Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Cairn Terrier Versus Mal Shi: Introduction
- Cairn Terrier versus Mal Shi: Overview
- Cairn Terrier versus Mal Shi: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cairn Terrier and the Mal Shi
- The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the Mal Shi
- Size (Weight and Height) of Cairn Terrier versus Mal Shi
- Lifespan of Cairn Terrier versus Mal Shi
- Price of Cairn Terrier versus Price of Mal Shi
- Tolerates Being Alone: Cairn Terrier versus Mal Shi
- Do Cairn Terriers shed more than Mal Shis?
- Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the Mal Shi
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Cairn Terrier or the Mal Shi?
- Does the Cairn Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mal Shi?
- Do Cairn Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Mal Shis?
- Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. Mal Shi
- Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cairn Terrier or the Mal Shi?
- Are Cairn Terriers good family dogs? What about Mal Shis?
- How Kid-friendly are Cairn Terriers and Mal Shis?
- Is the Cairn Terrier Easier to Train than the Mal Shi?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cairn Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mal Shi
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Cairn Terrier versus Mal Shi. Which One is a Better Pet?
Cairn Terrier Versus Mal Shi: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier and the Mal Shi.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier or the Mal Shi.
Cairn Terrier versus Mal Shi: Overview
Both the Cairn Terrier and the Mal Shi are similar in size. The Cairn Terrier and the Mal Shi are both tiny-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Cairn Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
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.
Cairn Terrier versus Mal Shi: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier and the Mal Shi
| Factor | Cairn Terrier | Mal Shi |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Weight | 13 to 14 pounds | 6 to 12 pounds |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 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 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder | From 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1600 | $1730 |
| Price Range | $1475 – $1750 | $1300 – $2000 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier is 86 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mal Shi is 80 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Cairn Terrier is a better pet than the Mal Shi. So, you should get the Cairn Terrier!
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 Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier and the Mal Shi
Below is a list of where the Cairn Terrier and the Mal Shi are most different:
The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the Mal Shi
The Cairn Terrier and the Mal Shi are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cairn Terrier and the Mal Shi are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Cairn Terrier versus Mal Shi
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cairn Terrier and the Mal Shi.
Cairn Terriers weigh 13 to 14 pounds when fully grown. Cairn Terriers are 9 to 10 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 Cairn Terrier versus Mal Shi
The lifespan of Cairn Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cairn Terriers 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.
Cairn Terriers live longer than Mal Shis.
Price of Cairn Terrier versus Price of Mal Shi
The average price of the Cairn Terrier puppy is $1600. The price of the Cairn Terrier typically ranges from $1475 – $1750. However, the price of a Cairn Terrier can be as low as $650 and as high as $3500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 132 Cairn Terrier 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. However, the price of the Mal Shi can be as low as $700 and as high as $3500. 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 Cairn Terrier.
| Cairn Terrier | Mal Shi | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1600 | $1730 |
| Price Range | $1475 to $1750 | $1300 to $2000 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Cairn Terrier and Mal Shi. For different price points, the charts show how many Cairn Terrier puppies or how many Mal Shi puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Cairn Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Mal Shis
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Cairn Terrier 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: Cairn Terrier versus Mal Shi
Cairn Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Mal Shis can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Cairn Terriers shed more than Mal Shis?
Cairn Terriers shed moderately.
Mal Shis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the Mal Shi
Cairn Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Cairn Terrier or the Mal Shi?
Cairn Terriers are very easy to groom.
Mal Shis require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Cairn Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mal Shi?
Cairn Terriers 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 Cairn Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Mal Shis?
Cairn Terriers 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 Cairn Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather?
Cairn Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Mal Shis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. Mal Shi
Cairn Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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 Cairn Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather?
Cairn Terriers 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 Cairn Terrier or the Mal Shi?
Cairn Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Cairn Terriers good family dogs? What about Mal Shis?
Cairn Terriers 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 Cairn Terriers and Mal Shis?
Cairn Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Mal Shis get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Is the Cairn Terrier Easier to Train than the Mal Shi?
Cairn Terriers are not easy to train.
Mal Shis are very easy to train.
Is the Cairn Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Mal Shi?
Cairn Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cairn Terrier or the Mal Shi?
Cairn Terriers are very good for new dog owners.
Mal Shis are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cairn Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Cairn Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Cairn Terrier:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mal Shi
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Mal Shi that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Mal Shi:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Cairn Terrier and how the Mal Shi compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cairn Terrier and of the Mal Shi to other breeds:
Cairn Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Cairn Terrier versus Coton de Tulear Cairn Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog Cairn Terrier versus Lhasa Apso Cairn Terrier versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Cairn Terrier versus Plott Cairn Terrier versus Puli Cairn Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog Cairn Terrier versus Braque du Bourbonnais Cairn Terrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Cairn Terrier versus Saint Berdoodle Cairn Terrier versus Chihuahua Cairn Terrier versus Pomapoo Cairn Terrier versus Fila Brasileiro Cairn Terrier versus Canaan Dog Cairn Terrier versus Puli Cairn Terrier versus Bluetick Coonhound Cairn Terrier versus Miniature Schnauzer Cairn Terrier versus Chinook Cairn Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel Cairn Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Cairn Terrier versus Canaan Dog Cairn Terrier versus Papipoo Cairn Terrier versus Pharaoh Hound Cairn Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Cairn Terrier versus Field Spaniel
Mal Shi Versus Other Dog Breeds
Mal Shi versus Dutch Shepherd Mal Shi versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Mal Shi versus German Shepherd Dog Mal Shi versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Mal Shi versus Akbash Mal Shi versus Newfoundland Mal Shi versus Vizsla Mal Shi versus Valley Bulldog Mal Shi versus Ibizan Hound Mal Shi versus Clumber Spaniel Mal Shi versus Valley Bulldog Mal Shi versus Akita Chow Mal Shi versus Goldador Mal Shi versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Mal Shi versus Mastiff Mal Shi versus Boerboel Mal Shi versus Australian Cattle Dog Mal Shi versus American Foxhound Mal Shi versus Goldendoodle Mal Shi versus Cavapoo Mal Shi versus Norwegian Lundehund Mal Shi versus Jack Russell Terrier Mal Shi versus Bernese Mountain Dog Mal Shi versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Mal Shi versus Shih Tzu
Conclusion: Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier and the Mal Shi better suits you and your family.