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

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Mal Shi Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction

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

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

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 Sussex Spaniel.

Mal Shi versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview

A very important difference between the Mal Shi and the Sussex Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Mal Shi is a tiny-sized dog while the Sussex Spaniel is a small-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 Sussex Spaniel belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Mal Shi versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Mal Shi to the Sussex Spaniel 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 Sussex Spaniel

Factor Mal Shi Sussex Spaniel
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 11 to 14 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 5/5
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
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 1/5
Intelligence 3/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 4/5
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 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
Weight 6 to 12 pounds 35 to 45 pounds
Height From 10 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1730 No Data
Price Range $1300 – $2000 No Data
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 Sussex Spaniel. 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 Sussex Spaniel is 100 out of 125.

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

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 Sussex Spaniel 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 Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Mal Shis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Sussex Spaniels can tolerate cold weather.
  • Mal Shis cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments. However, Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
  • Mal Shis have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Sussex Spaniels have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Mal Shi and the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Both the Mal Shi and the Sussex Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Sussex Spaniel 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 Sussex Spaniel do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Sussex Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Sussex Spaniel are very easy to train.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Sussex Spaniel are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Sussex Spaniel adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Sussex Spaniel are good for new dog owners.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Mal Shi versus Sussex Spaniel

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

    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, Sussex Spaniels weigh 35 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Sussex Spaniels are 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Mal Shi versus Sussex Spaniel

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

    The lifespan of Sussex Spaniels is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Sussex Spaniels is 12.5 years.

    Mal Shis live longer than Sussex Spaniels.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Mal Shi versus Sussex Spaniel

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

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Mal Shis shed more than Sussex Spaniels?

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

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Mal Shi or the Sussex Spaniel

    Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Mal Shi or the Sussex Spaniel?

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

    Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Does the Mal Shi Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?

    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.

    Sussex Spaniels 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 Sussex Spaniels?

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

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

    Can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Mal Shi vs. Sussex Spaniel

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

    Sussex Spaniels 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 Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Mal Shis good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?

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

    Sussex Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Mal Shis and Sussex Spaniels?

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

    Sussex Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Mal Shi Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Mal Shis are very easy to train.

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Mal Shi Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Mal Shis are very good for new dog owners.

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

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

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (71 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Coton de Tulear (70 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Coton de Tulear.
  • Keeshond (71 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Keeshond.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Mal Shi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mal Shi versus Maltipoo     Mal Shi versus Great Pyrenees     Mal Shi versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Mal Shi versus Pekingese     Mal Shi versus Bracco Italiano     Mal Shi versus Standard Poodle     Mal Shi versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Azawakh     Mal Shi versus Standard Schnauzer     Mal Shi versus Pekingese     Mal Shi versus Samoyed     Mal Shi versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Mal Shi versus Sussex Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Brittany     Mal Shi versus Portuguese Water Dog     Mal Shi versus Shiba Inu     Mal Shi versus Cesky Terrier     Mal Shi versus Yorkipoo     Mal Shi versus Bullmastiff     Mal Shi versus Akita Chow     Mal Shi versus French Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Mal Shi versus Basset Hound     Mal Shi versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Mal Shi versus Lhasa Apso     

    Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sussex Spaniel versus Sheepadoodle     Sussex Spaniel versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Sussex Spaniel versus Chihuahua     Sussex Spaniel versus Silky Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Barbet     Sussex Spaniel versus Bullmastiff     Sussex Spaniel versus Finnish Lapphund     Sussex Spaniel versus Irish Water Spaniel     Sussex Spaniel versus Belgian Malinois     Sussex Spaniel versus Norwegian Buhund     Sussex Spaniel versus Komondor     Sussex Spaniel versus Italian Greyhound     Sussex Spaniel versus Affenpinscher     Sussex Spaniel versus Azawakh     Sussex Spaniel versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Sussex Spaniel versus Siberian Husky     Sussex Spaniel versus Keeshond     Sussex Spaniel versus Carolina Dog     Sussex Spaniel versus Black Mouth Cur     Sussex Spaniel versus Saint Bernard     Sussex Spaniel versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Sussex Spaniel versus Maltipoo     Sussex Spaniel versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Norwegian Buhund     

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