Mal-Shi

also known as Malshi, Malt-Tzu, Malti Zu

Pros Summary


The Mal-Shi is a small to medium-sized breed of dog that is a cross between the Maltese and the Shih Tzu. They are known for their playful and affectionate personalities, and are often described as being loyal and devoted to their owners. Mal-Shis have a long, silky coat that comes in a variety of colors, including white, black, and brown. They are typically small dogs, weighing between 8 and 15 pounds and standing at around 8 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder. Mal-Shis are intelligent and energetic, and require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. They are generally good with children and other pets, and make excellent companion dogs for those who have a lot of time to devote to training and socialization.

Breed Information


Type

Is Mal-Shi a purebred?

Cross Breed

Purpose

What were Mal-Shis originally used for?

Companion, Therapy dog

Lifespan

How Long Do Mal-Shis Live? What is average life expectancy for a Mal-Shi? How long can Mal-Shis live?

12-15 years

The average Mal-Shi lifespan is somewhere between 12-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Mal-Shi Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Mal-Shi?

What is the average height of a Mal-Shi? How big is a Cross Breed Mal-Shi height? Mal-Shi dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 10-10 inches (25.4 - 25.4 cm) 6.0 inches (15.2 cm) 8.0 inches (20.3 cm) 9.5 inches (24.1 cm)
Female 10-10 inches (25.4 - 25.4 cm) 6.0 inches (15.2 cm) 8.0 inches (20.3 cm) 9.5 inches (24.1 cm)
What is the average weight of a Mal-Shi? How much should Mal-Shis weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 10-12 pounds (5 - 5 kg) 5.0 pounds (2 kg) 7.0 pounds (3 kg) 7.0 pounds (3 kg)
Female 6-8 pounds (3 - 4 kg) 4.0 pounds (2 kg) 6.0 pounds (3 kg) 7.0 pounds (3 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Mal-Shis get fat easily?

The Mal-Shi is a breed that has an average to high tendency to gain weight if their weight is not closely monitored. It is important to maintain a balance between exercise and food intake to keep them at a healthy weight. This can be achieved by scheduling at least one daily walk and engaging in regular playtime with them.

Hypoallergenic

Are Mal-Shis Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Mal-Shi is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Mal-Shi personality? What are Mal-Shi dogs best known for?

Affectionate
Independent
Loving
Playful
Social
Alert
Intelligent
Going
Quiet

Shedding Level

Are Mal-Shis heavy shedders? How Much Does a Mal-Shi Shed?

Mal-Shi will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Mal-Shi dog?

The Mal-Shi dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, this breed will alert their owner.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Mal-Shis come from?

United States

Ancestry

What are Mal-Shis descended from?

Shih Tzu, Maltese

Date of Birth

When were Mal-Shis first bred? How old is the Mal-Shi breed?

1990

Mal-Shi Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Mal-Shi eyes?

Hazel
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Mal-Shi nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Mal-Shi coat be naturally?

White
Black
Brown

Coat Length

How long is a Mal-Shis coat?

The coat of a Mal-Shi dog is generally known for its length.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Mal-Shi Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Mal-Shi?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Mal-Shi have in a litter? How many puppies can a Mal-Shi have in her first litter?

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.

Adaptability

Mal-Shi dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

Mal-Shi Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Mal-Shis have a lot of health problems?

The Mal-Shi is 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 to be aware of when owning a Mal-Shi?

Patellar Luxation
Respiratory Problems

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Mal-Shis?

None Known

Occasional Diagnoses

None – generally a healthy small dog

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Mal-Shi breed?

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

Mal-Shi Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Mal-Shis have a lot of energy?

For those who lead a balanced lifestyle, Mal-Shis may be a good choice as they have an average energy level.

Social Needs

Do Mal-Shis need socialization? How social are Mal-Shis?

Mal-Shi have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Mal-Shis get?

The Mal-Shi dog requires a moderate amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people who have a moderate amount of time to devote to their pet and enjoy regular physical activity themselves. They also make great family pets as they have the energy to keep up with children and the temperament to be great companions.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Mal-Shi have? Do Mal-Shis sleep a lot?

The Mal-Shi breed is known for its moderate energy levels and normal sleep patterns, typically sleeping around 12-14 hours per day.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Mal-Shi drool a lot?

The Mal-Shi is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Mal-Shis tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Do Mal-Shis exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They will fiercely defend their territory and are highly alert and vigilant against any perceived threat to their home and family.

Mouthiness

Are Mal-Shis mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Mal-Shi running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Mal-Shi dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Mal-Shis enjoy doing? How do I keep my Mal-Shi busy?

Go to Beach, Go to Park, Run, Frisbee, Road trip, Tug-of-war, Chase, Fetch, Jumping, Shake, Walks, Play, Walk, Nap, Bath time, Brushing, Dog Parks, Eating Snacks, Walking, Sitting, Sleeping, Everything, Groom, Catch treats, Ride, Play ball

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Mal-Shi? How much energy does a Mal-Shi have?

Medium

Mal-Shis are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Mal-Shi walk each week? How many miles should a Mal-Shi walk every 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.

Activity per Day

How much a Mal-Shi should exercise a day? How much activity does a Mal-Shi need?

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.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Mal-Shi?

The Mal-Shi is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Mal-Shi?

Daily

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

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Mal-Shis?

Pin Brush
Clipper
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Mal-Shi eat?

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.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Mal-Shi Cost Daily?

$1.40 - $1.40 / day

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

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Mal-Shi Cost Per Month?

$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.

Mal-Shi Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Mal-Shi?

The Mal-Shi have below the average degree of obedience intelligence among other breeds. However, calling them “dumb dogs” is unfair. Where Mal-Shis lack in obedience & working intelligence, they make up for it with their keen ability to understand human emotions.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Mal-Shi dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Mal-Shi dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Mal-Shi do well in apartments? Are Mal-Shis good indoor dogs?

Mal-Shis are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.

Child Friendly

Are Mal-Shis good with kids? Are Mal-Shis good around children?

Mal-Shis are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Mal-Shis good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Mal-Shis good with cats? How friendly Mal-Shis are toward cats?

Mal-Shis are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Mal-Shi dogs get along with other dogs? Are Mal-Shis OK with other dogs?

Mal-Shis are friendly, active and loyal companions. They generally love to be around other dogs, making them a good family pet for some,

Pet friendly

How do Mal-Shi dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Mal-Shis friendly with strangers?

Mal-Shis are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Mal-Shis like to play? Are Mal-Shis playful?

Mal-Shis have an average level of playfulness. The Mal-Shis, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Mal-Shi easily trained?

Mal-Shi dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Intelligent and trainable
    Mal-Shis are known for their intelligence and ability to learn quickly, which makes them easier to train for various tasks.
  • Loyal and affectionate
    Mal-Shis are loyal and affectionate dogs that form strong bonds with their owners and families.
  • Good with children
    Mal-Shis tend to be good with children and make excellent family pets.
  • Lack of odor
    The Mal-Shi's tendency to produce a bad smell is low.
  • Adaptable to different living situations
    Mal-Shis can adapt well to different living situations and environments, including apartment living as long as they receive adequate exercise.
  • Low maintenance
    Mal-Shis are low maintenance dogs that don't require a lot of grooming or exercise.

Cons

  • Health concerns
    Like all breeds, Mal-Shis are prone to certain health issues such as Patellar Luxation, Respiratory Problems and None Known.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Mal-Shis are not generally considered to be office-friendly dogs.
  • Tendency to gain weight
    Neglecting to watch a Mal-Shi's weight can result in unnecessary weight gain.
  • Prone to barking
    Mal-Shis are known to bark excessively, which can be a problem for people living in close quarters or with noise sensitivity.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    The non-hypoallergenic nature of Mal-Shis can lead to allergic reactions in people prone to allergies.