Both Mal-Shi and Toy Fox Terrier are originated from United States. Both Mal-Shi and Toy Fox Terrier are having almost same height. Both Mal-Shi and Toy Fox Terrier are having almost same weight. Both Mal-Shi and Toy Fox Terrier has almost same life span. Both Mal-Shi and Toy Fox Terrier has almost same litter size. Mal-Shi requires Moderate Maintenance. But Toy Fox Terrier requires Low Maintenance
Small 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.
The small Toy Fox Terrier was developed in the United States of America and is a smaller look-alike of the larger Smooth Fox Terrier.
Several toy breeds as well as the Smooth Fox Terrier were used to bring about the small Terrier dog.
Small though they are, they have had a role to play, particularly on farms where they've been used as ratters. They’ve also been used in circuses to perform tricks. These days they excel as being devoted companions of their human masters. These dogs are recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC).
The 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.
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 Toy Fox Terrier stands at between 22 – 29cm in height and weighs between 1.5 and 4kg. He is squarely built, with alert, dark eyes, and large, erect ears.
The high set tail is nearly always docked. The coat of this dog is short and smooth and it sheds moderately. Color is mostly white with tan or black markings. The face is nearly always black and tan.
His body is lean, lithe and muscular and gives the impression of being well-groomed. The females give birth to between 2 and 6 puppies with the gestation period being 60-64 days. Have your dog spayed to avoid unwanted puppies.
Toy Fox Terriers are loyal, protective dogs and they make excellent watchdogs in terms of barking a lot when needed.
He is such a sport and wants to be part of all the activities that his human family are busy with. They make great playmates for older children, but care should be taken with toy breeds and small, undisciplined children who could hurt them.
These dogs also get on well with other pets in the home and they can adapt easily to life in the city or the countryside. He isn’t the brightest dog, but intelligent enough to learn some basic commands.
His deep loyalty to his human family makes him a little bit aloof with strangers. While he is eager to please, he also has a mind of his own and this is when training and socialization turn him into an obedient little dog.
He has loads of energy too and will rely on his human owners to take him on walks and play ball games with him.
The 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.
Small and spunky, the Toy Fox Terrier is such an entertaining little pet, full of beans and curiosity.
He has sharp eyes and his hearing is good and this makes him a good watchdog. He is independent and intelligent, playful and jaunty.
When you allow one of these little dogs into your home, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without one, as he promises to be loving and loyal throughout your friendship with him.
The 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.
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.
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.
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.
Toy Fox Terriers are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions.
It is highly unlikely he’ll get any of the common dog illnesses there are if he is looked after well, but he could.
This is a common dog disease of small breeds, and it is very similar to hip dysplasia. Problems with the femur causes wear and tear with arthritis coming about as well.
The 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.
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.
This little dog is essentially a companion. Just like people get these little dogs to be a companion, the dog also needs to receive proper care too.
Make sure your pet gets the right amount of food and also the right type of food. He’ll need food rich in vitamins and minerals. He’ll also benefit from wholesome home-made food – boiled chicken, brown rice, sweet potato, spinach and carrots – simple, harmless foods like that.
Don’t be tempted to pop peanuts, chocolates, grapes, onions and other human foods into his mouth as it can give your pet a stomach ache and diarrhea.
Get your pet to the vet if he’s sick. He’ll need vaccines too to prevent some of the deadly canine diseases there are.
Provide your pet with adequate games and other forms of exercise. Exercise is essential for good health.
Spay or neuter your dog to avoid an unwanted litter of puppies. There are health benefits to having this done too.
Groom your small dog regularly and get rid of those loose hairs. With his short hair, the Toy Fox Terrier is considered to be a low maintenance dog.