Australian Shepherd versus Mal Shi. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Australian Shepherd Versus Mal Shi: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Australian Shepherd and for the Mal Shi. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Australian Shepherd or the Mal Shi.

Australian Shepherd versus Mal Shi: Overview

A very important difference between the Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog while the Mal Shi is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Australian Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

On the other hand, the Mal Shi belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.

Australian Shepherd versus Mal Shi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Shepherd to the Mal Shi based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi

Factor Australian Shepherd Mal Shi
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 2/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Height 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder From 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
General Health 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Weight 40 to 65 pounds 6 to 12 pounds
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 3/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1210 $1730
Price Range $800 – $1500 $1300 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Shepherd in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Mal Shi. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Australian Shepherd is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mal Shi is 80 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Mal Shi is a better pet than the Australian Shepherd. So, you should get the Mal Shi!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi

    Below is a list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi are most different:

    • Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Mal Shis adapt well to apartment living.
    • Australian Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Mal Shis are good for new dog owners.
    • Australian Shepherds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Mal Shis do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi

    The Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi are most similar:

    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi are prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi are very easy to train.

    Size Comparison of Australian Shepherd versus Mal Shi

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi.

    Australian Shepherds weigh 40 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Australian Shepherds are 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Mal Shis weigh 6 to 12 pounds when fully grown. Mal Shis are From 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Mal Shi

    The lifespan of Australian Shepherds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Australian Shepherds is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Mal Shis is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Mal Shis is 13.0 years.

    Australian Shepherds live longer than Mal Shis.

    Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Mal Shi

    The average price of the Australian Shepherd puppy is $1210. The price of the Australian Shepherd typically ranges from $800 – $1500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1764 Australian Shepherd puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Mal Shi puppy is $1730. The price of the Mal Shi typically ranges from $1300 – $2000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 216 Mal Shi puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Mal Shi is more expensive than the Australian Shepherd.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Shepherd and Mal Shi. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Shepherd puppies or how many Mal Shi puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Australian Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Australian Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Mal Shis

    A breakdown of the prices of Mal Shis

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Australian Shepherd puppy or the Mal Shi puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Mal Shi

    Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Mal Shis can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Mal Shis?

    Australian Shepherds shed moderately.

    Mal Shis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Mal Shi

    Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Mal Shi?

    Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Mal Shis require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mal Shi?

    Australian Shepherds have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Mal Shis have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Mal Shis?

    Australian Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Mal Shis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Mal Shis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Mal Shi

    Australian Shepherds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Mal Shis do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Mal Shis cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Mal Shi?

    Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Mal Shis?

    Australian Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Mal Shis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Mal Shis?

    Australian Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Mal Shi?

    Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Mal Shis are very easy to train.

    Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Mal Shi?

    Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Shepherd or the Mal Shi?

    Australian Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Mal Shis are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Mal Shi. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi better suits you and your family.