Oreo Cookie is a 2 year old, 10 lb Maltese/Shih Tzu mix with a heart full of sweetness and a dash of mischievous charm!

Quick Facts:

Name: Oreo Cookie
Breed: Maltese/Shih Tzu mix
Age: 2 years old
Weight: 10 lbs.
House-Trained: Working on it! He does mark some but this may decrease after his neuter.
Crate-Trained: Yes
Good with Dogs: Yes (he does well with most dogs, but needs proper/slow introductions. He does have some resource guarding tendencies with food, so separate feeding is a must!)
Good with Cats: Not tested
Good with Kids: Yes - good with school-aged kids and older who are slow/respectful with him.
Energy Level: Low/Medium
Fence Required: No
Dog's Location: Maiden, NC

About Oreo Cookie's Breed:

Our best guess is that Oreo is a Maltese/Shih Tzu mixed breed. Maltese/Shih Tzu mixes - often called Malshis - are sweet natured, affectionate little companions known for their gentle temperaments and people oriented personalities. They blend the Maltese's cuddly softness with the Shih Tzu's calm, friendly charm, creating a dog who loves being close, enjoys cozy routines, and thrives on human connection.

Their ideal home is one that offers steady companionship, patience, and a calm environment. Malshis do well in apartments or houses, with families who appreciate a low to moderate energy dog and can provide consistent training, gentle guidance, and lots of affection. They're typically great with respectful children, friendly dogs, and even cats when introduced properly. With warmth, routine, and a loving human nearby, Maltese/Shih Tzu mixes become incredibly devoted, joyful little partners.

What to Love about Oreo Cookie:

Oreo is a total cuddle bug who wants nothing more than to be on your lap or right by your side! In the beginning, he'll try a few attention getting tricks - marking, hopping baby gates, or choosing the soft carpet over the hardwood - so keeping him close during the adjustment period is key. He can jump higher than you'd expect, so food on tables and unsecured fences are no match for this tiny acrobat. Oreo has some separation anxiety when crated alone, but if everyone is crated, he settles much better. At night, he prefers to sleep in the same room as his person, and he finds comfort in his crate when it includes something with your scent, like a worn T shirt.
He's skittish with new people at first but warms up beautifully over multiple encounters, especially with respectful school aged kids. Oreo has done well with dogs after proper introductions - he favored the female dog in his foster home initially and eventually got along with both, though he may show resource guarding with male dogs. He could thrive as an only pet or with dog siblings who match his personality. He hasn't met cats yet but would be open to a slow meet and greet. Oreo enjoys daily walks, has low to medium energy, and has a more dominant play style. He is working on his potty training and does sometimes mark initially in new environments, but he is making great strides with his training! He travels well in the car after the first ride and loves sitting on a lap, calm and content. With his affectionate nature, quirky habits, and desire to be close, Oreo Cookie is looking for an experienced, patient owner who will help him feel secure, guide him gently, and let him blossom into the loving companion he's meant to be!

Oreo Cookie's Outstanding Highlights:

• 2 year old, 10 lb Maltese/Shih Tzu mix with a cuddly, affectionate nature
• Total lap dog who wants to be close to his person at all times
• Attention seeking in the beginning - may mark or jump gates until he feels secure
• Surprisingly high jumper who can reach tables and fence gaps
• Separation anxiety when crated alone but settles better if all pets are crated together
• Prefers sleeping in the owner's room and finds comfort in a crate with their scent
• Skittish at first but warms up over multiple gentle encounters
• Dog selective - may guard around male dogs but adjusts with proper introductions
• Good with respectful school aged kids who move slowly and calmly
• Low to medium energy with good leash manners and a dominant play style

Comprehensive details are provided in the dog's description. to ensure a smooth process, please submit a completed application through our website at: http://crisisdogsnc.org/dog-adoption/. Please note that questions via email or social media channels may not receive a response without a completed application. As part of our commitment to responsible adoption practices, we require excellent veterinarian references and conduct virtual home visits. Additionally, your prior or current dog must be on year-round heartworm prevention. We assist with coordinating transportation by both land and air whenever feasible. All assessments regarding breed and age are conducted by licensed veterinarians. We look forward to assisting you in finding your perfect canine companion!