Is the Mal Shi Better than the Rhodesian Ridgeback as a Pet? Answer…

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Mal Shi Versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Mal Shi and the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback.

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 Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Mal Shi versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Overview

A very important difference between the Mal Shi and the Rhodesian Ridgeback is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Mal Shi is a tiny-sized dog while the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large-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 Rhodesian Ridgeback belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

Mal Shi versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Mal Shi to the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback

Factor Mal Shi Rhodesian Ridgeback
Does NOT Shed 5/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 1/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 10 to 12 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 5/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
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 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Weight 6 to 12 pounds 70 to 85 pounds
Height From 10 inches tall at the shoulder 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1730 $1620
Price Range $1300 – $2000 $1250 – $1900
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination. Exams are recommended annually to age 9, annual recertifcation is required
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback is 74 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Mal Shi is a better pet than the Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

  • Mal Shis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • 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, Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Mal Shis require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom.
  • Mal Shis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Mal Shis adapt well to apartment living. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Mal Shis are good for new dog owners. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • The Similarities Between the Mal Shi and the Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

  • Both the Mal Shi and the Rhodesian Ridgeback do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Rhodesian Ridgeback cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Rhodesian Ridgeback cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Rhodesian Ridgeback have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Mal Shi versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

    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, Rhodesian Ridgebacks weigh 70 to 85 pounds when fully grown. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Mal Shi versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

    The lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is 11.0 years.

    Mal Shis live longer than Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

    Price of Mal Shi versus Price of Rhodesian Ridgeback

    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 Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy is $1620. The price of the Rhodesian Ridgeback typically ranges from $1250 – $1900. However, the price of the Rhodesian Ridgeback can be as low as $500 and as high as $2850. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 175 Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Mal Shi is more expensive than the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

    Mal Shi Rhodesian Ridgeback
    Average Price $1730 $1620
    Price Range $1300 to $2000 $1250 to $1900

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Mal Shi and Rhodesian Ridgeback. For different price points, the charts show how many Mal Shi puppies or how many Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks

    A breakdown of the prices of Rhodesian Ridgebacks

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

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not like to be left alone.

    Do Mal Shis shed more than Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Mal Shi or the Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Mal Shi or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom.

    Does the Mal Shi Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    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.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Mal Shi vs. Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

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

    Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Mal Shis good family dogs? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Mal Shis and Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Mal Shi Easier to Train than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Mal Shis are very easy to train.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not easy to train.

    Is the Mal Shi Better for Apartment Owners than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Mal Shis are very good for new dog owners.

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

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

  • Black Mouth Cur (79 percent match with Rhodesian Ridgeback). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Bracco Italiano (80 percent match with Rhodesian Ridgeback). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Bracco Italiano.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Mal Shi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mal Shi versus Pharaoh Hound     Mal Shi versus Shichon     Mal Shi versus Beaglier     Mal Shi versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Mal Shi versus Miniature Poodle     Mal Shi versus Pomchi     Mal Shi versus Irish Wolfhound     Mal Shi versus Cesky Terrier     Mal Shi versus Australian Kelpie     Mal Shi versus Chow Chow     Mal Shi versus Shichon     Mal Shi versus Affenpinscher     Mal Shi versus Whippet     Mal Shi versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Mal Shi versus Bluetick Coonhound     Mal Shi versus Dogo Argentino     Mal Shi versus Great Dane     Mal Shi versus Bearded Collie     Mal Shi versus Standard Schnauzer     Mal Shi versus Bolognese     Mal Shi versus Black Russian Terrier     Mal Shi versus Aussiedoodle     Mal Shi versus Collie     Mal Shi versus Irish Terrier     Mal Shi versus Italian Greyhound     

    Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Weimaraner     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Toy Fox Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Collie     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Boykin Spaniel     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Westiepoo     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Xoloitzcuintli     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Leonberger     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Scottish Deerhound     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bracco Italiano     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bich Poo     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Maltese     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Japanese Spitz     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Kooikerhondje     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus English Setter     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bull Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Chinese Crested     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Italian Greyhound     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shetland Sheepdog     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Chow Chow     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus German Pinscher     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus American Foxhound     

    Conclusion: Mal Shi versus Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback better suits you and your family.