While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Griffonshires are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Unfortunately, the Mal-Shi is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Playful
Independent
Energetic
Alert
Sensitive
Courageous
Intelligent
Loyal
Inquisitive
Selfish
Watchful
Companionable

Affectionate
Independent
Loving
Playful
Social
Alert
Intelligent
Going
Quiet

Avoid Griffonshires as watchdogs - they're not effective.

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

United States

United States

Brussels Griffon, Yorkshire Terrier

Shih Tzu, Maltese

1980s

1990

Brown

Hazel
Amber

Black

Black

Blue
Cream
Brown
Black

White
Black
Brown

Griffonshires have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Mal-Shis are known for their coat length.

A Griffonshire can have a litter of 4-6 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.

Griffonshires 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.

Griffonshires typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

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

Retinal Dysplasia
Tracheal Collapse
Portosystemic Shunt

Patellar Luxation
Respiratory Problems

Patellar Luxation
Entropion
Cataracts

None Known

X-Rays
MRI
CT Scan
Eye Examination
Skin Evaluation
Blood Tests

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

Griffonshires are a good choice for a low-key lifestyle due to their low energy levels.

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

Griffonshire has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

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

Griffonshires need only a small amount of physical activity, ideal for busy or elderly people or those with limited space.

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

Cuddling, Playing Ball, Training, Fetch, Snuggling, Running, Exploring, Cuddles

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 Griffonshire, it's at least 6 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.

Griffonshires 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.

Griffonshire 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
Dematter
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Clipper
Nail Clipper

The average cost of a Griffonshire is somewhere $0.70 - $1.40 per day.

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

The average per month expenses of a Griffonshire is between $21 - $42. This makes an average of $252 - $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.

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.

Griffonshires are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

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

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

Griffonshires make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

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

Griffonshires are not suitable for children.

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

Griffonshires are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.

Mal-Shis are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Griffonshires 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.

Griffonshires may require more time and patience to learn commands, but with consistency, they can be trained.

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