Mal-Shi vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Mal-Shi vs Australian Kelpie - Breed ComparisonMal-Shi is originated from United States but Australian Kelpie is originated from Australia. Mal-Shi may grow 21 cm / 8 inches shorter than Australian Kelpie. Mal-Shi may weigh 13 kg / 28 pounds lesser than Australian Kelpie. Both Mal-Shi and Australian Kelpie has same life span. Both Mal-Shi and Australian Kelpie has almost same litter size. Both Mal-Shi and Australian Kelpie requires Moderate maintenance.

History

mal shi - historySmall and pretty, the Mal-shi is a new crossbreed dog which originated in the United States and only recently - in the 1990s.

There hasn’t been much interest shown in developing this small dog into an independent breed, so most of these dogs are regarded as crosses from the two parent breeds – the Maltese Poodle and the ShihTzu.

Known as a designer dog he was also bred to be a low shedder. No breed clubs for this dog have been established and there are no breed standards either.

australian kelpie - historyThe energetic Kelpie came into being around 1870, with this working dog breed having a role to play with the herding of sheep in the harsh Australian outback.The sheep and wool industry in Australia has always been big business, and Australian ranchers were looking for a tough dog that could cope with sheep but also cope with the harsh environment.

These are adaptable dogs too and their ancestors include the Coley or Collie, a British herding-type dog, the English- and the Australian Shepherd and the Dingo. In fact it is believed that up to 4% of their genes comes from the Dingo. These adaptable dogs were also brought to North America where they quickly adapted to the different climate and different livestock.

The Australian Kelpie isn’t your regular pet as they are essentially an outdoor, working dog. They are recognized today by the United Kennel Club and registered by the North American Australian Kelpie Registry.

Basic Information

Group:
Companion dog
Working dog
Origin:
United States
Australia
Height Male:
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
46 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
Height Female:
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
12 - 20 kg
26 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 5
4 - 7
Size:
Small dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Malti Tzu
Kelpie, Barb
Colors Available:
white and apricot, brown., black and white, White
Many Colours, from solids to bi-colours - tan, fawn, blue, red, black, chocolate
Coat:
Long, silky, wavy
short and dense
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

mal shi puppy - descriptionThe Mal-Shi is a small dog standing at around 25–30 cm in height and weighing between 3 and 7kg. As a designer dog he has a low-shedding coat of many colors – white, black and white, white and apricot and brown.

The coat is usually soft and silky and slightly wavy and it can grow long if left untrimmed. Most people take their pets to a professional groomer to be cut.

The skull of the dog is domed, he has small ears which can be half-erect and half-floppy.The tail is long and fairly feathery. Sometimes the dog inherits the underdeveloped tear duct of the Maltese and then there is that usual tear-staining around the eyes.

Temperament:

THE Mal-Si is such a cute little dog, making him a splendid pet for children and he is more than happy to be cuddled and petted. Small and active, he is adaptable and will live easily in the city or the countryside, as his exercise needs aren’t that demanding. He basically requires a walk each day and will love some ball games both inside and outdoors.

He is an extrovert and also an entertainer, and his amicable nature allows him to get along with other pets in the home. However, contrary to what he looks like, he is a bold dog, social and also intelligent, making him easy to train.

It is to any owner’s advantage to have a little dog like this trained and socialized, even though he is so good natured. He makes a great therapy dog too. When the Mal-Shi is at home he’s an affectionate, loving dog who just wants to spend time in the company of his human family.

As a companion dog, he won’t do well when left for hours on end on his own. Dogs are social creatures, and they can battle with separation anxiety when left alone for too long. Every dog owner needs to think of this before investing in a dog.

The Coat

australian kelpie puppy - descriptionThe Kelpie is a medium-sized dog with a coat that comes in a number of colours – black, chocolate, fawn, red, blue, tan, white and gold. . The nose colour blends in with the dog’s coat colour and can be black, brownish and even pinkish.

A Sharp, Intelligent Look

The Kelpie has a medium-length tail which is low-set. The ears are pricked, giving the dog an intelligent, alert appearance. The dog’s head is also narrow and long, and his eyes are bright and inquisitive.

Lithe and Athletic

The Australian Kelpie has an athletic appearance, with a body which is longer than their height, similar to that of a German Shepherd. Because the Australian Kelpie is such an energetic, active breed, he’ll need plenty of ‘jobs to do’, lots of ball games and other exercise to keep him free from boredom and to ensure he maintains his lithe, lean, muscular limbs.

Characteristics

mal shi dog - characteristicsThe Maltese Shih Tzu is an attractive little dog who is guaranteed to make you a splendid pet. Those who have owned both Maltese and Maltese Shih Tzu will tell you that the temperament of this dog is more amicable than that of the Maltese.

With his amicable nature, he is willing to be everyone’s friend, and he makes a particularly good choice for elderly people.

Being such a people-dog, the Maltese Shih Tzu's greatest joy comes from being petted and taken notice of by his human family. He can’t bear to be left for long periods of time. Like any other dog, he will require training and socialization, requiring a firm, balanced, consistent, fair owner.

Cheerful and good-natured, when he is loved to the moon and back, this little dog promises to make you and exceptional best friend.

Friend of Children

australian kelpie dog - characteristicsThe Australian Kelpie is an active, busy, intelligent, loving breed who is highly protective of his human family. He gets on well with children and other pets in the home but you’ll want him trained if you want him to be gentle around children and smaller pets. He does tend to gravitate towards one particular family member as his ‘favourite’ though.

He Must be Busy

Your Kelpie won't do well in an apartment as he is a working dog who wants plenty of place to run and play. If he is bored, it manifests itself with constant barking. Make sure to provide a stimulating, active lifestyle for your Australian Kelpie, provide him with everything a dog needs and you’ll be rewarded with a devoted and loyal companion.

Health Problems

mal shi puppies - health problemsThe Maltese Shih Tzu is a robust little dog, and with good care he can live to be anything between 10 to 15 years of age.

There are some health issues you want to be aware of with this particular dog breed.

Respiratory Problems:

Your little canine friend can have respiratory problems because of him being a flat-faced breed. Known as brachycephalic dogs, these dogs can have breathing difficulties. They are usually fine when resting, but during exercise or if they become too hot, they battle with breathing. It makes them more prone to heatstroke, so it is important to keep dogs like this cool and calm.

Patellar Luxation:

This is actually a common problem in small dogs - dislocation of a bone at a joint. Patellar luxation is when the knee joint slides in and out of place, causing pain.

White Dog Shaker Syndrome:

This is a disease which is seen in the Shih Tzu and Maltese. Symptoms include uncontrollable shaking and tremors. These can continue all day. The illness is worse during times of stress and there may even be difficulty with walking. The cause is unknown but he will certainly need to get to the vet.

A Healthy Breed

australian kelpie puppies - health problemsYour Australian Kelpie is a hardy breed and you won’t find many health problems with him. Yes, every dog is susceptible to illnesses which are common with all dog breeds, and these are illnesses such as hip dysplasia and cryptorchidism.

You will need to check your Kelpie out for eye disease such as PRA or Progressive Retinal Atrophy, a group of genetic diseases which are found in some breeds of dogs. This can lead to cataracts and blindness.

Lifestyle and Environment Impact Health

Health problems in your Australian Kelpie can certainly be partially prevented by the way you feed your dog and by the environment you provide him with. Every dog has the potential to develop genetic health problems, but as we’ve said, the Kelpie is a generally healthy breed.

Always find a reputable breeder whose focus is on breeding healthy dogs and who can provide certification that the parents of the dog are clear of defects and are in tip-top condition for breeding.

Puppy Vaccinations

Along with quality food and fresh water, getting your puppy vaccinated is hugely important. Australian Kelpie puppy shots will protect your new 4-legged family member from the likes of distemper, parvovirus and hepatitis. Your puppy will also need additional booster vaccinations after his first shots which start at around 8 weeks of age.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

mal shi dogs - caringThe Mal-Shi is a small dog and will require eating two small meals a day. An adult Mal-Shi will eat according to his age, size and activity levels.The quality of the dog food you buy will make a huge difference to his wellbeing. The better quality foods – those without preservatives, colorants and fillers will ensure good health and longevity for your pet.

Don’t just give him dry kibble every time – mix in some chopped up cooked chicken, brown rice and vegetables. Remember that some vegetables like onion can be bad for your pet.

Dogs love simplicity, and feeding your dog these simple foods will ensure you don’t battle with upset stomachs. Make sure you always have a bowl of fresh, cool water available for your pet.

General:

Trim his nails when they get long and don’t wear down naturally.

Check his ears for redness, itchiness and discharge which could indicate an ear infection.

If you have him professionally groomed, you will still need to brush him twice a week. It’s also your time to check him over for ticks and fleas and any unusual lumps.

Grooming

australian kelpie dogs - caringAustralian Kelpies are low maintenance and their coat is easy to groom and maintain. You want to give him a good brush twice a week to get rid of loose hair. Australian Kelpies are moderate shedders.

Feeding your Kelpie

It is important to get your puppy off on the right foot to avoid health problems later on. Homemade dog food which includes chicken, rice and vegetables is always the best food for your dog. If you can't prepared your own meals for your Kelpie, top grade commercial dog food brands are recommended.

When looking at dog foods, remember that your Kelpie is a working dog – a naturally active breed and you’ll need to look at dog food which has been specially formulated for active dogs. Every dog will need raw meat in their diet if you want to avoid a dog with an itchy, flaky skin, a dog with poor energy levels and a dog that has no resistance to infection.

Training

Every owner who cares for their dog will provide him with socialization and training. The Australian Kelpie is an intelligent breed who responds well to training.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. American Bulldog vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  2. Border Collie vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  3. Sakhalin Husky vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  4. Alaskan Husky vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  5. Catahoula Leopard vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  6. German Pinscher vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  7. Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  8. Puli vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  9. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  10. Borador vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  11. German Spaniel vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  12. Canadian Eskimo Dog vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  13. McNab vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  14. Porcelaine vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  15. Finnish Lapphund vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  16. Berger Blanc Suisse vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  17. Griffon Nivernais vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  18. Hokkaido vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  19. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  20. Pumi vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  21. Australian Kelpie vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  22. Griffon Fauve de Bretagne vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  23. Basque Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  24. Istrian Sheepdog vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  25. Jamthund vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  26. Mal-Shi vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  27. Mal-Shi vs Alaskan Klee Kai - Breed Comparison
  28. Mal-Shi vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  29. Mal-Shi vs Japanese Spitz - Breed Comparison
  30. Mal-Shi vs Fruggle - Breed Comparison
  31. Mal-Shi vs Lhasapoo - Breed Comparison
  32. Mal-Shi vs Hawaiian Poi Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Mal-Shi vs Kyi-Leo - Breed Comparison
  34. Malti-Pom vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  35. PekePoo vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  36. Schipperke vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  37. Schweenie vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  38. Meliteo Kinidio vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  39. Prazsky Krysarik vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  40. Pugalier vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  41. Tsvetnaya Bolonka vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  42. Muggin vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  43. Pomeranian vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  44. Maltese vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  45. Pug vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  46. Maltipoo vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  47. Miniature Schnauzer vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  48. Mal-Shi vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Mal-Shi vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  50. Mal-Shi vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds