Rory

Available

3 months old|Maltese, Shih Tzu|Male|Small|Monroe, NC

♿️ Disability🤗 Affectionate🐾 Friendly🎾 Playful☺️ Gentle

Rory

Available

3 months old|Maltese, Shih Tzu|Male|Small|Monroe, NC

♿️ Disability🤗 Affectionate🐾 Friendly🎾 Playful☺️ Gentle

Rory is a small, mixed Shih Tzu/Maltese puppy with a brown and white medium-length coat, currently just 2 months old. He’s a male who will remain small, as his mother is only 9 lbs full grown. Rory is not yet house trained and has not been neutered. He is vaccinated, lives in Monroe, NC, and has special vision needs that require a patient home willing to help him thrive.

About Rory

Rory, part of the Irish Boys litter, is a small mixed Shih Tzu/Maltese pup at just 4 lbs. His mom, Tia, is only 9 lbs fully grown, so Rory will stay on the smaller side. At 10 weeks old, he sports a soft, medium-length coat with curly brown and white fur that will need regular grooming to keep it comfortable and mat-free. Born blind in his right eye and mostly blind in his left, Rory’s vision challenges haven’t slowed him down or dimmed his cheerful spirit. An eye specialist says there’s a slim chance the left eye might improve, but for now it’s a learning process. Despite his disability, Rory is eager to adjust and learns new spaces quickly with patience and guidance. He shows a special bond with other small dogs and would do best with a canine companion to help him adapt to his surroundings. Rory loves plush beds and thrives on close contact with people. When it’s playtime, he gets so happy he hops around and will jump straight into your lap. Rory is looking for someone with the patience and compassion to give a blind pup the love and security he deserves. Dogs with visual impairments adapt in remarkable ways, and Rory is a testament to how much happiness they can bring. Ready to fall in love? Hit apply and lets get started.

Questions about Rory

What type of living environment is this breed usually best suited for?
Rory, a Shih Tzu/Maltese mix, thrives in cozy indoor spaces where he can feel secure and close to people. These breeds do well in apartments or smaller homes as long as they get enough attention and care.
How much outdoor space does this breed typically need?
Rory’s small size means he doesn’t need much outdoor space. A small yard or regular walks in safe areas will be enough for him to explore and get exercise.
Is this breed typically suitable for homes with children?
Shih Tzu and Maltese mixes like Rory are known for being gentle and affectionate, making them a good fit for homes with children who know how to be gentle with small dogs.
Is this breed usually better for first-time or experienced owners?
While Shih Tzu/Maltese mixes are often suited to first-time owners, Rory’s blindness means an adopter with some experience or extra patience will be the best match for him.
Does this breed typically get along with dogs?
Rory gets along well with other dogs, especially small ones, and actually benefits from a dog companion to help him navigate his environment.
Does this breed typically get along with cats?
Rory’s type generally does well with cats, and he has been observed to get along with them, making him a flexible addition to multi-pet homes.
Does this breed typically get along with small animals?
Shih Tzu/Maltese mixes like Rory are usually gentle and curious around small animals, but supervision is always a good idea due to his playful and young nature.
How does this breed typically behave with strangers?
Rory’s breeds are friendly and sociable, often greeting strangers with curiosity and a wagging tail, especially if introduced calmly.
How long can this breed typically be left alone?
Rory will do best with a family that doesn’t leave him alone for long stretches; a few hours at a time is reasonable, but he prefers companionship throughout the day.
What level of training does this breed usually require?
With his vision limitation, Rory will need patient, gentle guidance for house training and basic commands, but Shih Tzu/Maltese mixes learn well with encouragement.
What size range does this breed generally fall into?
Rory is expected to stay small, around 9 lbs or less as an adult, due to his mom’s size and breed mix.
What is the typical lifespan of this breed?
Rory’s breed mix often lives 12 to 15 years or even longer with good care, offering plenty of years as a loyal companion.
How much does this breed typically shed?
Shih Tzu/Maltese mixes like Rory shed minimally but require regular grooming to keep their medium-length curly coat healthy and tangle-free.