Add to any service
- Teeth Brush$30
- Nail Trim$25
- Nail filing$15
- DemattingFrom $34quoted on arrival
- DesheddingFrom $34quoted on arrival
Specialist grooming and programmes
Grooming that is priced after a conversation, a consultation, a coat assessment or a programme rather than a standard slot.
Happy Puppy Club
Short, positive sessions that teach a puppy the salon is a good place, so their whole grooming life is easier. Start any time from their first vaccinations.
See how the club works →
Spa treatments
Hydrospa and therapeutic treatments for coat, skin and muscular health, for itchy skin, dull coats, and older dogs who feel their walks the next day.
Browse treatments →
Hand stripping
Terriers and Spaniels whose coats are better hand stripped, or stripped and clipped. Duration and price depend on the coat.
Talk to our team →
Asian freestyle groom
Soft, sculpted, toy-like styling by an award-winning stylist: rounded faces, fuller legs, even braids. For smaller dense or curly coats groomed every 4 weeks.
Talk to our team →Cancellations and late arrivals
Please give us 24 hours if plans change. Arriving more than 15 minutes late may mean we cannot finish the groom booked.
Safe handling fee
A $30 safe handling fee applies where a dog needs two groomers or extra time to stay safe and comfortable. We always call you first.
Ready when you are
You’re 2 minutes away from happiness. Our booking portal helps you select the right services for your dog and shows you live calendar availability.
Book nowService prices are a starting point. The exact price is confirmed at drop-off, based on grooming time, coat condition, size and any extra handling. Add-on prices are exact.
Common questions
How often does a Maltese Shih Tzu need grooming?
Every eight weeks. The coat grows constantly and knots at the skin, and both parent breeds are known for needing regular trims.
Is a Maltese Shih Tzu easy to look after?
The dog is easy. The coat is work. It never stops growing, so it needs clipping every eight weeks and brushing every few days.
Where this comes from
Dogs NSW, Maltese. "A Maltese should be clipped approximately every 8 weeks."
Dogs NSW, Shih Tzu. The coat "has the tendency to matt overnight so it must be kept clean and free from tangles".
RSPCA Australia, Why and how should I groom my dog? Brush knots out before they turn into mats.
RSPCA South Australia, The complete guide to grooming your dog. Poodles, poodle crosses and wiry haired terriers need regular combing. Trapped hair can cause ear and eye infections.
WOOOF groomers are not vets. We tell you what we see on the table and send you to your vet. Nothing here is vet advice.