Mal-Shi vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison

Mal-Shi vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed ComparisonKarelo-Finnish Laika is originated from Russia but Mal-Shi is originated from United States. Karelo-Finnish Laika may grow 18 cm / 8 inches higher than Mal-Shi. Karelo-Finnish Laika may weigh 7 kg / 16 pounds more than Mal-Shi. Both Karelo-Finnish Laika and Mal-Shi has same life span. Karelo-Finnish Laika may have more litter size than Mal-Shi. Karelo-Finnish Laika requires Low Maintenance. But Mal-Shi requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Companion dog
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Russia
United States
Height Male:
38 - 48 cm
14 - 19 inches
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
Height Female:
38 - 48 cm
14 - 19 inches
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
11 - 14 kg
24 - 31 pounds
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
Weight Female:
11 - 14 kg
24 - 31 pounds
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
2 - 5
Size:
Medium
Small
Other Names:
Laika
Malti Tzu
Colors Available:
Reddish
white and apricot, brown., black and white, White
Coat:
Longish and coarse
Long, silky, wavy
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

karelo finnish laikaThe Karelo Finnish Laika is a Spitz type hunting dog from the Karelia area of Russia.Some people say the dog developed in Sweden. The dog is from a group of ‘Laika’ breeds and has that typical Spitz-type look – the sharpish face, the erect ears and the tail which curls over the back.

This attractive dog was developed as a hunting dog, and has a thick, weatherproof coat.The Karelo-Finnish Laika breed developed because people wanted a smaller sized hunting dog that could cope well with the weather, and these Laika dogs matched well.

The breed is ancient – centuries old, and after dying out in numbers during the second world war, the breed was revived when Russians imported Finnish Spitzes from Finland and bred them. The dog is similar to the Finnish Spitz, and in 2006 the Finnish Kennel Club and Russian Kennel Federation included the Karelo-Finnish Laika as a Finnish Spitz breed.

mal shiSmall 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.

Description

karelo finnish laika puppy - descriptionWith his wolf-like appearance, the Karelo Finnish Laika is a sharp, intelligent dog and is the smallest Laika in Russia used for hunting. He stands at about 38–48 cm in height and weighs about 11 - 14 kg.

His coat is a reddish color and the fur is fairly long and coarse with a dense, soft undercoat. He looks like a red fox with his sharp, bright face, his erect ears, black nose and bushy tail which curls over the back.

Temperament:

The Karelo-Finnish Laika is a sweet dog with a quiet character. Whenever you suggest a game for him, he throws his docile side to the wind and becomes highly energetic and animated. He is an active dog and loves nothing more than a game with his human family members.

He is mistrustful of strangers, he tends to bark easily and he is territorial and all these characteristic go towards making him a good watchdog. He is quite prepared to live peacefully alongside other dogs in the home, more so when he has been trained and socialized.

He makes a great friend and pet for families and is more than ready to be loving and loyal to his human family.

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

karelo finnish laika dog - characteristicsThe Karelo Finnish Laika is such an energetic dog, full of life and he promises to make an affectionate family dog.

He is a fairly low maintenance dog too and not prone to getting sick easily. Treat this attractive Laika dog like he deserves and you’ll find that he makes a splendid pet.

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

karelo finnish laika puppies - health problemsApart from his good looks, the Karelo-Finnish Laika happens to be a pretty healthy breed and there are no known hereditary health problems with him. Diseases which can affect any dog -

Hip Dysplasia:

Many large breeds are prone to hip dysplasia. In hip dysplasia, joint problems cause arthritis and pain and eventually lameness. These days, when buying a puppy, people ask breeders about whether the parents were screened for hip dysplasia.

Obesity:

Any dog fed the wrong diet and who isn’t exercised can become overweight. Obesity in dogs is linked to many health problems in dogs. If you’re in doubt about your pet, consult with your vet on the best food for him.

Cancer:

Many dogs are at risk for certain types of cancer, including lymphoma which is cancer of the lymph nodes. When you are brushing your pet, check him for any unusual lumps so that you can catch cancer early.

Heart Conditions:

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is where the chambers of the heart are stretched out and don't pump blood properly. Sometimes it can go undetected for a while until the dog becomes seriously ill, requiring emergency medical attention. Medications can regulate heart rhythm but there is no cure.

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

karelo finnish laika dogs - caringThe Karelo-Finnish Laika is a most attractive looking dog and his thick, double coat will need to be brushed at least twice a week to keep it free from dust, grass and burrs. He sheds throughout the year so this brushing will keep the loose dog hair under control.

Diet:

Watch your Karelo-Finnish Laika’s diet as a lean, mean dog can live longer than one who is overfed. Dogs which are overweight are likely to develop joint problems and heart disease.

The quality of food you feed your pet is hugely important. Popping chocolates and peanuts into his mouth because you love him so much will be toxic for him. Apart from his top quality dry kibble, add in some cooked chicken, rice and vegetables as a tasty treat and mix in a little bit of raw meat also when you can.

Exercise:

Exercise for your Karelo Finnish Laika is a key component to prolonging his life, and he absolutely loves games, walks and action all the way. It will keep him in shape, keep him happy and prolong his life.

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. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Mal-Shi vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Mal-Shi vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Mal-Shi vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Mal-Shi vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Mal-Shi vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Mal-Shi vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Mal-Shi vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Mal-Shi vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Mal-Shi vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Mal-Shi vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Mal-Shi vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Mal-Shi vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Mal-Shi vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Mal-Shi vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Mal-Shi vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Mal-Shi vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Mal-Shi vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Mal-Shi vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Mal-Shi vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Mal-Shi vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Mal-Shi vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Mal-Shi vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Mal-Shi vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Mal-Shi vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Mal-Shi vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison