Is the Caucasian Shepherd Dog Better than the Mal Shi as a Pet? Answer…

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Caucasian Shepherd Dog Versus Mal Shi: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Mal Shi.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Mal Shi: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

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.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Mal Shi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Caucasian Shepherd Dog 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi

Factor Caucasian Shepherd Dog Mal Shi
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 14 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Easygoing 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 3/5
Height 24 to 34 inches From 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 2/5
Weight 80 to 220 pounds 6 to 12 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2110 $1730
Price Range $1500 – $2500 $1300 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Dentition
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye examination, results registered with the OFA.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Caucasian Shepherd Dog 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog is 69 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog. 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi

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

  • Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Mal Shis are good for new dog owners.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Mal Shis adapt well to apartment living.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dogs 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.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have a very high tendency to drool. However, Mal Shis do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can tolerate cold weather. However, Mal Shis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • The Similarities Between the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi

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

  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi have low exercise needs.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Mal Shi

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

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs weigh 80 to 220 pounds when fully grown. Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are 24 to 34 inches 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Mal Shi

    The lifespan of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dogs.

    Price of Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Price of Mal Shi

    The average price of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog puppy is $2110. The price of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Caucasian Shepherd Dog can be as low as $1000 and as high as $4000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 56 Caucasian Shepherd Dog 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog is more expensive than the Mal Shi.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dog Mal Shi
    Average Price $2110 $1730
    Price Range $1500 to $2500 $1300 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs. 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog 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: Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Mal Shi

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Do Caucasian Shepherd Dogs shed more than Mal Shis?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Mal Shi

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mal Shi?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Mal Shis?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Caucasian Shepherd Dog vs. Mal Shi

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

    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 Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

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

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Caucasian Shepherd Dogs good family dogs? What about Mal Shis?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dogs and Mal Shis?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Caucasian Shepherd Dog Easier to Train than the Mal Shi?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are not easy to train.

    Mal Shis are very easy to train.

    Is the Caucasian Shepherd Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Mal Shi?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Mal Shis are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Caucasian Shepherd Dog 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog:

  • Afador (76 percent match with Caucasian Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Afador.
  • Akbash (73 percent match with Caucasian Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Akbash.
  • Mastiff (72 percent match with Caucasian Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Mastiff.
  • Boerboel (71 percent match with Caucasian Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Boerboel.
  • 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:

  • Maltese (79 percent match with Mal Shi). Here is our comparison of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog vs Maltese.
  • Peek A Poo (80 percent match with Mal Shi). Here is our comparison of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and how the Mal Shi compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and of the Mal Shi to other breeds:

    Caucasian Shepherd Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus English Setter     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Weimaraner     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Goldendoodle     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Leonberger     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Irish Wolfhound     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Afador     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus King Shepherd     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Standard Schnauzer     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Shiranian     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Finnish Spitz     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Silky Terrier     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus German Longhaired Pointer     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Goldendoodle     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Patterdale Terrier     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Pointer     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Bernedoodle     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Field Spaniel     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Australian Kelpie     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Chi-Poo     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Miniature Schnauzer     

    Mal Shi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mal Shi versus Great Pyrenees     Mal Shi versus American Eskimo Dog     Mal Shi versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Mal Shi versus Standard Poodle     Mal Shi versus Irish Wolfhound     Mal Shi versus Pyredoodle     Mal Shi versus Kooikerhondje     Mal Shi versus Cane Corso     Mal Shi versus Fila Brasileiro     Mal Shi versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Mal Shi versus Belgian Sheepdog     Mal Shi versus Siberian Husky     Mal Shi versus Boxer     Mal Shi versus Lhasa Apso     Mal Shi versus Plott     Mal Shi versus Spanish Mastiff     Mal Shi versus Beaglier     Mal Shi versus Irish Terrier     Mal Shi versus Spinone Italiano     Mal Shi versus Goldendoodle     Mal Shi versus Lancashire Heeler     Mal Shi versus English Toy Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Bouvier des Flandres     Mal Shi versus Scottish Deerhound     Mal Shi versus Chinese Crested     

    Conclusion: Caucasian Shepherd Dog 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi better suits you and your family.