Which is Better between the Cocker Spaniel and the Mal Shi? A Very Detailed Review.

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Cocker Spaniel Versus Mal Shi: Introduction

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

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

Cocker Spaniel versus Mal Shi: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Cocker Spaniel belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

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.

Cocker Spaniel versus Mal Shi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Mal Shi

Factor Cocker Spaniel Mal Shi
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 2/5
Height 1 foot, 2 inches to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the s From 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Weight 24 to 28 pounds 6 to 12 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1760 $1730
Price Range $1200 – $2000 $1300 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel is 77 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 Cocker Spaniel. 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 Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Mal Shi

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

  • Cocker Spaniels have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Mal Shis do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • The Similarities Between the Cocker Spaniel and the Mal Shi

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

  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Mal Shi do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Mal Shi require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Mal Shi do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Mal Shi get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Mal Shi gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Mal Shi are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Mal Shi are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Mal Shi have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Mal Shi are very playful.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Mal Shi adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Mal Shi are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Mal Shi are very easy to train.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Mal Shi have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Cocker Spaniel versus Mal Shi

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

    Cocker Spaniels weigh 24 to 28 pounds when fully grown. Cocker Spaniels are 1 foot, 2 inches to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the s 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 Cocker Spaniel versus Mal Shi

    The lifespan of Cocker Spaniels is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cocker Spaniels 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.

    Cocker Spaniels live longer than Mal Shis.

    Price of Cocker Spaniel versus Price of Mal Shi

    The average price of the Cocker Spaniel puppy is $1760. The price of the Cocker Spaniel typically ranges from $1200 – $2000. However, the price of a Cocker Spaniel can be as low as $700 and as high as $4125. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 297 Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel is more expensive than the Mal Shi.

    Cocker Spaniel Mal Shi
    Average Price $1760 $1730
    Price Range $1200 to $2000 $1300 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Cocker Spaniels. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Cocker Spaniels. 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 Cocker Spaniel 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: Cocker Spaniel versus Mal Shi

    Cocker Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Cocker Spaniels shed more than Mal Shis?

    Cocker Spaniels shed moderately.

    Mal Shis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Cocker Spaniel or the Mal Shi

    Cocker Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Cocker Spaniel or the Mal Shi?

    Cocker Spaniels 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 Cocker Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mal Shi?

    Cocker Spaniels 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 Cocker Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Mal Shis?

    Cocker Spaniels bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Cocker Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Cocker Spaniel vs. Mal Shi

    Cocker Spaniels have a high tendency to wander. They are easily 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 Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cocker Spaniels 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 Cocker Spaniel or the Mal Shi?

    Cocker Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Cocker Spaniels good family dogs? What about Mal Shis?

    Cocker Spaniels 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 Cocker Spaniels and Mal Shis?

    Cocker Spaniels get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Cocker Spaniel Easier to Train than the Mal Shi?

    Cocker Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Mal Shis are very easy to train.

    Is the Cocker Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Mal Shi?

    Cocker Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Cocker Spaniels are OK for new dog owners.

    Mal Shis are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cocker Spaniel

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

  • Bichon Frise (77 percent match with Cocker Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Bichon Frise.
  • English Cocker Spaniel (76 percent match with Cocker Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs English Cocker Spaniel.
  • 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 Cocker Spaniel vs Maltese.
  • Peek A Poo (80 percent match with Mal Shi). Here is our comparison of the Cocker Spaniel vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Cocker Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cocker Spaniel versus Alaskan Malamute     Cocker Spaniel versus Labrador Retriever     Cocker Spaniel versus Boerboel     Cocker Spaniel versus Basenji     Cocker Spaniel versus Lakeland Terrier     Cocker Spaniel versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Cocker Spaniel versus Coton de Tulear     Cocker Spaniel versus Tibetan Terrier     Cocker Spaniel versus Airedale Terrier     Cocker Spaniel versus Sheepadoodle     Cocker Spaniel versus Miniature Poodle     Cocker Spaniel versus Manchester Terrier     Cocker Spaniel versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Cocker Spaniel versus Basenji     Cocker Spaniel versus Lhasa Apso     Cocker Spaniel versus Westiepoo     Cocker Spaniel versus Borzoi     Cocker Spaniel versus Papipoo     Cocker Spaniel versus Goldendoodle     Cocker Spaniel versus Belgian Sheepdog     Cocker Spaniel versus Finnish Lapphund     Cocker Spaniel versus Akita Chow     Cocker Spaniel versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Cocker Spaniel versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Cocker Spaniel versus Spinone Italiano     

    Mal Shi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mal Shi versus Bulldog     Mal Shi versus Pomchi     Mal Shi versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Mal Shi versus Goldendoodle     Mal Shi versus Frenchton     Mal Shi versus Biewer Terrier     Mal Shi versus Cocker Spaniel     Mal Shi versus King Shepherd     Mal Shi versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Mal Shi versus Schnoodle     Mal Shi versus American Eskimo Dog     Mal Shi versus Border Collie     Mal Shi versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Mal Shi versus Basenji     Mal Shi versus Bloodhound     Mal Shi versus Maremma Sheepdog     Mal Shi versus Norwegian Buhund     Mal Shi versus Greyhound     Mal Shi versus Puggle     Mal Shi versus Whoodle     Mal Shi versus Saint Berdoodle     Mal Shi versus Doberman Pinscher     Mal Shi versus Goldendoodle     Mal Shi versus Australian Terrier     

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