Belgian Laekenois has average obesity risk, needs balanced diet, daily walks, and weight monitoring.

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

Active
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Lively
Watchful

Affectionate
Independent
Loving
Playful
Social
Alert
Intelligent
Going
Quiet

Belgian Laekenoiss are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

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

Choose a Belgian Laekenois 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.

Belgium

United States

shepherd

Shih Tzu, Maltese

1800s

1990

Brown

Hazel
Amber

Black

Black

Belgian Laekenoiss have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

Mal-Shis are known for their coat length.

Wiry

Straight

A Belgian Laekenois can have a litter of 12-14 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 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.

Belgian Laekenoiss are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

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

Belgian Laekenoiss 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.

Hip And Elbow Dysplasia

Patellar Luxation
Respiratory Problems

Hypothyroidism

None Known

Thyroid Tests
X-Rays

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

Belgian Laekenoiss 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.

Belgian Laekenoiss require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

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

Belgian Laekenois dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

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

Belgian Laekenois dogs are highly protective and make excellent guard dogs due to their strong instinct to defend their territory and owners, and their high level of vigilance.

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

Belgian Laekenoiss are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Mal-Shis are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Belgian Laekenois, 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.

Belgian Laekenois 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
Slicker Brush
Comb
Scissors
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Clipper
Nail Clipper

For an average 55-65 pound (25 - 29 kg) Belgian Laekenois feed 2.5 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 Belgian Laekenois is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

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

The average per month expenses of a Belgian Laekenois is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 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.

Belgian Laekenois is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

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

The Belgian Laekenois is not suitable for apartments and requires a large yard to thrive. Pent-up energy in small spaces can lead to destructive behavior.

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

Belgian Laekenoiss are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

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

Belgian Laekenoiss are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

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

Belgian Laekenoiss 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.

The Belgian Laekenois is highly intelligent and eager to please, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced dog owners due to its easy trainability.

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