Toy Australian Shepherd vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison

Toy Australian Shepherd vs Mal-Shi - Breed ComparisonBoth Toy Australian Shepherd and Mal-Shi are originated from United States. Toy Australian Shepherd may grow 6 cm / 3 inches higher than Mal-Shi. Both Toy Australian Shepherd and Mal-Shi are having almost same weight. Both Toy Australian Shepherd and Mal-Shi has almost same life span. Both Toy Australian Shepherd and Mal-Shi has almost same litter size. Both Toy Australian Shepherd and Mal-Shi requires Moderate maintenance.

History

toy australian shepherd - historyThese beautiful little dogs interestingly don’t originate in Australia. They were originally bred in the western U.S. as herding dogs.

Today they are mainly companion dogs. Their lineage goes back to a pair of sibling dogs - the Wildhagen Dutchman and Fieldmaster of Flintridge and these two dogs began the lineage to which the Miniature Australian Shepherd belongs.

Known also as ‘Aussie’, there are different stories to its exact origins. It is thought that some Basque farmers brought dogs with them when they came to Australia, taking them to the United States during the 1849 California gold rush.

The dog has been crossed with a number of breeds to bring about a dog that could cope with harsh temperatures.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Companion dog
Origin:
United States
United States
Height Male:
26 - 36 cm
10 - 15 inches
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
Height Female:
26 - 36 cm
10 - 15 inches
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 9 kg
6 - 20 pounds
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 9 kg
6 - 20 pounds
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 13 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 5
Size:
Small dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Aussie, Mini Australian Shepherd
Malti Tzu
Colors Available:
White with tan, red or blue merle, black
white and apricot, brown., black and white, White
Coat:
Medium length, weather resistant coat
Long, silky, wavy
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

toy australian shepherd puppy - descriptionThe Toy Australian Shepherd, also referred to as the Mini- or Miniature Australian Shepherd is a small dog standing at between 26 - 36 cm in height and weighing between 3 to 9kg.

He looks very similar to the standard Australian Shepherd.

He has a medium-length, weather-resistant coat which is white with tan, black, red or blue merle. The coat is long, and slightly wavy with feathering around the legs and neck.

They eyes can be blue or brown or he can have two differently colored eyes.The tail of these dogs can be a natural bobtail or it is docked. They do shed but they don’t require that much grooming.

Temperament:

These playful little dogs may be small, but they are brave and full of courage. They’re also easy going, and love nothing more than to be around their human family.

They love the games that children play and are always ready to join in, making excellent playmates for children. Lively and alert, they also make good watchdogs and because they are so intelligent, they are easy to train and socialize.

Their intelligence means they need to be physically and mentally stimulated otherwise they can become destructive from sheer boredom. They’re full of energy and will require regular exercise every day.

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

toy australian shepherd dog - characteristicsThe Toy Australian Shepherd is such a clever little dog and eager to learn too. You won’t have trouble getting him trained and socialized as he is eager to learn.

He bonds closely with his human family, becoming a loyal, devoted pet. They are also great playmates for children. They’re the kind of dogs that will require mental and physical stimulation if they are to to be prevented from becoming bored and frustrated.

They need social interaction with their human family and will be devastated if they were to be stuck in the backyard and all but forgotten.

They have a lifespan of 12 – 14 years and you want to make sure they’re happy, contented years, because he is wiling to play his part and make you a wonderful 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

toy australian shepherd puppies - health problemsMake sure your Toy Australian Shepherd sees the vet as a puppy to be dewormed and to get his first puppy injections.

Dental Disease:

Dental disease is far more serious than you think. It can affect other areas of your dog’s body. Plaque and inflamed gums lead to bone- and tooth loss.

Bad breath is a sign of periodontal disease. Find out from your vet what to do to guard against periodontitis. It’s important because ignoring bad teeth can lead to heart disease, with bacteria constantly entering the blood stream.

Parasites:

Fleas and ticks are your pet’s enemy as well as heartworm. Dogs can die from heartworm infestations. Heartworm is linked to mosquito bites, so if you live in warm areas, check with your vet for preventative measures.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is another common dog illness to watch out for. This is a painful condition where the hip joint isn’t formed properly and it can lead to terrible pain and lameness.

Skin Allergies:

Just like people endure endless misery with eczema, dogs too can develop skin allergies. They can create endless frustration and misery for any pet because of the terrible itch and pain. All the licking and scratching can lead to secondary bacterial infections too.

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

Diet:

toy australian shepherd dogs - caringYour puppy will need 4 small bowls of food a day. If you’re wondering just how much, either speak to your vet or follow the portion-guide on the packaging of the puppy dog food.

As your puppy grows older, you feed less frequently so that he is getting two meals a day as an adult. For feeding an adult, there are excellent commercial dog foods available - remember to choose a good brand for your dogs age, size and energy levels.

Try and give him some tasty home-made food too from time to time – nothing exotic and spicy – just plain foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice, spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. Dogs thrive on simple, healthy food like this. Make sure he always has a bowl of cool, fresh water to drink.

Exercise:

These energetic little bundles of fur will need regular exercise – every day in fact. He’s a smart little dog too, so you need to provide him with stimulating games that will keep his mind and his body physically fit.

Grooming:

Reduce shedding and loose hair by brushing the long hair a least twice a week. This will also help to get rid of matting. Trim nails and check for fleas and ticks.

General:

Provide your Toy Australian with a warm, dry, peaceful place to sleep. If he is outside often, make sure he has both sun and shade to lie in as well as a sheltered spot for when it rains.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Corgi - Breed Comparison
  2. Toy Australian Shepherd vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  4. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  5. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  6. Welsh Corgi vs Toy Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  7. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Pomeranian - Breed Comparison
  8. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Maltese - Breed Comparison
  9. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Pug - Breed Comparison
  10. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  12. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Maltipoo - Breed Comparison
  13. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  14. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  15. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Dachshund - Breed Comparison
  16. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  18. Toy Australian Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  20. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  21. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Cavachon - Breed Comparison
  22. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  23. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Papillon - Breed Comparison
  24. Mal-Shi vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  25. Mal-Shi vs Alaskan Klee Kai - Breed Comparison
  26. Mal-Shi vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  27. Mal-Shi vs Japanese Spitz - Breed Comparison
  28. Mal-Shi vs Fruggle - Breed Comparison
  29. Mal-Shi vs Lhasapoo - Breed Comparison
  30. Mal-Shi vs Hawaiian Poi Dog - Breed Comparison
  31. Mal-Shi vs Kyi-Leo - Breed Comparison
  32. Malti-Pom vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  33. PekePoo vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  34. Schipperke vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  35. Schweenie vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  36. Meliteo Kinidio vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  37. Prazsky Krysarik vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  38. Pugalier vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  39. Tsvetnaya Bolonka vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  40. Muggin vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  41. Pomeranian vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  42. Maltese vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  43. Pug vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  44. Maltipoo vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  45. Miniature Schnauzer vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  46. Mal-Shi vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Mal-Shi vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  48. Mal-Shi vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds