Unfortunately, the Mal-Shi is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Fourche Terriers are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Affectionate
Independent
Loving
Playful
Social
Alert
Intelligent
Going
Quiet

Playful
Independent
Energetic
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Loyal

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

Avoid Fourche Terriers as watchdogs - they're not effective.

United States

United States

Shih Tzu, Maltese

Yorkshire Terrier and Westie

1990

2000s

Hazel
Amber

Brown

Black

Black

White
Black
Brown

Black
White
Brown
Gray
Brindle

Mal-Shis are known for their coat length.

Fourche Terriers have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Straight

Wavy

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.

A Fourche Terrier can have a litter of 4-6 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.

Fourche Terriers 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.

The Fourche Terrier breed is generally very healthy, requiring minimal vet visits. Still, it's important to keep an eye on their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

Patellar Luxation
Respiratory Problems

Patellar Luxation
Tracheal Collapse
Portosystemic Shunt
Craniomandibular Osteopathy

None Known

Seborrhea
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

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

X-Rays
MRI
CT Scan
Eye Examination
Skin Evaluation
Ultrasound
Blood Tests
Hearing Tests
Complete Physical Examination

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

Fourche Terriers are a good choice for a low-key lifestyle due to their low energy levels.

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

Fourche Terrier has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

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

Fourche Terriers sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

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

Fetch, Walk, Long walk, Pool, Long walks, Walking, Brushing, Belly rub, Tug-of-war

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.

Fourche Terriers 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 Fourche Terrier, it's at least 6 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most Mal-Shis usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Fourche Terriers usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

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

Fourche Terriers have high grooming needs, requiring regular trims and professional grooming assistance to keep their coat healthy.

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

Fourche Terrier 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
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 13-15 pound (6 - 7 kg) Fourche Terrier feed 2 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 a Fourche Terrier is somewhere $1.40 - $2.80 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 a Fourche Terrier is between $42 - $84. This makes an average of $504 - $1008 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.

Fourche Terriers 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 Fourche Terrier 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.

Fourche Terriers have an average level of friendliness towards children.

Mal-Shis are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Fourche Terriers are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

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

Fourche Terriers are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

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

Fourche Terriers are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

Mal-Shis have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

Fourche Terriers are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

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

Fourche Terriers are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.