The Mal-Shi is a hybrid dog. His parent breeds are the Maltese and the Shih-Tzu. He is a very popular dog who is generally very happy and affectionate. He is easy to train. While he is playful and energetic, he is also just as happy to be a lapdog. He is never shy and has a tendency to make friends with anyone he encounters. He is a great family dog, and experts say he is also a great therapy dog. He will be happy in an apartment or a family home with or without a fenced-in yard. He is a small dog; at maturity he generally weighs no more than twelve pounds. He is also hypoallergenic, so he is a great companion for those with allergies.