Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Mal-Shi - Breed ComparisonTea Cup Chihuahua is originated from Mexico but Mal-Shi is originated from United States. Tea Cup Chihuahua may grow 8 cm / 4 inches higher than Mal-Shi. Both Tea Cup Chihuahua and Mal-Shi are having almost same weight. Both Tea Cup Chihuahua and Mal-Shi has almost same life span. Both Tea Cup Chihuahua and Mal-Shi has almost same litter size. Both Tea Cup Chihuahua and Mal-Shi requires Moderate maintenance.

History

tea cup chihuahua - historyChihuahua is a state in the country of Mexico. From this state, the dog breed Chihuahua and the “teacup, or toy” chihuahua take their name. Interestingly the Chihuahua Club of America maintains that “teacup” Chihuahuas do not exist and that the size differential is normal for the breed. Chihuahuas or their ancestors have been around a very long time, sadly the exact origins of the Chihuahua are lost into the pages of history, but archaeological clues such as wheeled dog toys, art, and pottery link the Chihuahua to Mexico and to the Techichi dog. The Techichi dog at the time of the Spanish Conquistadors was sold for food (not unlike we sell beef or chicken) and also as a companion dog to death. Cortez even mentioned the Techichi dog in a letter sent back to Spain, describing them as being raised for food and sold in the marketplace.

When a death occurred a dog was chosen as a companion and cremated with the deceased. It was believed that the dog helped the soul of the decedent reach their eternal destination. The Techichi dog from which the modern-day chihuahua likely descended was very plentiful in the central American area that is now the country of Mexico and raised by the ancient Toltecs and later the Aztec people.

Chihuahuas are little dogs and come in a variety of coats, head shapes and even (within the designation small) sizes. The designation “teacup, toy or pocket” while not an official breed name is a useful descriptor, since they are the littlest of an already small breed and these minute pets, as puppies, may fit into a teacup or a pocket.

Fortunately while no longer a food source, the chihuahua is now sought after as a loyal and lively pet and companion.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Companion dog
Origin:
Mexico
United States
Height Male:
15 - 38 cm
5 - 15 inches
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
Height Female:
15 - 35 cm
5 - 14 inches
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
2 - 3 kg
4 - 7 pounds
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 3 kg
4 - 7 pounds
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 4
2 - 5
Size:
Toy dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Toy Chihuahuas
Malti Tzu
Colors Available:
any color combination ranging from splashed or solid to marked. One can see solid black, spotted or sabled variations of their coat colors and pattern. The most common coat colors are black, white, cream and chocolate., red, brown, white, fawn
white and apricot, brown., black and white, White
Coat:
long haired and short dense coarse hair
Long, silky, wavy
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Description

tea cup chihuahua puppy - descriptionChihuahuas are small. Even the bigger ones are only about six pounds and a “teacup” or “toy” is often three pounds or less. Their bodies are slightly longer than they are tall, but even the tallest are not over nine inches. Chihuahua standing under five inches in height is not uncommon in the “teacup” or smallest of these dogs. They have two different head types and a domed skull. One type of head shape is like a deer while the other is described as an apple-shaped head. The apple-shaped heads are more popular than the deer shaped heads, although sometimes in the “teacup” especially the soft spot fails to close at maturity when growth is complete and the bones should knit, therefore leaving a soft spot in their skull – this is called a molera.

Like different shaped heads chihuahua may have long hair or short-haired coats. The short-haired coats are smooth. The Chihuahua coats may be a large variety of colors ranging from black to white, with red, brown, fawn, cream and chocolate and they may be solid-colored, spotted or sabled. Personal preference is the determining factor on the type of coat a pet Chihuahua has since the breed does not have a preferred color, pattern, hair length or feel. Their muzzle (nose/mouth combination) is short and pointed. Chihuahua have have naturally erect pointed ears and large round eyes. A Chihuahuas tail is relatively long and mostly either curled up and over the back or carried up.

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.

Characteristics

tea cup chihuahua dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness very interactive with family but has been known to nip at small children and bark, so no not really

2. Special talents more stamina than expected in such a small dog and barking

3. Adaptability yes but they are better off in apartments and homes not out in the country where their size makes them targets for predators.

4. Learning ability average ability to learn but Chihuahua can be but stubborn which may impact ability and willingness to learn.

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.

Health Problems

tea cup chihuahua puppies - health problemsChihuahuas live on average fourteen to eighteen years. There are some issues that may cause concern or lower life expectancy.]

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is something to watch for. Low blood sugar can cause death in just a few hours but when caught is very easily treated. Some of the symptoms are being uncoordinated when walking, acting sleepy or lethargic, unfocused sight, fainting, having a seizure or having spasms in the muscles of the neck. First aid can right this condition with a sweet supplement like corn syrup, or honey. This is more common in puppies, but the teacup chihuahuas are susceptible.

• Hydrocephalus (water on the brain) can affect many toy dog breeds. The puppy or dog will appear to have an oversized head, and be slow (display lethargy) and grow slower than its littermates.

• Pulmonic stenosis (a heart condition) occurs when the right ventricle is impeded. Teacup Chihuahuas are also susceptible to heart murmurs.

• Collapsed trachea this occurs when the cartilaginous rings in a Chihuahua do not form completely or weaken. This can be hereditary or an acquired condition and occurs in other small breeds of dog.

• Molera – where after finishing growth a soft spot remains in the skull and the bones do not knit. As a puppy, the owner must remain vigilant about head injuries.

• Obesity (overweight). Most of the time this is a result of the Teacup Chihuahua being overfed. Obesity can contribute to a shortened lifespan and chronic bronchitis.

• Cold susceptibility. Cold weather can cause Teacup Chihuahuas to shiver or tremble when exposed and during cold temperatures, the dogs may need to wear a sweater and boots outside and cuddle with their owners under blankets or bask in the sun to stay warm.

• Infected or injured eyes. Due to the prominent eyes, exposure to irritants such as dust, allergens, or dry air can cause the dog to develop this beginning with watering eyes.

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.

Caring The Pet

tea cup chihuahua dogs - caring1. Feeding the Puppies. Puppies should be fed four times a day. Underfeeding can cause the issues of low blood sugar and overfeeding can result in obesity increasing the risk of other health complications.

2. Feeding the Adult. Adult teacups are also vulnerable to hypoglycemia and obesity. Of course, the low blood sugar will be much more acute than obesity and need prompt care if it occurs. Adult teacups should be fed twice a day.

3. Points for Good Health. The chihuahua generally exhibits more vigor and endurance than pet owners expect from such a small breed of dog.

4. Games and Exercise for Teacup Chihuahua. Go ahead and run and play but remember even with the unexpected stamina and endurance this is a very small dog, small legs, using discernment, judgment, and restraint so the games and exercise is fun and builds health and is a special bonding time, without jeopardizing the sugar levels or causing exhaustion or misery.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  3. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Morkie - Breed Comparison
  4. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  5. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Chorkie - Breed Comparison
  6. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Pekingese - Breed Comparison
  7. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  9. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Chug - Breed Comparison
  10. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  11. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  12. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Chipoo - Breed Comparison
  13. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Chiapom - Breed Comparison
  14. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) - Breed Comparison
  15. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Long Haired Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  16. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  17. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Russian Toy Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Franzuskaya Bolonka - Breed Comparison
  19. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Phalene - Breed Comparison
  20. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Bugg - Breed Comparison
  21. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  22. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Shih Tzu - Breed Comparison
  23. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Snorkie - Breed Comparison
  25. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Toy Bulldog - 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