Affectionate
Independent
Loving
Playful
Social
Alert
Intelligent
Going
Quiet

Adaptable
Fearless
Loyal
Companionable
Loving
Obedient

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

Leonbergers 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 a Leonberger 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

Germany

Shih Tzu, Maltese

newfoundland, long haired saint bernard, pyrenean mountain dog

1990

1800s

Hazel
Amber

Brown

Black

Black

White
Black
Brown

Black
Gray
Brown
Red
Cream
Sable
Brindle

Mal-Shis are known for their coat length.

Leonbergers 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.

A Leonberger can have a litter of 8-10 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.

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

Leonbergers are susceptible to health issues like all breeds, so it's important to monitor their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

Patellar Luxation
Respiratory Problems

Hip Dysplasia
Eye Problems

None Known

Laryngeal Paralysis
Inherited Leonberger Polyneuropathy

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

Hip X-Rays
Eyes
Hips
Skeletal
Physical Examination
Throat

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

Leonbergers' 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.

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

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

Leonbergers 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.

Leonbergers 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.

Leonberger is an average drooler, monitor for excessive drooling which may indicate health issues.

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

Leonbergers 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.

Leonberger 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.

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 Leonberger, it's at least 15 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.

Leonberger 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
Dematter
Comb
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 120-170 pound (54 - 77 kg) Leonberger feed 4.5 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 a Leonberger is somewhere $4.20 - $4.90 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 Leonberger is between $126 - $147. This makes an average of $1512 - $1764 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.

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

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

The Leonberger is not suitable for apartments and requires a large yard to thrive. Pent-up energy in small spaces can lead to destructive behavior.

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

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

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

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