Japanese Chin versus Mal Shi. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Japanese Chin Versus Mal Shi: Introduction

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

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

Japanese Chin versus Mal Shi: Overview

Both the Japanese Chin and the Mal Shi are similar in size. The Japanese Chin and the Mal Shi are both tiny-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Japanese Chin 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.

Japanese Chin versus Mal Shi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin and the Mal Shi

Factor Japanese Chin Mal Shi
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
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
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
General Health 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Intelligence 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 3/5
Weight 4 to 9 pounds 6 to 12 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Height 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder From 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1930 $1730
Price Range $1500 – $2100 $1300 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination, minimum age 3 years
  • Gangliosidosis (GM2)
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mal Shi is 80 out of 125.

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

    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 Japanese Chin and the Mal Shi so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Japanese Chin and the Mal Shi

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

  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Mal Shi do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin and the Mal Shi do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Mal Shi cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Mal Shi have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Mal Shi have low exercise needs.
  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Mal Shi are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Mal Shi are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Mal Shi are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Mal Shi are very playful.
  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Mal Shi adapt well to apartment living.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Chin versus Mal Shi

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

    Japanese Chins weigh 4 to 9 pounds when fully grown. Japanese Chins are 8 to 11 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 Japanese Chin versus Mal Shi

    The lifespan of Japanese Chins is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Japanese Chins 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 Japanese Chins.

    Price of Japanese Chin versus Price of Mal Shi

    The average price of the Japanese Chin puppy is $1930. The price of the Japanese Chin typically ranges from $1500 – $2100. However, the price of a Japanese Chin can be as low as $600 and as high as $4800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 71 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin is more expensive than the Mal Shi.

    Japanese Chin Mal Shi
    Average Price $1930 $1730
    Price Range $1500 to $2100 $1300 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Japanese Chins. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Japanese Chins. 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 Japanese Chin 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: Japanese Chin versus Mal Shi

    Japanese Chins do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Japanese Chins shed more than Mal Shis?

    Japanese Chins shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Japanese Chin or the Mal Shi

    Japanese Chins do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Chin or the Mal Shi?

    Japanese Chins are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Does the Japanese Chin Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mal Shi?

    Japanese Chins 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 Japanese Chins Bark and Howl? What about Mal Shis?

    Japanese Chins bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Japanese Chins Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Japanese Chins can moderately tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Chin vs. Mal Shi

    Japanese Chins 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 Japanese Chins Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Japanese Chins 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 Japanese Chin or the Mal Shi?

    Japanese Chins get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Japanese Chins good family dogs? What about Mal Shis?

    Japanese Chins are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Japanese Chins and Mal Shis?

    Japanese Chins 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 Japanese Chin Easier to Train than the Mal Shi?

    Japanese Chins are fairly easy to train.

    Mal Shis are very easy to train.

    Is the Japanese Chin Better for Apartment Owners than the Mal Shi?

    Japanese Chins adapt very well to apartment living.

    Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Japanese Chins are very good for new dog owners.

    Mal Shis are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Japanese Chin

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

  • Pomapoo (77 percent match with Japanese Chin). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Pomapoo.
  • Peek A Poo (79 percent match with Japanese Chin). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Peek A Poo.
  • 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 Japanese Chin vs Maltese.
  • Peek A Poo (80 percent match with Mal Shi). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Chin vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Japanese Chin Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Chin versus Black Mouth Cur     Japanese Chin versus Miniature Pinscher     Japanese Chin versus Papipoo     Japanese Chin versus Chorkie     Japanese Chin versus Kooikerhondje     Japanese Chin versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Japanese Chin versus Lhasapoo     Japanese Chin versus Pomsky     Japanese Chin versus Keeshond     Japanese Chin versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Japanese Chin versus Australian Terrier     Japanese Chin versus Lhasapoo     Japanese Chin versus Skye Terrier     Japanese Chin versus Bullmastiff     Japanese Chin versus Basenji     Japanese Chin versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Japanese Chin versus Papipoo     Japanese Chin versus Siberian Husky     Japanese Chin versus Rottweiler     Japanese Chin versus Manchester Terrier     Japanese Chin versus Lancashire Heeler     Japanese Chin versus Sloughi     Japanese Chin versus Cocker Spaniel     Japanese Chin versus Pekingese     Japanese Chin versus Pomchi     

    Mal Shi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mal Shi versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Mal Shi versus Collie     Mal Shi versus Sloughi     Mal Shi versus King Shepherd     Mal Shi versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Mal Shi versus Kooikerhondje     Mal Shi versus Coton de Tulear     Mal Shi versus Welsh Terrier     Mal Shi versus English Springer Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Siberian Husky     Mal Shi versus Miniature Pinscher     Mal Shi versus Papillon     Mal Shi versus Shetland Sheepdog     Mal Shi versus Kai Ken     Mal Shi versus Harrier     Mal Shi versus Schipperke     Mal Shi versus Shichon     Mal Shi versus Pharaoh Hound     Mal Shi versus Australian Shepherd     Mal Shi versus American Water Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Whoodle     Mal Shi versus Dogo Argentino     Mal Shi versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Mal Shi versus Afador     Mal Shi versus Bullmastiff     

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