The Mal-Shi is typically outgoing and bold, displaying a friendly and approachable demeanor. They enjoy socializing and receiving love, attention, and playtime from everyone, including strangers, other pets, and children. However, their small size makes them vulnerable to accidental injuries, so it’s essential to closely supervise playtime, especially with younger children.

As family pets, Mal-Shis are affectionate and devoted to their owners, showing loyalty and alertness that make them good watchdogs. Despite their watchdog qualities, they are more interested in making friends than acting as guard dogs.

The Mal-Shi is incredibly versatile and can thrive in various living environments, including apartments and larger residences. They adapt well to different climates, though they may need monitoring in warmer temperatures to prevent overexertion and may require additional layers to keep warm in colder weather. As devoted companion animals, Mal-Shis have a strong preference for being with their families and can experience separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.

As a mixed breed, the Mal-Shi may inherit health conditions prevalent in either or both of its parent breeds, although it could also be fortunate and not develop any. Common health issues to watch for in Mal-Shis include respiratory problems, White Shaker Syndrome, and patellar luxation. Inquiring with the breeder about the genetic background of the parents and requesting relevant health clearances can provide reassurance regarding potential health risks.

Mal-Shis are smart and love spending time with their owners, making them easy to train for everyone. They learn basic commands quickly and enjoy learning new tricks through training.

They can be a bit stubborn, but consistent and positive training works best. Being sensitive, harsh scolding can upset them, so it’s important to be gentle.

House training can be challenging because they’re small, but using a crate early on and sticking to a routine helps. Since they have small bladders, they need to go outside frequently, especially when they’re young.

Because they’re tiny, it’s easy to spoil them, but too much pampering can lead to bad behavior. It’s best to reward good behavior without overdoing it.

A Mal-Shi typically possesses a lengthy, wavy coat with a soft texture, showcasing various colors like white, black, brown, or tan. While they usually shed minimally, daily brushing is necessary to prevent tangles and mats. Trimming their coat shorter may lessen the need for brushing every few days. Professional grooming sessions several times a year, unless managed at home, are important for their comfort and coat maintenance.

In addition to coat care, regular grooming tasks are essential for Mal-Shi’s overall health. Monthly nail trimming prevents excessive growth that may impede movement. Consistent ear checks and gentle cleaning reduce the risk of ear infections from trapped moisture or debris. Effective dental care, such as daily teeth brushing with enzyme toothpaste or providing dental chews, prevents tartar buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay. Introducing grooming practices early, including teeth brushing, paw, and ear handling during puppyhood, makes grooming routines easier as the Mal-Shi grows.

The Mal-Shi is a breed with a moderate activity level, requiring a few walks per day along with playtime to maintain their happiness and health. They have a penchant for the outdoors and will adjust their energy to match yours. If you prefer a relaxed pace, your Mal-Shi will gladly join you, relishing in extra cuddles and quality time. Conversely, if you’re more active, they’ll enthusiastically keep up. However, due to their small size, they may tire quickly and risk overexertion while trying to match your pace. It’s important to monitor them closely and take breaks or return home if you notice signs of heavy panting or struggling.

Adult Mal-Shis typically reach a height of around 10 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 6 to 12 pounds.

On average, a Mal-Shi can live for about 12 to 14 years.