Toy Schnauzer vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Toy Schnauzer is originated from Germany but Mal-Shi is originated from United States. Both Toy Schnauzer and Mal-Shi are having almost same height. Both Toy Schnauzer and Mal-Shi are having almost same weight. Both Toy Schnauzer and Mal-Shi has same life span. Toy Schnauzer may have more litter size than Mal-Shi. Both Toy Schnauzer and Mal-Shi requires Moderate maintenance.

History

The Miniature Schnauzer was actually a distinct breed as early as 1899. It is believed that the dog came from breeding the smallest Standard Schnauzers with Affenpinschers, Black Poodles, and the gray Spitz.

Miniature Schnauzers were registered as a separate breed in 1926. The Toy Schnauzer is registered as a Miniature Schnauzer but is actually a little bit smaller.

The Miniature Schnauzer was developed as a farm dog with the purpose of killing rats.

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

The Toy Schnauzer is a small dog standing at between 33–35cm tall and weighing about 4 to 9 kg.

He has medium length hair which is hard and wiry and which requires minimal grooming. These low-shedding dogs make the ideal family pets for those people who have allergies.

Colors of the coat are essentially black and silver, chocolate or a salt and pepper look. You'll find they have a beard and bushy eyebrows, giving him an almost human-like expression.

These dogs were brought about to be all-around farm dogs and ratters and they are tough, muscular, and fearless without being aggressive.

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

The Toy Schnauzer is spunky, strong-willed and confident. They all have different personalities and while some people report they are aloof, stubborn and uppity, others say they are playful, friendly and amicable.

A lot depends on the owners as dogs often develop the temperaments of the owners.

With this range in temperament, you can’t say with certainty how your Toy Schnauzer will turn out. Most of them just want to be involved with their human families and they make great family pets.

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

Your Toy Schnauzer has a life expectancy of 12 – 15 years if you care for them properly. They can, however, suffer from some health problems that so many other dogs might also have to contend with.

Some of these are -

Cataracts:

You’ll notice your pet's eyes taking on a filmy look. Most times these cataracts emerge in older dogs and they can be surgically removed.

Entropion and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) are other eye diseases that may affect your dog. Most dogs are able to adapt well to their limited vision and can even adapt to lost vision.

Bladder Infection:

A bladder infection can be terribly uncomfortable for your pet and occurs when bacteria gets into the bladder. Females are more likely to get a bladder infection, but male dogs can pick up the infection too. Having a bladder infection increases the pet’s urge to urinate even when there is no urine to come out.

The little bit of urine that does come out may be cloudy or even have some blood in it. It is imperative to get your pet urgent veterinary attention. When you see your pet trying to urinate all the time with nothing happening, then this is the sign to get your dog to the vet for a course of antibiotics.

Congenital Megaesophagus: 

This is when food and liquid are retained in the dog's esophagus so that you find him regurgitating his food. This can lead to pneumonia.

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

Most people have their Toy Schnauzers professionally groomed on a regular basis. He is a double-coated dog with a wiry coat. Some people, looking to maintain the wiry texture do hand-stripping, certainly if the dog is used for show purposes.

Diet:

No dog deserves to have dry kibble served up to him day after day. However, there are some excellent commercial dog foods on the market and you can choose the best one.

These foods provide a lot of convenience for the dog owner. Dogs also need to have their share of home-made food. It doesn’t have to be all complicated as dogs like simplicity.

Wholesome foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice and some nutritious vegetables such as sweet potatoes, spinach and carrots can do him the world of good. Schnauzers are also prone to pancreatis so you want to avoid giving him food that is high in fat.

Exercise:

Toy Schnauzers love an active lifestyle. They don't like sitting around inactive for too long.

Your Toy Schnauzer can adapt to life in the country or the city but he will certainly need to be well exercised. Walking your dog each day will be essential as will ball games and just generally giving your pet some of your attention,

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:
Toy dog
Companion dog
Origin:
Germany
United States
Height Male:
33 - 35 cm
12 - 14 inches
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
Height Female:
33 - 35 cm
12 - 14 inches
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
4 - 9 kg
8 - 20 pounds
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
Weight Female:
4 - 9 kg
8 - 20 pounds
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
2 - 5
Size:
Toy dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Miniature Schnauzer
Malti Tzu
Colors Available:
Black and silver, chocolate or a salt and pepper look
white and apricot, brown., black and white, White
Coat:
Medium length, hard and wiry
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
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

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. Toy Schnauzer vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Toy Schnauzer vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  28. Toy Schnauzer vs Morkie - Breed Comparison
  29. Toy Schnauzer vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  30. Toy Schnauzer vs Chorkie - Breed Comparison
  31. Toy Schnauzer vs Pekingese - Breed Comparison
  32. Toy Schnauzer vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Toy Schnauzer vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  34. Toy Schnauzer vs Chug - Breed Comparison
  35. Toy Schnauzer vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  36. Toy Schnauzer vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  37. Toy Schnauzer vs Chipoo - Breed Comparison
  38. Toy Schnauzer vs Chiapom - Breed Comparison
  39. Toy Schnauzer vs English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) - Breed Comparison
  40. Toy Schnauzer vs Long Haired Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  41. Toy Schnauzer vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  42. Toy Schnauzer vs Russian Toy Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Toy Schnauzer vs Franzuskaya Bolonka - Breed Comparison
  44. Toy Schnauzer vs Phalene - Breed Comparison
  45. Toy Schnauzer vs Bugg - Breed Comparison
  46. Toy Schnauzer vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  47. Toy Schnauzer vs Shih Tzu - Breed Comparison
  48. Toy Schnauzer vs Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Toy Schnauzer vs Snorkie - Breed Comparison
  50. Toy Schnauzer vs Toy Bulldog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds