Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Mal-Shi - Breed ComparisonRhodesian Ridgeback is originated from Zimbabwe but Mal-Shi is originated from United States. Rhodesian Ridgeback may grow 39 cm / 16 inches higher than Mal-Shi. Rhodesian Ridgeback may weigh 34 kg / 75 pounds more than Mal-Shi. Both Rhodesian Ridgeback and Mal-Shi has almost same life span. Rhodesian Ridgeback may have more litter size than Mal-Shi. Rhodesian Ridgeback requires Low maintenance. But Mal-Shi requires Moderate maintenance

History

rhodesian ridgeback - historyKnown as the African Lion Dog, the courageous Rhodesian Ridgeback hails from Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe.

He was bred essentially to be a hunter as well as a home guardian. These dogs were crossed with European dogs, with the original breed standard being drafted by F.R. Barnes By the 1860s, European colonisers had imported certain European dog breeds to the area such as Greyhound, Terriers, Bloodhounds as well as other breeds. These were mixed with the indigenous African dogs.

The Ridgeback Club was also founded. It was in 1955 that the American Kennel Club recognized the dog as a member of the Hound group.

mal shi - historySmall and pretty, the Mal-shi is a new crossbreed dog which originated in the United States and only recently - in the 1990s.

There hasn’t been much interest shown in developing this small dog into an independent breed, so most of these dogs are regarded as crosses from the two parent breeds – the Maltese Poodle and the ShihTzu.

Known as a designer dog he was also bred to be a low shedder. No breed clubs for this dog have been established and there are no breed standards either.

Description

rhodesian ridgeback puppy - descriptionPerhaps the most noticeable thing with this large, handsome formidable looking dog is the ridge of hair that runs along his back and gives him his name. The rest of the coat is short and smooth and can be a reddish tan color or wheaten shade.

He is a slender, athletic dog with an alert, intelligent face. The ears of the dog are floppy and carried close to the head, being broad and then narrowing to a rounded ear. The tail is long,broad at the base and tapers. He is a large dog that stands at between 61 and 69cm and weighs between 29 and 41kg.

Temperament:

In spite of his athletic build, he isn’t an overly active dog like many other breeds but will require a walk ever day as well as ball- and rope games.

He is a quiet, gentle dog, strong and confident, while also being strong willed and independent. He is tolerant around children, but isn’t the kind of dog that relishes being around little kids who try to climb over him.

He is smart and can be easily trained. Training and socialization turn him into an awesome pet.

mal shi puppy - descriptionThe Mal-Shi is a small dog standing at around 25–30 cm in height and weighing between 3 and 7kg. As a designer dog he has a low-shedding coat of many colors – white, black and white, white and apricot and brown.

The coat is usually soft and silky and slightly wavy and it can grow long if left untrimmed. Most people take their pets to a professional groomer to be cut.

The skull of the dog is domed, he has small ears which can be half-erect and half-floppy.The tail is long and fairly feathery. Sometimes the dog inherits the underdeveloped tear duct of the Maltese and then there is that usual tear-staining around the eyes.

Temperament:

THE Mal-Si is such a cute little dog, making him a splendid pet for children and he is more than happy to be cuddled and petted. Small and active, he is adaptable and will live easily in the city or the countryside, as his exercise needs aren’t that demanding. He basically requires a walk each day and will love some ball games both inside and outdoors.

He is an extrovert and also an entertainer, and his amicable nature allows him to get along with other pets in the home. However, contrary to what he looks like, he is a bold dog, social and also intelligent, making him easy to train.

It is to any owner’s advantage to have a little dog like this trained and socialized, even though he is so good natured. He makes a great therapy dog too. When the Mal-Shi is at home he’s an affectionate, loving dog who just wants to spend time in the company of his human family.

As a companion dog, he won’t do well when left for hours on end on his own. Dogs are social creatures, and they can battle with separation anxiety when left alone for too long. Every dog owner needs to think of this before investing in a dog.

Characteristics

rhodesian ridgeback dog - characteristicsYour Ridgeback is a dignified dog who is devoted to his human family, being aloof around strangers.

He is a territorial dog and takes his job as guard dog seriously. He is confident and independent, and with his good looks, his loyalty and devotion, he is guaranteed to make you a most splendid pet and companion.

mal shi dog - characteristicsThe Maltese Shih Tzu is an attractive little dog who is guaranteed to make you a splendid pet. Those who have owned both Maltese and Maltese Shih Tzu will tell you that the temperament of this dog is more amicable than that of the Maltese.

With his amicable nature, he is willing to be everyone’s friend, and he makes a particularly good choice for elderly people.

Being such a people-dog, the Maltese Shih Tzu's greatest joy comes from being petted and taken notice of by his human family. He can’t bear to be left for long periods of time. Like any other dog, he will require training and socialization, requiring a firm, balanced, consistent, fair owner.

Cheerful and good-natured, when he is loved to the moon and back, this little dog promises to make you and exceptional best friend.

Health Problems

rhodesian ridgeback puppies - health problemsRhodesian Ridgebacks are generally healthy, robust dogs, but like with all breeds, they can also have their share of some of the common dog illnesses there are.

If you’re buying a puppy, make sure it comes from a good breeder.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is a hereditary disease which can become worse because of environmental factors such as rapid growth. The thighbone doesn’t fit properly into the hip joint.

It is sad when you see such a strong dog succumbing to hip dysplasia as it can cause a lot of pain and also make your dog lame. Arthritis can also occur.

Bloat:

For such a life threatening illness with a dog, it is wise to familiarize yourself with an emergency vet in your area. A dog with bloat needs to be rushed to the vet as soon as possible.

That is why it is better to feed your pet smaller meals daily rather than one big meal. Bloat is an ailment where there is rapid accumulation of gas in the stomach.

Dogs with deep chests are at a greater risk of bloat. Typical symptoms of bloat include restlessness, a swollen, hard stomach and trying to vomit.

Canine bloat or gastric dilatation and volvulus is a killer with dogs, with the gas accumulation causing the stomach to twist.

mal shi puppies - health problemsThe Maltese Shih Tzu is a robust little dog, and with good care he can live to be anything between 10 to 15 years of age.

There are some health issues you want to be aware of with this particular dog breed.

Respiratory Problems:

Your little canine friend can have respiratory problems because of him being a flat-faced breed. Known as brachycephalic dogs, these dogs can have breathing difficulties. They are usually fine when resting, but during exercise or if they become too hot, they battle with breathing. It makes them more prone to heatstroke, so it is important to keep dogs like this cool and calm.

Patellar Luxation:

This is actually a common problem in small dogs - dislocation of a bone at a joint. Patellar luxation is when the knee joint slides in and out of place, causing pain.

White Dog Shaker Syndrome:

This is a disease which is seen in the Shih Tzu and Maltese. Symptoms include uncontrollable shaking and tremors. These can continue all day. The illness is worse during times of stress and there may even be difficulty with walking. The cause is unknown but he will certainly need to get to the vet.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

rhodesian ridgeback dogs - caringThe Rhodesian Ridgeback only sheds a little so you can keep him looking good with a brush twice a week.The shiny coat can be maintained by wiping him down with a damp cloth. Look out for any unusual lumps you might find.

He has floppy ears so during your grooming session check inside his ears and make sure they aren’t red. You can suspect an ear infection when you see your Ridgeback shaking his head or scratching his ears.

Check inside your Ridgeback’s mouth too as dogs can’t tell you when they’ve got a rotten tooth that is causing terrible pain and also poisoning their entire system.

Trim his nails too if they don’t wear down naturally.

Diet:

Your large Rhodesian Ridgeback will need good food from you if you want to have less visits to the vet because of illness.

If you have a puppy feed him 4 bowls of food a day, but once your dog is one year of age he can have two bowls of food. Two bowls are better than one as with one bowl, your dog becomes ravenous and gobble his food down. This can lead to bloat.

It is always convenient to feed him one of the top quality commercially manufactured dog foods but he will also need some tasty home-made food too. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet – plain and simple dog food, just like dogs want.

They don’t want exotic, spicy foods that humans eat as it upsets their stomach. Chop this home-made food up ad put it into his dry kibble twice a week for a treat. Also try to give him a bit of raw meat occasionally. Never leave him without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Diet:

mal shi dogs - caringThe Mal-Shi is a small dog and will require eating two small meals a day. An adult Mal-Shi will eat according to his age, size and activity levels.The quality of the dog food you buy will make a huge difference to his wellbeing. The better quality foods – those without preservatives, colorants and fillers will ensure good health and longevity for your pet.

Don’t just give him dry kibble every time – mix in some chopped up cooked chicken, brown rice and vegetables. Remember that some vegetables like onion can be bad for your pet.

Dogs love simplicity, and feeding your dog these simple foods will ensure you don’t battle with upset stomachs. Make sure you always have a bowl of fresh, cool water available for your pet.

General:

Trim his nails when they get long and don’t wear down naturally.

Check his ears for redness, itchiness and discharge which could indicate an ear infection.

If you have him professionally groomed, you will still need to brush him twice a week. It’s also your time to check him over for ticks and fleas and any unusual lumps.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Companion dog
Origin:
Zimbabwe
United States
Height Male:
61 - 69 cm
24 - 28 inches
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
Height Female:
61 - 69 cm
24 - 28 inches
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
27 - 41 kg
59 - 91 pounds
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
Weight Female:
27 - 41 kg
59 - 91 pounds
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
7 - 10
2 - 5
Size:
Large dog
Small dog
Other Names:
African Lion Dog
Malti Tzu
Colors Available:
wheaten, tan, Fawn
white and apricot, brown., black and white, White
Coat:
Short, smooth, glossy
Long, silky, wavy
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Mal-Shi vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  2. Mal-Shi vs Alaskan Klee Kai - Breed Comparison
  3. Mal-Shi vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  4. Mal-Shi vs Japanese Spitz - Breed Comparison
  5. Mal-Shi vs Fruggle - Breed Comparison
  6. Mal-Shi vs Lhasapoo - Breed Comparison
  7. Mal-Shi vs Hawaiian Poi Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. Mal-Shi vs Kyi-Leo - Breed Comparison
  9. Malti-Pom vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  10. PekePoo vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  11. Schipperke vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  12. Schweenie vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  13. Meliteo Kinidio vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  14. Prazsky Krysarik vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  15. Pugalier vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  16. Tsvetnaya Bolonka vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  17. Muggin vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  18. Pomeranian vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  19. Maltese vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  20. Pug vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  21. Maltipoo vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  22. Miniature Schnauzer vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  23. Mal-Shi vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Mal-Shi vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  25. Mal-Shi vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  26. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Bloodhound - Breed Comparison
  27. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  28. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Francais Blanc et Noir - Breed Comparison
  29. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  30. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Borzoi - Breed Comparison
  31. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Black and Tan Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  32. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Mountain Cur - Breed Comparison
  33. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Black Mouth Cur - Breed Comparison
  34. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Rajapalayam - Breed Comparison
  35. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  36. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Plott Hound - Breed Comparison
  37. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Petit Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  38. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Otterhound - Breed Comparison
  39. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Mudhol Hound - Breed Comparison
  40. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Ibizan Hound - Breed Comparison
  41. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Rampur Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  42. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Austrian Black and Tan Hound - Breed Comparison
  43. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  44. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Azawakh - Breed Comparison
  45. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Hanover Hound - Breed Comparison
  46. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Majestic Tree Hound - Breed Comparison
  47. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Chart Polski - Breed Comparison
  48. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Polish Hunting Dog - Breed Comparison
  49. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Grand Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  50. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Hortaya Borzaya - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds