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

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

Active
Playful
Happy
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing

Curious
Playful
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Affectionate
Obedient
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Watchful
Cheerful

Crested Malts shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

Shugs shed a lot of hair each year, so frequent brushing is essential for reducing shedding and maintaining coat health.

Crested Malts aren't great guard dogs; they tend to just watch without taking action.

Avoid Shugs as watchdogs - they're not effective.

Chinese Crested, Maltese

German Shepherd, Pug

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DDKC = Designer Dogs Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DDKC = Designer Dogs Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry®

Post 1900s

Unknown

Brown

Hazel
Brown

Black

Black

White
Black
Blue
Cream

Black
Brindle
Fawn
Cream

Crested Malts have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Shugs have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

Straight

Wiry

A Crested Malt can have a litter of 2-5 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 Shug can have a litter of 6-10 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.

Crested Malts are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

Shugs are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

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

The Shug breed is generally very healthy, requiring minimal vet visits. Still, it's important to keep an eye on their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

Eyes
Skeletal/Joint Conditions

Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat

Eyes
Neurological Conditions

Allergies
Brachycephalic Syndrome

Physical Examination
Ophthalmic Exam
Internal Imaging (x-ray, CT scan, MRI, etc.)
Blood Glucose Tests
Orthopedic Exam

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

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

Shugs have low energy levels, ideal for a relaxed lifestyle.

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

Shug has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Crested Malts need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

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

Crested Malts are known for their relaxed and calm nature and enjoy long periods of sleep.

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

Play, Walk

Walks, Walks dog parks, Cuddli, Playing fetch, Tracking, Hide and seek, Walking, Cuddling, Training, Water, Feeding, Tug-of-war, Walk

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Crested Malt, it's at least 5 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 Shug, it's at least 9 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most Crested Malts usually need at least 30 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 Shugs 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.

The Crested Malt requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

The Shug has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

Slicker Brush
Comb
Clipper
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Nail Clipper

For an average 5-10 pound (2 - 5 kg) Crested Malt 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.

For an average 45-50 pound (20 - 23 kg) Shug feed 2 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 Crested Malt is somewhere $1.10 - $1.40 per day.

The average cost of a Shug is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

The average per month expenses of a Crested Malt 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.

The average per month expenses of a Shug is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 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.

Crested Malt has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.

Shug is an independent and stubborn breed with low obedience intelligence, making training a test of patience.

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.

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

The Shug is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.

Crested Malts are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

Shugs make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

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

Shugs are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

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

Shugs are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.