Is the Kishu Ken Better than the Mal Shi as a Pet? Answer…

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Kishu Ken Versus Mal Shi: Introduction

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

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

Kishu Ken versus Mal Shi: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Kishu Ken 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.

Kishu Ken versus Mal Shi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Kishu Ken 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 Kishu Ken and the Mal Shi

Factor Kishu Ken Mal Shi
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 2/5
Height 17 to 22 inches From 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Weight 30 to 60 pounds 6 to 12 pounds
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 3/5
Life Span 9 to 13 years 12 to 14 years
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.0 years
Price Range No Data $1300 – $2000
Average Price No Data $1730
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data No Data

Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Kishu Ken 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 Kishu Ken is 79 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 Kishu Ken. 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 Kishu Ken 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 Kishu Ken and the Mal Shi

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

  • Kishu Kens 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.
  • Kishu Kens are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Mal Shis are good for new dog owners.
  • Kishu Kens shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Mal Shis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Kishu Kens can tolerate cold weather. However, Mal Shis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • The Similarities Between the Kishu Ken and the Mal Shi

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

  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Mal Shi do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Mal Shi are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Mal Shi do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Kishu Ken 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 Kishu Ken and the Mal Shi not very playful.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Mal Shi are very easy to train.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Mal Shi have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Kishu Ken and the Mal Shi require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Kishu Ken versus Mal Shi

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

    Kishu Kens weigh 30 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Kishu Kens are 17 to 22 inches 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 Kishu Ken versus Mal Shi

    The lifespan of Kishu Kens is between 9 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Kishu Kens is 11.0 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 Kishu Kens.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Kishu Ken versus Mal Shi

    Kishu Kens can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Do Kishu Kens shed more than Mal Shis?

    Kishu Kens shed. They are not recommended 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 Kishu Ken or the Mal Shi

    Kishu Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Kishu Ken or the Mal Shi?

    Kishu Kens are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Does the Kishu Ken Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mal Shi?

    Kishu Kens 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 Kishu Kens Bark and Howl? What about Mal Shis?

    Kishu Kens 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 Kishu Kens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Kishu Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Kishu Ken vs. Mal Shi

    Kishu Kens 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 Kishu Kens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Kishu Kens 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 Kishu Ken or the Mal Shi?

    Kishu Kens do not get along well with other dogs.

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Kishu Kens good family dogs? What about Mal Shis?

    Kishu Kens 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 Kishu Kens and Mal Shis?

    Kishu Kens 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 Kishu Ken Easier to Train than the Mal Shi?

    Kishu Kens are very easy to train.

    Mal Shis are very easy to train.

    Is the Kishu Ken Better for Apartment Owners than the Mal Shi?

    Kishu Kens adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Kishu Kens 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 Kishu Ken

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

  • Alaskan Klee Kai (76 percent match with Kishu Ken). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Alaskan Klee Kai.
  • Dutch Shepherd (78 percent match with Kishu Ken). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • Kai Ken (79 percent match with Kishu Ken). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Kai Ken.
  • 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 Kishu Ken vs Maltese.
  • Peek A Poo (80 percent match with Mal Shi). Here is our comparison of the Kishu Ken vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Kishu Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kishu Ken versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Kishu Ken versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Kishu Ken versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Kishu Ken versus Akita Chow     Kishu Ken versus Miniature Poodle     Kishu Ken versus Affenpinscher     Kishu Ken versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Kishu Ken versus Pyredoodle     Kishu Ken versus Saint Berdoodle     Kishu Ken versus Japanese Chin     Kishu Ken versus Miniature Poodle     Kishu Ken versus Saint Berdoodle     Kishu Ken versus Papipoo     Kishu Ken versus Bull Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Norwich Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Pyredoodle     Kishu Ken versus Frenchton     Kishu Ken versus Havanese     Kishu Ken versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Kishu Ken versus Irish Water Spaniel     Kishu Ken versus Patterdale Terrier     Kishu Ken versus Rottweiler     Kishu Ken versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Kishu Ken versus Vizsla     

    Mal Shi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mal Shi versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Mal Shi versus Sussex Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Mal Shi versus Labradoodle     Mal Shi versus Rottweiler     Mal Shi versus Bouvier des Flandres     Mal Shi versus Bordoodle     Mal Shi versus Basset Hound     Mal Shi versus Japanese Spitz     Mal Shi versus Patterdale Terrier     Mal Shi versus Alaskan Malamute     Mal Shi versus Miniature Schnauzer     Mal Shi versus Canaan Dog     Mal Shi versus Barbet     Mal Shi versus Alaskan Malamute     Mal Shi versus Puli     Mal Shi versus Redbone Coonhound     Mal Shi versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Mal Shi versus German Pinscher     Mal Shi versus Valley Bulldog     Mal Shi versus Bich Poo     Mal Shi versus Manchester Terrier     Mal Shi versus Goldador     Mal Shi versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Mal Shi versus Black Mouth Cur     

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