Mal-Shi has high obesity risk, needs regular exercise and food control to maintain healthy weight.

Papillon has average risk of obesity, needs daily walks and quality diet to maintain healthy weight.

Affectionate
Independent
Loving
Playful
Social
Alert
Intelligent
Going
Quiet

Alert
Friendly
Energetic
Happy
Intelligent

United States

France

Shih Tzu, Maltese

spitz, spaniel

1990

1500

Hazel
Amber

Brown

Black

Black

White
Black
Brown

White
Black
Fawn
Red
Brown
Sable

Mal-Shis are known for their coat length.

Papillons have longer coats compared to most dogs.

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 Papillon can have a litter of 13-16 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.

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

Patellar Luxation
Respiratory Problems

Patellar Luxation
Deafness
Hip Dysplasia
Mitral Valve Disease

None Known

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Cataracts
Von Willebrand's Disease
Follicular Dysplasia

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

Knee
Heart
Dna For Vwd
Hips
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

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

Papillons' 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.

Papillon 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.

Papillons need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

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

Papillons 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.

Papillon dogs bark and howl frequently and are not recommended for quiet homes.

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

Walking, Playing, Walk, Sniffing, Catch treats, Off-leash, Chasing Animals, Eating Snacks, Nap

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 Papillon, it's at least 7 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 Papillons usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

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

Papillon 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

Slicker Brush
Scissors
Clipper
Nail Clipper

Mal-Shi has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.

Papillon is highly intelligent and very trainable.

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

Papillons have average emotions and adapt well to different situations.

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

Papillons are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.

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

Papillons are less friendly towards other dogs, but can improve with socialization.

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

Papillons are highly friendly around strangers.

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

Papillons are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

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

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