Maltese vs Mal-Shi Comparison – Which dog is better Maltese lion dog or Malti Zu?
"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Mal-Shi"
Compare Maltese and Mal-Shi. Which is better: Maltese or Mal-Shi?
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| Name | Maltese | Mal-Shi |
|---|---|---|
| Origins |  Italy |  United States  Canada |
| Group | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs |
| Popularity Rank | 33 | 222 |
| Reviews | 3 | 2 |
| User Ratings |
| Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Maltese and Mal-Shi. What other names are these breeds known by? |
Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog |
Malti Zu Malt-Tzu Malshi |
|---|---|---|
| Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Maltese and a Mal-Shi. Learn about their genetic backgrounds. | Purebred | Cross Breed |
Maltese vs Mal-Shi Size and Weight Comparison
| Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Maltese or a Mal-Shi? Compare size differences between these breeds. | Small | Small |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Maltese and a Mal-Shi. Which breed is heavier? | 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) | 5-15 pounds (2.3-6.8 kg) |
| Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) | 10 pounds (2.3-6.8 kg) |
| Height
Which is taller, Maltese or Mal-Shi? Is a Maltese taller than a Mal-Shi? | Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) | 10-20 inces (25-51 cm) |
| Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) | 10-20 inces (38 cm) |
Maltese vs Mal-Shi Price and Availability Comparison
| Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Maltese and a Mal-Shi. Which breed costs more? | $600-$800 | $800-$1000 |
|---|---|---|
| Availability
Which is easier to get, Maltese or Mal-Shi? | Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get. | Average: The Mal-Shi is a commonly available dog breed. |
Maltese vs Mal-Shi Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
| Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Maltese or a Mal-Shi? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities. | Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. | Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. |
|---|---|---|
| Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Maltese or a Mal-Shi? Compare training requirements. | Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. | Mal-Shi dogs are quite easy to train. |
| Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Maltese or a Mal-Shi? Compare alertness levels. | Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. | Mal-Shi dogs are average watchdogs. |
| Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Maltese or a Mal-Shi? Compare territorial behaviors. | Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. | Mal-Shi dogs strongly protect their territory. |
Maltese vs Mal-Shi Personality and Temperament Comparison
| Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Maltese and a Mal-Shi. How do their temperaments differ? |
Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing |
Playful Loving Independent Alert Intelligent Affectionate Going Social Quiet |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Maltese vs Mal-Shi? | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. |
| Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Mal-Shi? | High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Mal-Shi dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
| Social Needs
Maltese vs Mal-Shi social needs comparison: | Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Mal-Shi dogs are a social breed. |
| Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Maltese vs Mal-Shi? | Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. | Mal-Shi dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. |
| Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Maltese vs Mal-Shi? Which can be better for hunting? | Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Mal-Shi dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. |
Maltese vs Mal-Shi Activity and Playfulness Comparison
| Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Maltese or a Mal-Shi? Compare vocalization tendencies. | A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. | Average: The Mal-Shi barks occasionally. |
|---|---|---|
| Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Maltese or a Mal-Shi? Compare play drive and energy. | Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. | Average: Mal-Shis, like any other dog breed, like playing. |
| Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Maltese or a Mal-Shi? Compare living space needs. | Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed. | It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Mal-Shi indoors. |
Maltese vs Mal-Shi Adaptability and Independence Comparison
| Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Maltese or a Mal-Shi? Compare adaptability levels. | Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Average: Mal-Shi dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually. |
|---|---|---|
| Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Mal-Shi? | Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them. | Mal-Shi dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work. |
Maltese vs Mal-Shi Bite Characteristics Comparison
| Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Maltese or a Mal-Shi? Compare biting tendencies. | Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Mal-Shi has a low chance of biting somebody. |
|---|---|---|
| Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Maltese or a Mal-Shi? Compare mouthing behaviors. | Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Mal-Shi dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. |
| Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Maltese or a Mal-Shi? Compare bite force PSI. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Mal-Shi bite force: Weak. |
Maltese vs Mal-Shi Health and Lifespan Comparison
| Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Maltese or a Mal-Shi? Compare average lifespans. |
14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years |
11-15 years The average lifespan of Mal-Shi: 13 years |
|---|---|---|
| Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Maltese or a Mal-Shi? Compare climate tolerances. | Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. |
| Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Maltese and a Mal-Shi. Which breed is healthier? | The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. | The Mal-Shi is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. |
| Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Maltese vs Mal-Shi? |
Average The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Average The Mal-Shi should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
| Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Mal-Shi? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Mal-Shi health problems comparison: |
Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome | No data available |
Maltese vs Mal-Shi Energy and Activity Comparison
| Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Maltese or a Mal-Shi? Compare activity levels. | Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you. | Mal-Shi dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you. |
|---|---|---|
| Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Maltese vs Mal-Shi exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Mal-Shi? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal. | Mal-Shi dogs have an average exercise need. |
| Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Mal-Shi? | Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed. | Mal-Shi dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed. |
Maltese vs Mal-Shi Diet and Weight Management Comparison
| Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Maltese or a Mal-Shi? Compare obesity risks. | Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Mal-Shi's weight, he can easily gain weight. |
|---|---|---|
| Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Maltese or a Mal-Shi? Compare daily food needs. | Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. | 1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. |
Maltese vs Mal-Shi Allergies and Grooming Comparison
| Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Maltese or a Mal-Shi? Compare allergy friendliness. | Yes See more. | No See more. |
|---|---|---|
| Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Maltese and Mal-Shi? Compare breed colors. | White |
Black Gray White Brown Yellow |
| Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Maltese or a Mal-Shi? Compare maintenance needs. | Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. | Average: The Mal-Shi requires average grooming effort. |
| Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Maltese or a Mal-Shi? Compare drooling amounts. | The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Mal-Shi is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
| Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Maltese or a Mal-Shi? Compare natural smell levels. | Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell. | Low 🔽 The Mal-Shi has a low chance of bad smell. |
| Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Maltese and a Mal-Shi? Compare fur types. | Feathered |
Silky Soft Wavy Double |
| Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Maltese or a Mal-Shi? Compare bathing frequencies. | 6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. |
| Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maltese or Mal-Shi? Do Maltese dogs shed more than Mal-Shi dogs? | Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. | Mal-Shi dogs shed none to minimal. |
Maltese vs Mal-Shi Good With Comparison
| Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Maltese or a Mal-Shi? Compare kid-friendliness. | Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs. | Mal-Shi dogs are kid-friendly dogs. |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets? | Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. | Mal-Shi dogs are generally with other pets. |
| Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Mal-Shi? Which dog is more friendly? | Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs. | Mal-Shi dogs are average friendly towards strangers. |
| Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Mal-Shi? | Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Mal-Shi dogs are average friendly towards cats. |
| Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Mal-Shi? Can a Maltese and a Mal-Shi be friends? Do Maltese dogs get along with Mal-Shi dogs? | Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | Mal-Shi dogs are dog-friendly dogs. |
| Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Maltese vs Mal-Shi? |
Yes Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Yes Mal-Shi dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
| Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office? |
No Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No Mal-Shi is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
| Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people? | Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people. | Mal-Shis are usually recommended for elderly people. |
Maltese vs Mal-Shi As a Working Dog Comparison
| Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Maltese or a Mal-Shi? Compare service capabilities. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
|---|---|---|
| Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Maltese or a Mal-Shi? Compare therapy capabilities. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. |
| Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Maltese or a Mal-Shi? Compare scenting abilities. | Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. | Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. |
| Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a Maltese or a Mal-Shi? Compare SAR abilities. | Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. | Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. |
| Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a Maltese or a Mal-Shi? Compare maritime abilities. | Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Mal-Shi breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
| Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Maltese or a Mal-Shi? Compare draft work capabilities. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
| Military Service Background
Compare military history between Maltese and Mal-Shi. Which has stronger military background? | Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog. | Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog. |
Maltese vs Mal-Shi Reproducibility Comparison
| Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Maltese and Mal-Shi. Which has larger litters? | 3-5 puppies | 4-8 puppies |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Maltese and Mal-Shi breeds. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
| Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Maltese and Mal-Shi. Which needs longer recovery? | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Maltese vs Mal-Shi Recognition Comparison
| AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Maltese and Mal-Shi. Which groups do they belong to? | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. | Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. |
|---|---|---|
| FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Maltese and Mal-Shi. Which groups are they in? | Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section. | Not recognized by FCI. |
| Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Maltese and Mal-Shi. Which is more widely recognized? |
American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club | No data available |
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