Which is Better between the Mal Shi and the Puli? A Very Detailed Review.

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Mal Shi Versus Puli: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Mal Shi and the Puli 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 Mal Shi and for the Puli. 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 Mal Shi and the Puli.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Mal Shi or the Puli.

Mal Shi versus Puli: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Mal Shi belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.

On the other hand, the Puli belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Mal Shi versus Puli: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Mal Shi to the Puli 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 Mal Shi and the Puli

Factor Mal Shi Puli
Does NOT Shed 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 1/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 10 to 15 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 1/5
General Health 2/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Weight 6 to 12 pounds 25 to 35 pounds
Height From 10 inches tall at the shoulder 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1730 $2250
Price Range $1300 – $2000 $1875 – $2750
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Mal Shi 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 Puli. 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 Mal Shi is 80 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Puli is 74 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Mal Shi is a better pet than the Puli. 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 Mal Shi and the Puli so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Mal Shi and the Puli

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

  • Mal Shis do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Pulis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Mal Shis have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, Pulis are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Mal Shis do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Pulis do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Mal Shis are good for new dog owners. However, Pulis are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • The Similarities Between the Mal Shi and the Puli

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

  • Both the Mal Shi and the Puli do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Puli do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Puli cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Puli require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Puli are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Puli are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Puli are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Puli adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Puli have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Mal Shi versus Puli

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

    Mal Shis weigh 6 to 12 pounds when fully grown. Mal Shis are From 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Pulis weigh 25 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Pulis are 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Mal Shi versus Puli

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

    The lifespan of Pulis is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pulis is 12.5 years.

    Mal Shis live longer than Pulis.

    Price of Mal Shi versus Price of Puli

    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 reviewing the prices of 216 Mal Shi puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Puli puppy is $2250. The price of the Puli typically ranges from $1875 – $2750. However, the price of the Puli can be as low as $1250 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 3 Puli puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Puli is more expensive than the Mal Shi.

    Mal Shi Puli
    Average Price $1730 $2250
    Price Range $1300 to $2000 $1875 to $2750

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

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Pulis

    A breakdown of the prices of Pulis

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Mal Shi puppy or the Puli 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: Mal Shi versus Puli

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

    Pulis do not like to be left alone.

    Do Mal Shis shed more than Pulis?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Mal Shi or the Puli

    Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pulis do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

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

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

    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.

    Pulis 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 Mal Shis Bark and Howl? What about Pulis?

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

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

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

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

    Pulis can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Mal Shi vs. Puli

    Mal Shis do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Pulis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pulis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Mal Shis cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Pulis can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Mal Shi or the Puli?

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Pulis get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Mal Shis good family dogs? What about Pulis?

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

    Pulis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Mal Shis and Pulis?

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

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

    Is the Mal Shi Easier to Train than the Puli?

    Mal Shis are very easy to train.

    Pulis are not easy to train.

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

    Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Pulis adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Mal Shis are very good for new dog owners.

    Pulis are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    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 Puli vs Maltese.
  • Peek A Poo (80 percent match with Mal Shi). Here is our comparison of the Puli vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Puli

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

  • Briard (77 percent match with Puli). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Briard.
  • Welsh Terrier (75 percent match with Puli). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Welsh Terrier.
  • Scottish Terrier (79 percent match with Puli). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Scottish Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Mal Shi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mal Shi versus Jack Russell Terrier     Mal Shi versus Westiepoo     Mal Shi versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Mal Shi versus Clumber Spaniel     Mal Shi versus German Pinscher     Mal Shi versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Mal Shi versus American Bulldog     Mal Shi versus Canaan Dog     Mal Shi versus Puggle     Mal Shi versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Afador     Mal Shi versus Barbet     Mal Shi versus Pekingese     Mal Shi versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Mal Shi versus German Longhaired Pointer     Mal Shi versus English Cocker Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Whoodle     Mal Shi versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Mal Shi versus Maltese     Mal Shi versus Cockapoo     Mal Shi versus Kishu Ken     Mal Shi versus Akita     Mal Shi versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Mal Shi versus Chi-Poo     Mal Shi versus Chihuahua     

    Puli Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Puli versus Kooikerhondje     Puli versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Puli versus American Water Spaniel     Puli versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Puli versus Biewer Terrier     Puli versus German Pinscher     Puli versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Puli versus Chihuahua     Puli versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Puli versus Border Collie     Puli versus Bulldog     Puli versus Bouvier des Flandres     Puli versus Basset Hound     Puli versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Puli versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Puli versus Boston Terrier     Puli versus Lowchen     Puli versus Afador     Puli versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Puli versus Dachshund     Puli versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Puli versus Bulldog     Puli versus Schnoodle     Puli versus Goldador     

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