Curly Coated Retrievers aren't great guard dogs; they tend to just watch without taking action.

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

United Kingdom

United States

Spaniels, St. John’s Water Dog, Retrieving Setters, Poodles

Shih Tzu, Maltese

1700s

1990

Hazel
Brown

Hazel
Amber

Black
Brown

Black

Black
Brown

White
Black
Brown

Curly Coated Retrievers have medium-length coats.

Mal-Shis are known for their coat length.

Curly

Straight

A Curly Coated Retriever can have a litter of 9-14 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.

Glycogen Storage Disease
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Bloat
Cancer

Patellar Luxation
Respiratory Problems

Entropion
Distichiasis
Ectropion
Persistent Pupillary Membrane
Alopecia

None Known

X-Rays
Eye Examination

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

Curly Coated Retrievers 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.

Curly Coated Retrievers 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.

Curly Coated Retrievers 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 Curly Coated Retriever, it's at least 14 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 Curly Coated Retrievers usually need at least 90 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.

The Curly Coated Retriever has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

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

In general Curly Coated Retriever should be brushed at least once a month. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes, especially if they enjoyed it

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

Slicker Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Clipper
Nail Clipper

For an average 80-100 pound (36 - 45 kg) Curly Coated Retriever feed 3.5 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 Curly Coated Retriever is somewhere $3.90 - $4.20 per day.

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

The average per month expenses of a Curly Coated Retriever is between $112 - $126. This makes an average of $1344 - $1512 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.

Curly Coated Retrievers 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.

Curly Coated Retrievers are not dog-friendly.

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

Curly Coated Retrievers are not known for being a highly playful breed.

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

The Curly Coated Retriever 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.