Is the Basenji Better than the Mal Shi as a Pet? Our Answer.

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Basenji Versus Mal Shi: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Basenji 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 Basenji 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 Basenji and the Mal Shi.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Basenji 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 Basenji 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 Basenji 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 Basenji or the Mal Shi.

Basenji versus Mal Shi: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Basenji belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

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.

Basenji versus Mal Shi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Basenji 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 Basenji and the Mal Shi

Factor Basenji Mal Shi
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 14 years
Height 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder From 10 inches tall at the shoulder
General Health 2/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 3/5
Weight 22 to 24 pounds 6 to 12 pounds
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1560 $1730
Price Range $1450 – $1450 $1300 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Basenji Night Blindness / PRA DNA Test
  • Eye Examination each year until 6, thereafter every 2 years
  • Fanconi syndrome
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • OFA/U of Missouri
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Basenji 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 Basenji is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mal Shi is 80 out of 125.

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

    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 Basenji 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 Basenji and the Mal Shi

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

    • Basenjis are not easy to train. However, Mal Shis are very easy to train.
    • Basenjis are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Mal Shis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Basenjis are very easy to groom. However, Mal Shis require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
    • Basenjis 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 Basenji and the Mal Shi

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

    • Both the Basenji and the Mal Shi cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
    • Both the Basenji and the Mal Shi do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Basenji and the Mal Shi do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Basenji and the Mal Shi do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
    • Both the Basenji and the Mal Shi have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
    • Both the Basenji and the Mal Shi are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the Basenji and the Mal Shi not very playful.
    • Both the Basenji and the Mal Shi are good for new dog owners.
    • Both the Basenji and the Mal Shi can be left alone for some time without problems.
    • Both the Basenji and the Mal Shi get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Basenji and the Mal Shi are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Basenji and the Mal Shi adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Basenji and the Mal Shi are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Basenji and the Mal Shi are prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Basenji and the Mal Shi have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Size Comparison of Basenji versus Mal Shi

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

    Basenjis weigh 22 to 24 pounds when fully grown. Basenjis are 16 to 17 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 Basenji versus Mal Shi

    The lifespan of Basenjis is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Basenjis is 11.0 years.

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

    Mal Shis live longer than Basenjis.

    Price of Basenji versus Price of Mal Shi

    The average price of the Basenji puppy is $1560. The price of the Basenji typically ranges from $1450 – $1450. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 10 Basenji 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 Basenji.

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Basenjis. 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 Basenji 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: Basenji versus Mal Shi

    Basenjis can be left alone for some time without problems.

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

    Do Basenjis shed more than Mal Shis?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Basenji or the Mal Shi

    Basenjis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Basenji or the Mal Shi?

    Basenjis are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Basenji Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mal Shi?

    Basenjis 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 Basenjis Bark and Howl? What about Mal Shis?

    Basenjis are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Can Basenjis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Basenjis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Basenji vs. Mal Shi

    Basenjis 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 Basenjis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Basenjis 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 Basenji or the Mal Shi?

    Basenjis get along very well with other dogs.

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Basenjis good family dogs? What about Mal Shis?

    Basenjis 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 Basenjis and Mal Shis?

    Basenjis get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Basenji Easier to Train than the Mal Shi?

    Basenjis are not easy to train.

    Mal Shis are very easy to train.

    Is the Basenji Better for Apartment Owners than the Mal Shi?

    Basenjis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Basenjis are very good for new dog owners.

    Mal Shis are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Basenji 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 Basenji and the Mal Shi better suits you and your family.