While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Norteses 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.

Active
Playful
Energetic
Sensitive
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Affectionate
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing

Affectionate
Independent
Loving
Playful
Social
Alert
Intelligent
Going
Quiet

Avoid Norteses as watchdogs - they're not effective.

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

Norwich Terrier and Maltese x

Shih Tzu, Maltese

Unknown

1990

Brown

Hazel
Amber

Black

Black

White
Cream
Fawn
Red
Isabella

White
Black
Brown

Norteses have medium-length coats.

Mal-Shis are known for their coat length.

A Nortese can have a litter of 3-5 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.

Norteses 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.

Cataracts
Patent Ductus Arteriosis (PDA)
Dental Problems

Patellar Luxation
Respiratory Problems

Patellar Luxation
Portacaval Shunt
Deafness
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Portosystemic Shunt
Shaker Dog Syndrome
Atopy

None Known

Eye Examinations
BAER Testing
Blood Sugar and Thyroid Tests
Skin Biopsy or Intradermal Tests for specific allergies
Dental and Oral Examinations
X-rays or other radiographic imaging

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

Norteses' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

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

Norteses sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

Mal-Shis have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

Nortese 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.

Norteses are low-energy dogs. This breed make a great companion for a relatively inactive person. Nortese dogs require a few short daily walks, and then they're happy snuggling next to you for the rest of the day.

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.

In general most Norteses usually need at least 45 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.

Pin Brush
Comb
Scissors
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Clipper
Nail Clipper

The average cost of a Nortese is somewhere $1.10 - $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 Nortese is between $28 - $42. This makes an average of $336 - $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.

Norteses 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.

Norteses 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.

Norteses 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.

Norteses are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

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

Norteses are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

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

Norteses 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.

Norteses are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

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