Affectionate
Independent
Loving
Playful
Social
Alert
Intelligent
Going
Quiet

Alert
Dignified
Friendly
Responsive
Courageous
Docile
Intelligent
Vigilant
Independent
Faithful
Willing
Protective

Mal-Shis shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

Akita Inus shed a lot of hair each year, so frequent brushing is essential for reducing shedding and maintaining coat health.

Mal-Shis are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Choose an Akita Inu if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

United States

Japan

Shih Tzu, Maltese

Northern Spitz

1990

1600s

Hazel
Amber

Brown

Black

Black
Brown

White
Black
Brown

Brindle
White
Silver
Fawn
Red
Black
Brown

Mal-Shis are known for their coat length.

Akita Inus have medium-length coats.

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.

An Akita Inu can have a litter of 10-14 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.

Mal-Shis have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.

Akita Inus are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Patellar Luxation
Respiratory Problems

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hip Dysplasia
Bloat
Von Willebrand's Disease
Autoimmune Thyroiditis

None Known

Elbow Dysplasia
Pemphigus
Sebaceous Adenitis

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

Eye
Hip
Elbow
Blood
Dna For Vwd
X-Rays
Physical Examination

Mal-Shis are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

Akita Inus' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

Mal-Shi has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Akita Inu has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.

Mal-Shis need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

Akita Inus require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

Mal-Shis have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

Akita Inus sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

Mal-Shi minimally drools, ideal for those who dislike drool marks on clothing.

Akita Inu excessively drools, consider a different breed if not appealing.

Mal-Shis bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Akita Inus are typically quiet and only bark when needed, such as to alert their owner or when in distress.

Mal-Shi dogs have a strong protective nature and territorial instinct. They are highly vigilant and will fiercely defend their home and family.

Akita Inu dogs are highly protective and make excellent guard dogs due to their strong instinct to defend their territory and owners, and their high level of vigilance.

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

Run, Frisbee, Chase, Sniff, Swim, Play, Walk, Fetch, Walking, Tug-of-war, Running, Training, Listen to me, Belly rubs

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.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Akita Inu, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

The Mal-Shi requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

The Akita Inu has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

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

Akita Inu should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Pin Brush
Clipper
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

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.

For an average 100-130 pound (45 - 59 kg) Akita Inu feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

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

The average cost of an Akita Inu is somewhere $2.80 - $3.20 per day.

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.

The average per month expenses of an Akita Inu is between $84 - $95. This makes an average of $1008 - $1140 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 has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.

Akita Inus are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

Mal-Shis are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

Akita Inus make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

Mal-Shis are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

Akita Inus are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Mal-Shis are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Akita Inus are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

Mal-Shis are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.

Akita Inus are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.