A Detailed Comparison of the Mal Shi and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Mal Shi Versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Mal Shi and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

Mal Shi versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Mal Shi and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Mal Shi is a tiny-sized dog while the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Mal Shi versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Mal Shi to the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Factor Mal Shi Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Does NOT Shed 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 2/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 12 to 15 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 3/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
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 5/5
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 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 3/5
Weight 6 to 12 pounds 30 to 40 pounds
Height From 10 inches tall at the shoulder 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1730 $1810
Price Range $1300 – $2000 $1050 – $2200
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Eye Examination
  • 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is 89 out of 125.

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

    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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Mal Shi and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier 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, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • The Similarities Between the Mal Shi and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    The Mal Shi and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Mal Shi and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are most similar:

  • Both the Mal Shi and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are very easy to train.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are good for new dog owners.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Mal Shi versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Mal Shi and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

    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, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers weigh 30 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Mal Shi versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

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

    The lifespan of Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers is 13.5 years.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers live longer than Mal Shis.

    Price of Mal Shi versus Price of Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppy is $1810. The price of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier typically ranges from $1050 – $2200. However, the price of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier can be as low as $500 and as high as $5500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 170 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is more expensive than the Mal Shi.

    Mal Shi Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
    Average Price $1730 $1810
    Price Range $1300 to $2000 $1050 to $2200

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Mal Shi and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Mal Shi puppies or how many Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers

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

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

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Mal Shis shed more than Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers?

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

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Mal Shi or the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Mal Shi or the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

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

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Mal Shi Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

    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.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Mal Shis Bark and Howl? What about Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers?

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

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Mal Shi vs. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

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

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Mal Shis good family dogs? What about Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers?

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

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Mal Shis and Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers?

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

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Mal Shi Easier to Train than the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

    Mal Shis are very easy to train.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are very easy to train.

    Is the Mal Shi Better for Apartment Owners than the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

    Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Mal Shi or the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

    Mal Shis are very good for new dog owners.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are very good 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Maltese.
  • Peek A Poo (80 percent match with Mal Shi). Here is our comparison of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier:

  • Cavachon (82 percent match with Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Cavachon.
  • Lowchen (80 percent match with Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Lowchen.
  • Cockalier (81 percent match with Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Cockalier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Mal Shi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mal Shi versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Mal Shi versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Mal Shi versus Whoodle     Mal Shi versus Pomapoo     Mal Shi versus Korean Jindo Dog     Mal Shi versus Portuguese Water Dog     Mal Shi versus Boxerdoodle     Mal Shi versus Italian Greyhound     Mal Shi versus Skye Terrier     Mal Shi versus Great Dane     Mal Shi versus Lowchen     Mal Shi versus Mountain Cur     Mal Shi versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Mal Shi versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Mal Shi versus Scottish Deerhound     Mal Shi versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Mal Shi versus Saluki     Mal Shi versus Keeshond     Mal Shi versus Afghan Hound     Mal Shi versus Saint Bernard     Mal Shi versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Mal Shi versus Bich Poo     Mal Shi versus Italian Greyhound     Mal Shi versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Afador     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Goldendoodle     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Dogo Argentino     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus American Foxhound     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Maltipoo     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Boxer     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Great Dane     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Border Terrier     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Kishu Ken     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Cockalier     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Chinook     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Afghan Hound     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Cockalier     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Saint Berdoodle     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Miniature Schnauzer     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Akita Chow     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Boxer     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Mudi     

    Conclusion: Mal Shi versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier better suits you and your family.