A Detailed Comparison of the English Cocker Spaniel and the Mal Shi.

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English Cocker Spaniel Versus Mal Shi: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the English Cocker Spaniel and the Mal Shi? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the English 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 English Cocker Spaniel and the Mal Shi.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the English 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 English 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the English 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 English Cocker Spaniel or the Mal Shi

English Cocker Spaniel versus Mal Shi: Overview

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

Furthermore, the English 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 offsprings of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds..

English Cocker Spaniel versus Mal Shi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the English 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.

Factor English Cocker Spaniel Mal Shi
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 1 foot, 3 inches to 1 foot, 5 inches tall at the s From 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 12 to 14 years 12 to 14 years
Weight 26 to 34 pounds 6 to 12 pounds
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1500 $1730
Price Range $1200 – $1800 $1300 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • BAER Test
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • OFA/U of MO Adult Onset Neuropathy
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • No Data

    *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the English 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 a English Cocker Spaniel is 82 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Mal Shi is 80 out of 125.

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

    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 English 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 English Cocker Spaniel and the Mal Shi

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

  • English 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 English Cocker Spaniel and the Mal Shi

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

  • Both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Mal Shi do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Mal Shi are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Mal Shi are very easy to train.
  • Both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Mal Shi are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Mal Shi require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Mal Shi adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Mal Shi are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the English 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 English Cocker Spaniel versus Mal Shi

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

    English Cocker Spaniels weigh 26 to 34 pounds when fully grown. English Cocker Spaniels are 1 foot, 3 inches to 1 foot, 5 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.

    Price of English Cocker Spaniel versus Price of Mal Shi

    The average price of the English Cocker Spaniel puppy is $1500. The price of the English Cocker Spaniel typically ranges from $1200 – $1800. However, the price of a English Cocker Spaniel can be as low as $650 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 90 English 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 a 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 English Cocker Spaniel.

    English Cocker Spaniel Mal Shi
    Average Price $1500 $1730
    Price Range $1200 to $1800 $1300 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of English 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 English 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that 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: English Cocker Spaniel versus Mal Shi

    English Cocker Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

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

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

    English Cocker Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Can English Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    English 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.

    Do English Cocker Spaniels shed more than Mal Shis?

    English Cocker Spaniels shed moderately.

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

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

    English Cocker Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

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

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

    English Cocker Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Mal Shis are very good for new dog owners.

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

    English Cocker Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

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

    English Cocker Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Mal Shis are very easy to train.

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

    English Cocker Spaniels are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: English Cocker Spaniel vs. Mal Shi

    English 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.

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

    English Cocker Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    English 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 English Cocker Spaniels and Mal Shis?

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

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the English Cocker Spaniel or the Mal Shi?

    English Cocker Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.

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

    English 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.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the English Cocker Spaniel

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

  • Cavachon (82 percent match with English Cocker Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Cavachon.
  • Norwich Terrier (81 percent match with English Cocker Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Norwich Terrier.
  • 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 English Cocker Spaniel vs Maltese.
  • Peek A Poo (80 percent match with Mal Shi). Here is our comparison of the English Cocker Spaniel vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    English Cocker Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    English Cocker Spaniel versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     English Cocker Spaniel versus Chow Chow     English Cocker Spaniel versus Curly-Coated Retriever     English Cocker Spaniel versus Boykin Spaniel     English Cocker Spaniel versus Puli     English Cocker Spaniel versus Greyhound     English Cocker Spaniel versus Berger Picard     English Cocker Spaniel versus American Eskimo Dog     English Cocker Spaniel versus Westiepoo     English Cocker Spaniel versus American Pit Bull Terrier     

    Mal Shi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mal Shi versus English Cocker Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Cavapoo     Mal Shi versus Norfolk Terrier     Mal Shi versus Cairn Terrier     Mal Shi versus Great Dane     Mal Shi versus Aussiedoodle     Mal Shi versus Lowchen     Mal Shi versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Mal Shi versus Belgian Malinois     Mal Shi versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     

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