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

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Mal Shi Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

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

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 Shihpoo.

Mal Shi versus Shihpoo: Overview

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

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 Shihpoo belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Mal Shi versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Mal Shi to the Shihpoo 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 Shihpoo

Factor Mal Shi Shihpoo
Does NOT Shed 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 13 to 17 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
General Health 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 5/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
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 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
Weight 6 to 12 pounds 8 to 18 pounds
Height From 10 inches tall at the shoulder 8 to 18 inches
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1730 $1590
Price Range $1300 – $2000 $1200 – $2000
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 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 Shihpoo. 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 Shihpoo is 84 out of 125.

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

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 Shihpoo 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 Shihpoo

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

  • Mal Shis are good for new dog owners. However, Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Mal Shis have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Shihpoos have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Mal Shi and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the Mal Shi and the Shihpoo do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Shihpoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Shihpoo do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Shihpoo cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Shihpoo cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Shihpoo require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Shihpoo have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Shihpoo do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Shihpoo are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Shihpoo adapt well to apartment living.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Mal Shi versus Shihpoo

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

    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, Shihpoos weigh 8 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Shihpoos are 8 to 18 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Mal Shi versus Shihpoo

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

    The lifespan of Shihpoos is between 13 to 17 years . The average lifespan of Shihpoos is 15.0 years.

    Shihpoos live longer than Mal Shis.

    Price of Mal Shi versus Price of Shihpoo

    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 Shihpoo puppy is $1590. The price of the Shihpoo typically ranges from $1200 – $2000. However, the price of the Shihpoo can be as low as $300 and as high as $4325. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 283 Shihpoo puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Mal Shi is more expensive than the Shihpoo.

    Mal Shi Shihpoo
    Average Price $1730 $1590
    Price Range $1300 to $2000 $1200 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Shihpoos

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

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

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Mal Shis shed more than Shihpoos?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Mal Shi or the Shihpoo

    Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

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

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

    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.

    Shihpoos 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.

    Do Mal Shis Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

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

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

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

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

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Mal Shi vs. Shihpoo

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

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

    Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Shihpoos cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Mal Shis good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Mal Shis and Shihpoos?

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

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

    Is the Mal Shi Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Mal Shis are very easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

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

    Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Mal Shis are very good for new dog owners.

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

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

  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Shiranian.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Mal Shi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mal Shi versus Welsh Terrier     Mal Shi versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Mal Shi versus Sloughi     Mal Shi versus German Shepherd Dog     Mal Shi versus Toy Fox Terrier     Mal Shi versus Morkie     Mal Shi versus Shihpoo     Mal Shi versus Labrador Retriever     Mal Shi versus Golden Retriever     Mal Shi versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Mal Shi versus Hovawart     Mal Shi versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Mal Shi versus Shichon     Mal Shi versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Mal Shi versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Mal Shi versus Plott     Mal Shi versus Schnoodle     Mal Shi versus Australian Kelpie     Mal Shi versus Cockalier     Mal Shi versus Fila Brasileiro     Mal Shi versus Xoloitzcuintli     Mal Shi versus Samoyed     Mal Shi versus Lhasa Apso     Mal Shi versus Goldador     Mal Shi versus American Bulldog     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Shichon     Shihpoo versus Scottish Deerhound     Shihpoo versus Plott     Shihpoo versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Shihpoo versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Sussex Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Bull Terrier     Shihpoo versus Mudi     Shihpoo versus Beagle     Shihpoo versus Boxerdoodle     Shihpoo versus Dachshund     Shihpoo versus Xoloitzcuintli     Shihpoo versus Schnoodle     Shihpoo versus Maremma Sheepdog     Shihpoo versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Labradoodle     Shihpoo versus Samoyed     Shihpoo versus Frenchton     Shihpoo versus Korean Jindo Dog     Shihpoo versus Bich Poo     Shihpoo versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Shihpoo versus Saint Bernard     Shihpoo versus English Setter     Shihpoo versus Giant Schnauzer     Shihpoo versus German Pinscher     

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