Is the Chinese Crested Better than the Mal Shi as a Pet? Answer…

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Chinese Crested Versus Mal Shi: Introduction

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

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

Chinese Crested versus Mal Shi: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Chinese Crested belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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.

Chinese Crested versus Mal Shi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Chinese Crested 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 Chinese Crested and the Mal Shi

Factor Chinese Crested Mal Shi
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 12 to 14 years
Height 11 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder From 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Does NOT Shed 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Intelligence 3/5 3/5
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
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
General Health 5/5 2/5
Weight Up to 12 pounds 6 to 12 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1430 $1730
Price Range $1000 – $1600 $1300 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination- Yearly Exams Recommended
  • Hip Dysplasia/Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • prcd-PRA DNA Test
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • RCD3-PRA DNA Test
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chinese Crested 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 Chinese Crested is 87 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mal Shi is 80 out of 125.

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

    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 Chinese Crested 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 Chinese Crested and the Mal Shi

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

  • Chinese Cresteds are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds However, Mal Shis have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • The Similarities Between the Chinese Crested and the Mal Shi

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

  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Mal Shi cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Mal Shi do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Chinese Crested 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 Chinese Crested and the Mal Shi do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Mal Shi do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Mal Shi require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Mal Shi are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Mal Shi have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Mal Shi have low exercise needs.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Mal Shi are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Mal Shi get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Mal Shi are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Mal Shi are very easy to train.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Mal Shi are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Mal Shi adapt well to apartment living.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Chinese Crested versus Mal Shi

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

    Chinese Cresteds weigh Up to 12 pounds when fully grown. Chinese Cresteds are 11 to 13 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 Chinese Crested versus Mal Shi

    The lifespan of Chinese Cresteds is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Chinese Cresteds is 12.0 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 Chinese Cresteds.

    Price of Chinese Crested versus Price of Mal Shi

    The average price of the Chinese Crested puppy is $1430. The price of the Chinese Crested typically ranges from $1000 – $1600. However, the price of a Chinese Crested can be as low as $500 and as high as $4000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 157 Chinese Crested 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 Chinese Crested.

    Chinese Crested Mal Shi
    Average Price $1430 $1730
    Price Range $1000 to $1600 $1300 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Chinese Cresteds. 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 Chinese Crested 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: Chinese Crested versus Mal Shi

    Chinese Cresteds do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Chinese Cresteds shed more than Mal Shis?

    Chinese Cresteds 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 Chinese Crested or the Mal Shi

    Chinese Cresteds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Chinese Crested or the Mal Shi?

    Chinese Cresteds 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 Chinese Crested Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mal Shi?

    Chinese Cresteds 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 Chinese Cresteds Bark and Howl? What about Mal Shis?

    Chinese Cresteds bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Chinese Cresteds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Chinese Cresteds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Chinese Crested vs. Mal Shi

    Chinese Cresteds 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 Chinese Cresteds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Chinese Cresteds 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 Chinese Crested or the Mal Shi?

    Chinese Cresteds get along very well with other dogs.

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Chinese Cresteds good family dogs? What about Mal Shis?

    Chinese Cresteds 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 Chinese Cresteds and Mal Shis?

    Chinese Cresteds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Chinese Crested Easier to Train than the Mal Shi?

    Chinese Cresteds are very easy to train.

    Mal Shis are very easy to train.

    Is the Chinese Crested Better for Apartment Owners than the Mal Shi?

    Chinese Cresteds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Chinese Cresteds are OK for new dog owners.

    Mal Shis are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Chinese Crested

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Chinese Crested 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 Chinese Crested:

  • Bolognese (75 percent match with Chinese Crested). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Bolognese.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Chinese Crested). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Japanese Chin.
  • 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 Chinese Crested vs Maltese.
  • Peek A Poo (80 percent match with Mal Shi). Here is our comparison of the Chinese Crested vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Chinese Crested Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Chinese Crested versus Azawakh     Chinese Crested versus Lhasa Apso     Chinese Crested versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Chinese Crested versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Chinese Crested versus Miniature Poodle     Chinese Crested versus Spanish Mastiff     Chinese Crested versus Cocker Spaniel     Chinese Crested versus Kuvasz     Chinese Crested versus Italian Greyhound     Chinese Crested versus Spinone Italiano     Chinese Crested versus Doberman Pinscher     Chinese Crested versus Siberian Husky     Chinese Crested versus Standard Schnauzer     Chinese Crested versus Bordoodle     Chinese Crested versus Basset Hound     Chinese Crested versus Bouvier des Flandres     Chinese Crested versus Australian Shepherd     Chinese Crested versus Basset Hound     Chinese Crested versus Harrier     Chinese Crested versus Akita     Chinese Crested versus Toy Poodle     Chinese Crested versus Finnish Lapphund     Chinese Crested versus Great Pyrenees     Chinese Crested versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Chinese Crested versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     

    Mal Shi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mal Shi versus Schipperke     Mal Shi versus Labrador Retriever     Mal Shi versus Maremma Sheepdog     Mal Shi versus Welsh Terrier     Mal Shi versus Tibetan Terrier     Mal Shi versus Shih Tzu     Mal Shi versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Mal Shi versus Tibetan Mastiff     Mal Shi versus Sealyham Terrier     Mal Shi versus Afador     Mal Shi versus Standard Schnauzer     Mal Shi versus Belgian Tervuren     Mal Shi versus Dachshund     Mal Shi versus Sealyham Terrier     Mal Shi versus Norwegian Buhund     Mal Shi versus Lancashire Heeler     Mal Shi versus Tibetan Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Maltese     Mal Shi versus Irish Terrier     Mal Shi versus Norwegian Buhund     Mal Shi versus Cockapoo     Mal Shi versus Scottish Terrier     Mal Shi versus Schnoodle     Mal Shi versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Mal Shi versus Stabyhoun     

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