Introduction: Meet the Maltese Shih Tzu (Mal-Shi)
The Maltese Shih Tzu, also called the Mal-Shi, is a designer dog breed that combines the elegance of the Maltese with the charm of the Shih Tzu. These small, affectionate, and intelligent dogs are known for their fluffy double coats, soulful eyes, and energetic personalities.
One of the most rewarding (and necessary) parts of owning a Mal-Shi is regular grooming. Why? Because their hair grows continuously and tends to mat easily if not maintained—especially around the eyes, ears, and paws. With the right haircut, your pup can not only look picture-perfect but also stay cool, comfortable, and healthy.
This guide brings you the top 10 Maltese Shih Tzu haircut styles, grooming tips, maintenance advice, and more to keep your fluffy friend fabulous all year round.
Why Grooming Matters for a Mal-Shi
Grooming a Maltese Shih Tzu isn’t just about keeping them adorable—it’s a core part of their health and hygiene.
Here’s why regular grooming is essential:
- Prevents mats and tangles, which can irritate the skin
- Helps detect ticks, fleas, or skin infections early
- Keeps their coat breathable in hot weather
- Reduces shedding and allergens in your home
- Promotes bonding between pet and owner
Whether you go to a groomer or try DIY grooming, knowing which haircut fits your pup’s personality and your lifestyle is key.
The Top 11 Haircuts for Maltese Shih Tzu Dogs
Here are ten tried-and-true grooming styles that combine practicality, cuteness, and comfort for your Mal-Shi.
1. The Puppy Cut
Best for: Easy maintenance, all seasons, active dogs
The puppy cut is a classic grooming style that works wonders for Mal-Shis. It involves trimming the entire coat to an even length—usually 1 to 2 inches long.
Benefits:
- Keeps the coat manageable and neat
- Minimizes matting and tangling
- Comfortable in both warm and cool climates
- Makes brushing quicker and easier
Pro Tip: Combine the puppy cut with short bangs to keep hair away from the eyes and nose.
2. The Teddy Bear Cut
Best for: Maximum cuteness, show-off moments
The teddy bear cut gives your dog a rounded face with fluffy ears and cheeks—resembling an actual stuffed toy. The body hair is trimmed slightly longer than the puppy cut (around 2 inches), while the face is carefully sculpted for a plush, rounded effect.
What makes it special:
- Emphasizes the dog’s round eyes and short snout
- Makes your pup incredibly photogenic
- Adds volume to their already fluffy coat
Grooming Frequency: Every 4–6 weeks
3. The Lion Cut
Best for: Hot climates, dogs with confidence and sass
The lion cut is a bold and daring style where the body is clipped very short, while a mane is left around the neck, head, chest, and tail tip—giving a regal lion-like appearance.
Why it works:
- Reduces overall heat retention
- Easy to maintain for high-energy dogs
- Makes a fashion statement!
Caution: Make sure your pup isn’t shy or easily cold—this cut shows a lot of skin.
4. The Summer Cut
Best for: Hot seasons, dogs prone to overheating
As the name suggests, the summer cut is designed to keep your dog cool during hot weather. The entire body is trimmed very short—about ¼ to ½ inch long—while the face and ears remain slightly longer for style.
Advantages:
- Easy to brush and bathe
- Perfect for outdoor-loving dogs
- Reduces the risk of heat exhaustion
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Reminder: Always apply pet-safe sunscreen to exposed areas if your pup spends a lot of time outside.
5. The Top Knot Style
Best for: Glamorous looks, long facial hair
This style is all about letting the top of the head grow longer, tied into a neat ponytail or bun using soft bands or bows. The body can be kept in a puppy or teddy cut.
Top Features:
- Keeps hair out of your dog’s eyes
- Perfect for accessorizing with bows or clips
- Gives a classic Maltese look with Shih Tzu flair
Maintenance: Requires daily brushing and band replacement
6. The Schnauzer Cut
Best for: Mature-looking pups, medium-to-coarse coat texture
This elegant style mimics the Schnauzer’s beard and eyebrow lines. The body is cut short, legs slightly longer, and the face is shaped with a longer muzzle and defined brows.
Why choose it:
- A sophisticated, clean-cut look
- Keeps the coat low-maintenance while stylish
- Suitable for dogs that don’t mind regular brushing
Maintenance: Brush the beard and brows daily to avoid buildup or food residue.
7. The Westie-Inspired Cut
Best for: Spunky dogs, easy movement, outdoor-friendly look
Borrowed from the West Highland White Terrier, this style includes a short body and fuller fur around the face and legs. It gives your Mal-Shi a sporty and playful look.
Highlights:
- Low-maintenance body
- Stylish face framing
- Great for dogs who roll around and play outside often
8. The Panda Cut
Best for: Fun-loving pet parents and social media stars
Want a conversation-starting look? The panda cut creates fluffy eye “patches” and rounded ears, giving your pup the look of a tiny panda bear. The rest of the coat is trimmed short for contrast.
Good to know:
- Best done by a skilled professional groomer
- Extremely photogenic
- Ideal for dogs who love attention!
9. The Bob Cut
Best for: Chic looks, easy daily maintenance
A modern, symmetrical bob adds style without complicating your grooming schedule. This style includes medium-length body hair and a rounded face and ear line—just like a human bob hairstyle.
Perfect for:
- City dogs with fashion-forward owners
- Mal-Shis that hate grooming sessions
- Dogs with soft, manageable coats
10. The Asian Fusion Cu
Best for: Artistic and creative grooming fans
Asian Fusion is a modern grooming trend that uses exaggerated round shapes and creative styling. This includes rounded ears, a bubble head, and pom-pom legs.
Why it stands out:
- Highly customizable
- Extremely cute and Instagram-worthy
- Works well with bows, scarves, and fur-safe chalk coloring
Note: This style needs a groomer experienced in Asian Fusion.
Grooming Tools You’ll Need at Home
Investing in the right grooming tools helps maintain your dog’s coat between appointments.
Essential tools:
- Slicker brush
- Stainless steel comb
- Dog-friendly detangling spray
- Electric clippers with guards
- Blunt-tip grooming scissors
- Nail clippers or grinder
- Ear cleaner
- Tear stain remover pads
How to Maintain Each Style Between Trims
- Brush daily to prevent knots
- Clean ears weekly to avoid infections
- Use a dog-safe dry shampoo when you can’t bathe
- Wipe tear stains daily with a gentle pad
- Trim nails every 2–3 weeks
- Use bows or ties gently to avoid scalp irritation
Common Grooming Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping brushing between grooming appointments
- Using human shampoos on your dog
- Cutting mats with scissors (can lead to cuts or injuries)
- Tying top knots too tight
- Bathing without detangling first
Choosing the Best Style for Your Dog’s Personality and Lifestyle
Consider these questions:
- Does your dog enjoy being brushed daily?
- Do you live in a warm or cold climate?
- Is your dog highly active or mostly indoors?
- Do you have time for weekly grooming maintenance?
Match your Mal-Shi’s energy, comfort level, and your grooming habits with the cut that fits best.
Professional Grooming vs DIY: What’s Right for You?
DIY Grooming:
- Budget-friendly
- Great bonding experience
- Requires patience and time
Professional Grooming:
- Expert-level results
- Safer for complicated styles
- More convenient
You can even combine both—do weekly maintenance at home and visit the groomer every 6–8 weeks.
Seasonal Grooming Advice for Mal-Shis
Spring/Summer:
- Go shorter to reduce heat
- Use flea/tick prevention
Fall/Winter:
- Keep fur slightly longer
- Moisturize skin to prevent dryness
Adjust your dog’s haircut with the changing seasons to keep them cozy and protected.
Final Thoughts: A Happy Dog Is a Well-Groomed Dog
Your Maltese Shih Tzu’s haircut is more than just style—it’s about comfort, health, and personality. Whether you go for a playful teddy bear cut or a sophisticated Schnauzer style, regular grooming keeps your Mal-Shi feeling loved, fresh, and healthy.
Choose the style that suits your pup best and don’t be afraid to try something new. After all, nothing beats the joy of seeing your little furball looking and feeling their absolute best.
