A Detailed Comparison of the Bearded Collie and the Mal Shi.

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Bearded Collie Versus Mal Shi: Introduction

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

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

Bearded Collie versus Mal Shi: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Bearded Collie 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.

Bearded Collie versus Mal Shi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie and the Mal Shi

Factor Bearded Collie Mal Shi
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 12 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Height 20 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder From 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
General Health 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Weight 45 to 55 pounds 6 to 12 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 3/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $980 $1730
Price Range $500 – $975 $1300 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye examination each year, results registered with the OFA.
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie is 80 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 not better or worse than the Bearded Collie. So, you can get the Mal Shi or the Bearded Collie!

    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 Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie and the Mal Shi

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

    • Bearded Collies shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Mal Shis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Bearded Collies 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 Bearded Collie and the Mal Shi

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

    • Both the Bearded Collie and the Mal Shi do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Bearded Collie and the Mal Shi do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Bearded Collie and the Mal Shi require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
    • Both the Bearded Collie and the Mal Shi are good for new dog owners.
    • Both the Bearded Collie and the Mal Shi are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Bearded Collie and the Mal Shi get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Bearded Collie and the Mal Shi are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Bearded Collie and the Mal Shi gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Bearded Collie and the Mal Shi are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Bearded Collie and the Mal Shi have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Bearded Collie and the Mal Shi require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Bearded Collie and the Mal Shi are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Bearded Collie and the Mal Shi are very easy to train.

    Size Comparison of Bearded Collie versus Mal Shi

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

    Bearded Collies weigh 45 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Bearded Collies are 20 to 22 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 Bearded Collie versus Mal Shi

    The lifespan of Bearded Collies is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Bearded Collies is 13.0 years.

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

    Price of Bearded Collie versus Price of Mal Shi

    The average price of the Bearded Collie puppy is $980. The price of the Bearded Collie typically ranges from $500 – $975. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 16 Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie.

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Bearded Collies. 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 Bearded Collie 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: Bearded Collie versus Mal Shi

    Bearded Collies do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Bearded Collies shed more than Mal Shis?

    Bearded Collies shed. They are not recommended 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 Bearded Collie or the Mal Shi

    Bearded Collies do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Bearded Collie or the Mal Shi?

    Bearded Collies 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 Bearded Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mal Shi?

    Bearded Collies have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Bearded Collies Bark and Howl? What about Mal Shis?

    Bearded Collies bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Bearded Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Bearded Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Bearded Collie vs. Mal Shi

    Bearded Collies 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 Bearded Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Bearded Collies can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Bearded Collie or the Mal Shi?

    Bearded Collies get along very well with other dogs.

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Bearded Collies good family dogs? What about Mal Shis?

    Bearded Collies 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 Bearded Collies and Mal Shis?

    Bearded Collies get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Bearded Collie Easier to Train than the Mal Shi?

    Bearded Collies are very easy to train.

    Mal Shis are very easy to train.

    Is the Bearded Collie Better for Apartment Owners than the Mal Shi?

    Bearded Collies adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Bearded Collies are very good for new dog owners.

    Mal Shis are very good for new dog owners.

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