A Detailed Comparison of the Chow Chow and the Mal Shi.

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Chow Chow Versus Mal Shi: Introduction

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

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

Chow Chow versus Mal Shi: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Chow Chow 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.

Chow Chow versus Mal Shi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow and the Mal Shi

Factor Chow Chow Mal Shi
Kid-Friendly 1/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 2/5
Intelligence 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 1/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Height 17 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 Hot Weather 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 2/5 4/5
General Health 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Weight 40 to 70 pounds 6 to 12 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 5/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1750 $1730
Price Range $1000 – $2500 $1300 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • 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 Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow. 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 Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow and the Mal Shi

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

  • Chow Chows are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Mal Shis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Chow Chows are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Mal Shis are good for new dog owners.
  • Chow Chows 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.
  • Chow Chows can tolerate cold weather. However, Mal Shis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • The Similarities Between the Chow Chow and the Mal Shi

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

  • Both the Chow Chow and the Mal Shi do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Chow Chow and the Mal Shi require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow and the Mal Shi cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Chow Chow and the Mal Shi have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow and the Mal Shi have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
  • Both the Chow Chow and the Mal Shi do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Chow Chow and the Mal Shi have low exercise needs.
  • Both the Chow Chow and the Mal Shi gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Chow Chow and the Mal Shi are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Chow Chow versus Mal Shi

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

    Chow Chows weigh 40 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Chow Chows are 17 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 Chow Chow versus Mal Shi

    The lifespan of Chow Chows is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Chow Chows 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.

    Chow Chows live longer than Mal Shis.

    Price of Chow Chow versus Price of Mal Shi

    The average price of the Chow Chow puppy is $1750. The price of the Chow Chow typically ranges from $1000 – $2500. However, the price of a Chow Chow can be as low as $400 and as high as $4125. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 156 Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow is more expensive than the Mal Shi.

    Chow Chow Mal Shi
    Average Price $1750 $1730
    Price Range $1000 to $2500 $1300 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Chow Chows. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Chow Chows. 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 Chow Chow 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: Chow Chow versus Mal Shi

    Chow Chows can be left alone for some time without problems.

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

    Do Chow Chows shed more than Mal Shis?

    Chow Chows 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 Chow Chow or the Mal Shi

    Chow Chows drool moderately.

    Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Chow Chow or the Mal Shi?

    Chow Chows 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 Chow Chow Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mal Shi?

    Chow Chows 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 Chow Chows Bark and Howl? What about Mal Shis?

    Chow Chows are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Can Chow Chows Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Chow Chows can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Chow Chow vs. Mal Shi

    Chow Chows 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 Chow Chows Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Chow Chows 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 Chow Chow or the Mal Shi?

    Chow Chows do not get along well with other dogs.

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Chow Chows good family dogs? What about Mal Shis?

    Chow Chows 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 Chow Chows and Mal Shis?

    Chow Chows 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 Chow Chow Easier to Train than the Mal Shi?

    Chow Chows are not easy to train.

    Mal Shis are very easy to train.

    Is the Chow Chow Better for Apartment Owners than the Mal Shi?

    Chow Chows adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Chow Chows 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 Chow Chow

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

  • Anatolian Shepherd Dog (61 percent match with Chow Chow). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Anatolian Shepherd Dog.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dog (65 percent match with Chow Chow). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Caucasian Shepherd Dog.
  • Chinese Shar-Pei (63 percent match with Chow Chow). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Chinese Shar-Pei.
  • Akita Chow (62 percent match with Chow Chow). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Akita Chow.
  • 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 Chow Chow vs Maltese.
  • Peek A Poo (80 percent match with Mal Shi). Here is our comparison of the Chow Chow vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Chow Chow Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Chow Chow versus Komondor     Chow Chow versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Chow Chow versus Pomapoo     Chow Chow versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Chow Chow versus Sheepadoodle     Chow Chow versus Sealyham Terrier     Chow Chow versus Dutch Shepherd     Chow Chow versus Lhasa Apso     Chow Chow versus Airedale Terrier     Chow Chow versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Chow Chow versus Saint Berdoodle     Chow Chow versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Chow Chow versus German Pinscher     Chow Chow versus Toy Fox Terrier     Chow Chow versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Chow Chow versus Stabyhoun     Chow Chow versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Chow Chow versus Black Mouth Cur     Chow Chow versus Beagle     Chow Chow versus Pomchi     Chow Chow versus Cesky Terrier     Chow Chow versus Labradoodle     Chow Chow versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Chow Chow versus Cane Corso     Chow Chow versus Shetland Sheepdog     

    Mal Shi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mal Shi versus Valley Bulldog     Mal Shi versus Australian Terrier     Mal Shi versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Mal Shi versus Silky Terrier     Mal Shi versus Briard     Mal Shi versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Mal Shi versus Berger Picard     Mal Shi versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Mal Shi versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Mal Shi versus Dachshund     Mal Shi versus Mudi     Mal Shi versus Briard     Mal Shi versus Ibizan Hound     Mal Shi versus Catahoula Bulldog     Mal Shi versus Brussels Griffon     Mal Shi versus Havanese     Mal Shi versus Barbet     Mal Shi versus Great Dane     Mal Shi versus Karelian Bear Dog     Mal Shi versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Chinook     Mal Shi versus Shiloh Shepherd     Mal Shi versus Cocker Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Mal Shi versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     

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