Calm
Faithful
Keen
Courageous
Friendly

Affectionate
Independent
Loving
Playful
Social
Alert
Intelligent
Going
Quiet

Finnish Lapphunds shed a lot of hair each year, so frequent brushing is essential for reducing shedding and maintaining coat health.

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

Choose a Finnish Lapphund 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.

Mal-Shis are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

spitz, wolf

Shih Tzu, Maltese

1900s

1990

Brown

Hazel
Amber

Black

Black

Black
Brown
Red
White
Sable

White
Black
Brown

Finnish Lapphunds have medium-length coats.

Mal-Shis are known for their coat length.

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

Mal-Shis have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.

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

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

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Patellar Luxation
Respiratory Problems

Hip And Elbow Dysplasia

None Known

Eye
Hip
X-Rays
Eye Examination

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

Finnish Lapphunds thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

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

Finnish Lapphund has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.

Mal-Shi has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

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

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

Finnish Lapphunds are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

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

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

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

While Finnish Lapphund dogs can defend their territory or owners, it's not their primary trait, and they are not ideal guard dogs.

Mal-Shi dogs have a strong protective nature and territorial instinct. They are highly vigilant and will fiercely defend their home and family.

Hike, Walk

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

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Finnish Lapphund, it's at least 8 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 Mal-Shi, it's at least 5 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most Finnish Lapphunds 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.

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.

Finnish Lapphunds have high grooming needs, requiring regular trims and professional grooming assistance to keep their coat healthy.

The Mal-Shi requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

Finnish Lapphund 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

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

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Clipper
Nail Clipper

For an average 33-52 pound (15 - 24 kg) Finnish Lapphund feed 2.7 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 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.

The average cost of a Finnish Lapphund is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

The average cost of a Mal-Shi is somewhere $1.40 - $1.40 per day.

The average per month expenses of a Finnish Lapphund is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 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 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.

Finnish Lapphunds can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

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

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

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

Finnish Lapphunds are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

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

Finnish Lapphunds are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

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

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

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

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

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