Affectionate
Independent
Loving
Playful
Social
Alert
Intelligent
Going
Quiet

Curious
Dignified
Independent
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Faithful
Vigilant
Willing

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

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

Shih Tzu, Maltese

German Shepherd and Akita

1990

Mid 1900s

Hazel
Amber

Brown

Black

Black
Brown

White
Black
Brown

Brindle
White
Silver
Fawn
Black
Red
Brown
Sable
Gray

Mal-Shis are known for their coat length.

Akita Shepherds 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 Shepherd can have a litter of 3-12 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 Shepherds are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

While the Mal-Shi breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Akita Shepherds typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

Patellar Luxation
Respiratory Problems

Canine Hip Dysplasia
Bloat
Von Willebrand's Disease
Degenerative Myelopathy
Congenital Heart Defect
Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

None Known

Elbow Dysplasia
Panosteitis
Pemphigus
Sebaceous Adenitis
Pannus
Perianal Fistulas
Hemophilia
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

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

Cardiac
Eye
Hip
Blood
Dna For Vwd
Internal Imaging (x-ray, CT scan, MRI, etc.)
Full Body Physical Examination

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

Akita Shepherd 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 Shepherds need only a small amount of physical activity, ideal for busy or elderly people or those with limited space.

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

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

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

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

Hike, Run, Fetch, Hikes, Walk, K9 scent work, Smart, Playful, Endless energy, Sweet, Swim, Running, Swimming, Walking, Skateboarding, Hiking, Play, Play keep away, Tug-of-war, Nap, Cuddling, Bird watching, Tag

Mal-Shis are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Akita Shepherds are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

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 Shepherd, it's at least 14 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

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

Akita Shepherd 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
Slicker 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 65-85 pound (29 - 39 kg) Akita Shepherd feed 2.5 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 Shepherd is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 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 Shepherd is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 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 Shepherds 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.

The Akita Shepherd is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.

Mal-Shis are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

Akita Shepherds make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

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

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

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

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