Which is Better between the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Mal Shi? A Very Detailed Review.

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Chinese Shar-Pei Versus Mal Shi: Introduction

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

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

Chinese Shar-Pei versus Mal Shi: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Chinese Shar-Pei 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.

Chinese Shar-Pei versus Mal Shi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Chinese Shar-Pei 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 Shar-Pei and the Mal Shi

Factor Chinese Shar-Pei Mal Shi
Tolerates Hot Weather 1/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 3/5
General Health 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 1/5 3/5
Height 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder From 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
Easygoing 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 2/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 2/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Weight 40 to 55 pounds 6 to 12 pounds
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 2/5
Life Span 8 to 12 years 12 to 14 years
Average Lifespan 10.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1620 $1730
Price Range $1100 – $2000 $1300 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chinese Shar-Pei 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 Shar-Pei is 68 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 Chinese Shar-Pei. 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 Chinese Shar-Pei 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 Shar-Pei and the Mal Shi

    Below is a list of where the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Mal Shi are most different:

  • Chinese Shar-Peis are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Mal Shis are good for new dog owners.
  • Chinese Shar-Peis have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Mal Shis have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Chinese Shar-Peis are very easy to groom. However, Mal Shis require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Mal Shi

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

  • Both the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Mal Shi cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Mal Shi have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Mal Shi do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Chinese Shar-Pei 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 Chinese Shar-Pei and the Mal Shi cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Mal Shi do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
  • Both the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Mal Shi are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Mal Shi do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Mal Shi do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Mal Shi not very intelligent.
  • Both the Chinese Shar-Pei 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 Shar-Pei and the Mal Shi have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
  • Both the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Mal Shi adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Mal Shi can be left alone for some time without problems.
  • Both the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Mal Shi gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Mal Shi are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Mal Shi are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Chinese Shar-Pei versus Mal Shi

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Mal Shi.

    Chinese Shar-Peis weigh 40 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Chinese Shar-Peis are 18 to 20 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 Shar-Pei versus Mal Shi

    The lifespan of Chinese Shar-Peis is between 8 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Chinese Shar-Peis is 10.0 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 Shar-Peis.

    Price of Chinese Shar-Pei versus Price of Mal Shi

    The average price of the Chinese Shar-Pei puppy is $1620. The price of the Chinese Shar-Pei typically ranges from $1100 – $2000. However, the price of a Chinese Shar-Pei can be as low as $300 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 238 Chinese Shar-Pei 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 Shar-Pei.

    Chinese Shar-Pei Mal Shi
    Average Price $1620 $1730
    Price Range $1100 to $2000 $1300 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Chinese Shar-Peis. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Chinese Shar-Peis. 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 Shar-Pei 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 Shar-Pei versus Mal Shi

    Chinese Shar-Peis can be left alone for some time without problems.

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

    Do Chinese Shar-Peis shed more than Mal Shis?

    Chinese Shar-Peis 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 Shar-Pei or the Mal Shi

    Chinese Shar-Peis 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 Shar-Pei or the Mal Shi?

    Chinese Shar-Peis are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Chinese Shar-Pei Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mal Shi?

    Chinese Shar-Peis have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to 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 Chinese Shar-Peis Bark and Howl? What about Mal Shis?

    Chinese Shar-Peis 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 Chinese Shar-Peis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Chinese Shar-Peis 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 Shar-Pei vs. Mal Shi

    Chinese Shar-Peis 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 Shar-Peis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Chinese Shar-Peis 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 Chinese Shar-Pei or the Mal Shi?

    Chinese Shar-Peis do not get along well with other dogs.

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Chinese Shar-Peis good family dogs? What about Mal Shis?

    Chinese Shar-Peis are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.

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    Mal Shis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Chinese Shar-Peis and Mal Shis?

    Chinese Shar-Peis 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 Chinese Shar-Pei Easier to Train than the Mal Shi?

    Chinese Shar-Peis are fairly easy to train.

    Mal Shis are very easy to train.

    Is the Chinese Shar-Pei Better for Apartment Owners than the Mal Shi?

    Chinese Shar-Peis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Chinese Shar-Pei or the Mal Shi?

    Chinese Shar-Peis 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 Chinese Shar-Pei

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Chinese Shar-Pei 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 Shar-Pei:

  • Chow Chow (63 percent match with Chinese Shar-Pei). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Chow Chow.
  • Affenhuahua (62 percent match with Chinese Shar-Pei). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Affenhuahua.
  • 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 Shar-Pei vs Maltese.
  • Peek A Poo (80 percent match with Mal Shi). Here is our comparison of the Chinese Shar-Pei vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Chinese Shar-Pei Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Chinese Shar-Pei versus Boxer     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Dachshund     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Scottish Terrier     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Toy Poodle     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Scottish Terrier     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Komondor     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Fila Brasileiro     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Valley Bulldog     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Bichon Frise     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Maremma Sheepdog     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Shichon     Chinese Shar-Pei versus American Foxhound     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Briard     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Rottweiler     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Cane Corso     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Biewer Terrier     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Labrador Retriever     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Silky Terrier     Chinese Shar-Pei versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Chinese Shar-Pei versus Norfolk Terrier     

    Mal Shi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mal Shi versus Whippet     Mal Shi versus Chi-Poo     Mal Shi versus Labradoodle     Mal Shi versus American Hairless Terrier     Mal Shi versus Great Dane     Mal Shi versus Valley Bulldog     Mal Shi versus Toy Poodle     Mal Shi versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Mal Shi versus King Shepherd     Mal Shi versus Chinese Crested     Mal Shi versus Shichon     Mal Shi versus Dachshund     Mal Shi versus Plott     Mal Shi versus Cesky Terrier     Mal Shi versus Rottweiler     Mal Shi versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Mal Shi versus Collie     Mal Shi versus Affenhuahua     Mal Shi versus English Setter     Mal Shi versus Portuguese Water Dog     Mal Shi versus Cane Corso     Mal Shi versus Peek A Poo     Mal Shi versus French Bulldog     Mal Shi versus Brittany     Mal Shi versus Pekingese     

    Conclusion: Chinese Shar-Pei 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 Shar-Pei and the Mal Shi better suits you and your family.