Differences and Similarities between the Kuvasz and the Mal Shi.

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Kuvasz Versus Mal Shi: Introduction

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

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

Kuvasz versus Mal Shi: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Kuvasz 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.

Kuvasz versus Mal Shi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz and the Mal Shi

Factor Kuvasz Mal Shi
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 1/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 5/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 1/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 14 years
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Height 26 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder From 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Weight 70 to 115 pounds 6 to 12 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1630 $1730
Price Range $1438 – $1812 $1300 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz is 66 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 Kuvasz. 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 Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz and the Mal Shi

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

  • Kuvaszs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Mal Shis adapt well to apartment living.
  • Kuvaszs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Mal Shis are good for new dog owners.
  • Kuvaszs are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Mal Shis are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Kuvaszs 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.
  • Kuvaszs 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.
  • Kuvaszs can tolerate cold weather. However, Mal Shis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • The Similarities Between the Kuvasz and the Mal Shi

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

  • Both the Kuvasz and the Mal Shi cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Mal Shi do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Mal Shi gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Mal Shi are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Mal Shi have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Mal Shi are very playful.
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Mal Shi are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Kuvasz versus Mal Shi

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

    Kuvaszs weigh 70 to 115 pounds when fully grown. Kuvaszs are 26 to 30 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 Kuvasz versus Mal Shi

    The lifespan of Kuvaszs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Kuvaszs 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 Kuvaszs.

    Price of Kuvasz versus Price of Mal Shi

    The average price of the Kuvasz puppy is $1630. The price of the Kuvasz typically ranges from $1438 – $1812. However, the price of a Kuvasz can be as low as $1250 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 2 Kuvasz 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 Mal Shi is more expensive than the Kuvasz.

    Kuvasz Mal Shi
    Average Price $1630 $1730
    Price Range $1438 to $1812 $1300 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Kuvaszs. 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 Kuvasz 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: Kuvasz versus Mal Shi

    Kuvaszs do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Kuvaszs shed more than Mal Shis?

    Kuvaszs 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 Kuvasz or the Mal Shi

    Kuvaszs drool moderately.

    Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Kuvaszs are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Kuvasz Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mal Shi?

    Kuvaszs 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 Kuvaszs Bark and Howl? What about Mal Shis?

    Kuvaszs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Kuvaszs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Kuvaszs can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Kuvasz vs. Mal Shi

    Kuvaszs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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 Kuvaszs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Kuvaszs 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 Kuvasz or the Mal Shi?

    Kuvaszs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Kuvaszs good family dogs? What about Mal Shis?

    Kuvaszs 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 Kuvaszs and Mal Shis?

    Kuvaszs 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 Kuvasz Easier to Train than the Mal Shi?

    Kuvaszs are not easy to train.

    Mal Shis are very easy to train.

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

    Kuvaszs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Kuvaszs 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 Kuvasz

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

  • Hovawart (72 percent match with Kuvasz). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Hovawart.
  • 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 Kuvasz vs Maltese.
  • Peek A Poo (80 percent match with Mal Shi). Here is our comparison of the Kuvasz vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Kuvasz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kuvasz versus Clumber Spaniel     Kuvasz versus Bull Terrier     Kuvasz versus Korean Jindo Dog     Kuvasz versus Airedale Terrier     Kuvasz versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Kuvasz versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Kuvasz versus Korean Jindo Dog     Kuvasz versus English Cocker Spaniel     Kuvasz versus Border Terrier     Kuvasz versus Patterdale Terrier     Kuvasz versus Bull Terrier     Kuvasz versus Maltese     Kuvasz versus English Setter     Kuvasz versus Kishu Ken     Kuvasz versus Biewer Terrier     Kuvasz versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Kuvasz versus German Pinscher     Kuvasz versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Kuvasz versus Sheepadoodle     Kuvasz versus Shichon     Kuvasz versus Pyredoodle     Kuvasz versus Shichon     Kuvasz versus Brussels Griffon     Kuvasz versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Kuvasz versus Schipperke     

    Mal Shi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mal Shi versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Mal Shi versus Norwegian Buhund     Mal Shi versus Silky Terrier     Mal Shi versus Miniature Schnauzer     Mal Shi versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Mal Shi versus Rottweiler     Mal Shi versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Mal Shi versus Mountain Cur     Mal Shi versus Bernedoodle     Mal Shi versus Saluki     Mal Shi versus Valley Bulldog     Mal Shi versus Puli     Mal Shi versus Welsh Terrier     Mal Shi versus Tibetan Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Jack Russell Terrier     Mal Shi versus Chinook     Mal Shi versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Mal Shi versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Mal Shi versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Mal Shi versus Collie     Mal Shi versus Beagle     Mal Shi versus Bluetick Coonhound     Mal Shi versus Maltipoo     Mal Shi versus Beaglier     Mal Shi versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     

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