Breed Comparison: Lowchen Versus Mal Shi

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Lowchen Versus Mal Shi: Introduction

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

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

Lowchen versus Mal Shi: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Lowchen 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.

Lowchen versus Mal Shi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Lowchen 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 Lowchen and the Mal Shi

Factor Lowchen Mal Shi
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder From 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 13 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
General Health 5/5 2/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Weight 9 to 18 pounds 6 to 12 pounds
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2870 $1730
Price Range $1642 – $4500 $1300 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 12 months, with repeat evaluations recommended every two years.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Lowchen 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 Lowchen is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mal Shi is 80 out of 125.

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

    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 Lowchen 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 Lowchen and the Mal Shi

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

  • Lowchens are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds However, Mal Shis have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Lowchens 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 Lowchen and the Mal Shi

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

  • Both the Lowchen and the Mal Shi do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Mal Shi are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Mal Shi get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Mal Shi are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Mal Shi are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Mal Shi have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Mal Shi are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Mal Shi have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Mal Shi require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Mal Shi adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Mal Shi are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Mal Shi are very easy to train.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Lowchen versus Mal Shi

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

    Lowchens weigh 9 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Lowchens are 12 to 14 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 Lowchen versus Mal Shi

    The lifespan of Lowchens is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Lowchens is 14.0 years.

    The lifespan of Mal Shis is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Mal Shis is 13.0 years.

    Lowchens live longer than Mal Shis.

    Price of Lowchen versus Price of Mal Shi

    The average price of the Lowchen puppy is $2870. The price of the Lowchen typically ranges from $1642 – $4500. However, the price of a Lowchen can be as low as $300 and as high as $4500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 7 Lowchen 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 Lowchen is more expensive than the Mal Shi.

    Lowchen Mal Shi
    Average Price $2870 $1730
    Price Range $1642 to $4500 $1300 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Lowchens. 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 Lowchen 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: Lowchen versus Mal Shi

    Lowchens do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Lowchens shed more than Mal Shis?

    Lowchens shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Lowchen or the Mal Shi

    Lowchens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Lowchens are moderately easy to groom.

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

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

    Lowchens 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 Lowchens Bark and Howl? What about Mal Shis?

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

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

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

    Lowchens can moderately tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Lowchen vs. Mal Shi

    Lowchens 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 Lowchens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Lowchens 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 Lowchen or the Mal Shi?

    Lowchens get along very well with other dogs.

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Lowchens good family dogs? What about Mal Shis?

    Lowchens 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 Lowchens and Mal Shis?

    Lowchens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Lowchen Easier to Train than the Mal Shi?

    Lowchens are very easy to train.

    Mal Shis are very easy to train.

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

    Lowchens adapt very well to apartment living.

    Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Lowchens are very good for new dog owners.

    Mal Shis are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lowchen

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

  • English Cocker Spaniel (79 percent match with Lowchen). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs English Cocker Spaniel.
  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (80 percent match with Lowchen). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Soft Coated Wheaten 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 Lowchen vs Maltese.
  • Peek A Poo (80 percent match with Mal Shi). Here is our comparison of the Lowchen vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Lowchen Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lowchen versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Lowchen versus Harrier     Lowchen versus Akbash     Lowchen versus Lhasapoo     Lowchen versus Bolognese     Lowchen versus Korean Jindo Dog     Lowchen versus Irish Water Spaniel     Lowchen versus Keeshond     Lowchen versus Dalmatian     Lowchen versus Cockalier     Lowchen versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Lowchen versus Sussex Spaniel     Lowchen versus Shiba Inu     Lowchen versus Shihpoo     Lowchen versus Field Spaniel     Lowchen versus Boxerdoodle     Lowchen versus Frenchton     Lowchen versus Silky Terrier     Lowchen versus Irish Setter     Lowchen versus Goldador     Lowchen versus Airedale Terrier     Lowchen versus Scottish Terrier     Lowchen versus Berger Picard     Lowchen versus Briard     Lowchen versus German Shorthaired Pointer     

    Mal Shi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mal Shi versus Beaglier     Mal Shi versus West Highland White Terrier     Mal Shi versus Chow Chow     Mal Shi versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Mal Shi versus Great Pyrenees     Mal Shi versus Schnoodle     Mal Shi versus Whippet     Mal Shi versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Mal Shi versus Sussex Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Black Mouth Cur     Mal Shi versus Berger Picard     Mal Shi versus Bloodhound     Mal Shi versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Mal Shi versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Mal Shi versus Shiba Inu     Mal Shi versus Biewer Terrier     Mal Shi versus Papillon     Mal Shi versus Pomapoo     Mal Shi versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Mal Shi versus Basset Hound     Mal Shi versus Lowchen     Mal Shi versus Miniature Poodle     Mal Shi versus Dogo Argentino     Mal Shi versus Canaan Dog     Mal Shi versus American Foxhound     

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