Mal-Shi vs Spantriever Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Malshi or Spantriever?

Compare the Mal-Shi and Spantriever breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a Malshi or a Spantriever? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you

Differences only

Other names

Malshi, Malt-Tzu, Malti Zu

Weight

What is the average weight of Mal-Shi and Spantriever?

7.0 pounds ( 3 kg )

37.5 pounds ( 17 kg )

Height

What is the average height of Mal-Shi and Spantriever

9.5 inches ( 24.1 cm )

14.0 inches ( 35.6 cm )

Hypoallergenic

Are Mal-Shis or Spantrievers hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, neither Mal-Shi nor Spantriever are hypoallergenic, which may not make them the best choice for dog lovers who suffer from pet allergies.

Temperament

What are the personalities of Mal-Shi and Spantriever dogs?

Affectionate
Independent
Loving
Playful
Social
Alert
Intelligent
Going
Quiet

Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Trainable
Cheerful
Quiet
Faithful

Shedding Level

Do Mal-Shis shed more than Spantrievers, or which breed sheds more, Mal-Shis or Spantrievers?

Mal-Shis shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

Spantrievers are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Ancestry

What are the origins of Mal-Shi and Spantriever breeds?

Shih Tzu, Maltese

English Cocker Spaniel and Labrador Retriever

Date of Birth

When were Mal-Shi and Spantriever breeds first developed?

1990

Unknown

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Mal-Shi and Spantriever dogs?

Hazel
Amber

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Mal-Shi and Spantriever?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Mal-Shi and Spantriever breeds?

White
Black
Brown

Black
Gray
Brown
Red
Cream
Fawn
White

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Mal-Shi and Spantriever breeds?

Mal-Shis are known for their coat length.

Spantrievers have medium-length coats.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Mal-Shi and Spantriever?

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Mal-Shi and Spantriever?

Straight

Wavy

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Mal-Shi and Spantriever?

12-15 puppies per pregnancy

A Mal-Shi can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

5-10 puppies per pregnancy

A Spantriever can have a litter of 5-10 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Mal-Shis have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.

Spantrievers are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Health Issues

Between Mal-Shi and Spantriever, which breed is more prone to health problems?

Mal-Shi and Spantriever breeds are generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Mal-Shi and Spantriever breeds?

Patellar Luxation
Respiratory Problems

Patellar Luxation
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Mal-Shi and Spantriever?

None Known

Allergies
Eye Problems
Idiopathic Epilepsy

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Mal-Shi and Spantriever breeds?

X-Rays
Respiratory Tests
Full Body Physical Examination especially of the joints

X-Rays
Eye Examination
Full Body Physical Examination especially of the joints
Thyroid Panel

Social Needs

Mal-Shi vs Spantriever social needs comparison

Mal-Shi has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Spantriever has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Mal-Shi or Spantriever?

Mal-Shis have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

Spantrievers are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Mal-Shi vs Spantriever?

Roaming urge

Mal-Shi vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

Mal-Shi or Spantriever - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Mal-Shis or Spantrievers?

Medium

Both Mal-Shi and Spantriever are medium-energy dogs that enjoy socializing and playing with other dogs. They may engage in casual or sustained games of chase, and occasionally have bursts of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How many miles should Mal-Shi or Spantriever walk each week?

5 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Mal-Shi, it's at least 5 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

9 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Spantriever, it's at least 9 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Mal-Shis or Spantrievers require more exercise?

60 minutes

In general most Mal-Shis usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

45 minutes

In general most Spantrievers usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Mal-Shis or Spantrievers?

The Mal-Shi requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

The Spantriever has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Mal-Shi and Spantriever dogs?

Daily

Ideally, both Mal-Shi and Spantriever should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) to improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Mal-Shis and Spantrievers?

Pin Brush
Clipper
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Scissors
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Mal-Shi or Spantriever in cups?

1 cups

For an average 10-12 pound (5 - 5 kg) Mal-Shi feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

2 cups

For an average 45-50 pound (20 - 23 kg) Spantriever feed 2 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Mal-Shi or Spantriever?

$1.40 - $1.40 / day

The average cost of a Mal-Shi is somewhere $1.40 - $1.40 per day.

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Spantriever is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Mal-Shi or Spantriever?

$35 - $42 / month

The average per month expenses of a Mal-Shi is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Spantriever is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Sensitivity Level

How do Mal-Shi and Spantriever compare in sensitivity?

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Mal-Shi or Spantriever?

Mal-Shis are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

The Spantriever is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.

Child Friendly

Do Mal-Shis or Spantrievers have a friendlier temperament towards children?

Mal-Shis are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

Spantrievers make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Mal-Shi or Spantriever?

Cat Friendly

Do Mal-Shi or Spantriever breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

Mal-Shis are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Spantrievers are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Mal-Shi or Spantriever?

Mal-Shis are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

Spantrievers are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

Pet friendly

How do Mal-Shi or Spantriever dogs interact with other pets?

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Mal-Shi or Spantriever?

Mal-Shis are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Spantrievers are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Mal-Shi and Spantriever?

Mal-Shis have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

Spantrievers are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Mal-Shis and Spantrievers compare?

Mal-Shis are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.

The Spantriever is highly intelligent and eager to please, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced dog owners due to its easy trainability.