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

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Maltese Versus Mal Shi: Introduction

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

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

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

Maltese versus Mal Shi: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Maltese belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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

Maltese versus Mal Shi: Comparison Table

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

Factor Maltese Mal Shi
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Height 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder From 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight Up to 7 pounds 6 to 12 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2580 $1730
Price Range $1800 – $3000 $1300 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Maltese 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 Mal Shi. 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 Maltese is 82 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mal Shi is 80 out of 125.

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

    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 Maltese and the Mal Shi so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Maltese and the Mal Shi

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

  • Both the Maltese and the Mal Shi cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Maltese and the Mal Shi do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Maltese and the Mal Shi do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Maltese and the Mal Shi are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Maltese and the Mal Shi do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Maltese and the Mal Shi require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Maltese and the Mal Shi have low exercise needs.
  • Both the Maltese and the Mal Shi are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Maltese and the Mal Shi get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Maltese and the Mal Shi are very easy to train.
  • Both the Maltese and the Mal Shi are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Maltese and the Mal Shi have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Maltese and the Mal Shi are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Maltese and the Mal Shi are very playful.
  • Both the Maltese and the Mal Shi adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Maltese and the Mal Shi are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Maltese and the Mal Shi are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Maltese versus Mal Shi

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

    Malteses weigh Up to 7 pounds when fully grown. Malteses are 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

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

    Lifespan of Maltese versus Mal Shi

    The lifespan of Malteses is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Malteses is 13.5 years.

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

    Malteses live longer than Mal Shis.

    Price of Maltese versus Price of Mal Shi

    The average price of the Maltese puppy is $2580. The price of the Maltese typically ranges from $1800 – $3000. However, the price of a Maltese can be as low as $500 and as high as $7995. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 413 Maltese puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    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 the Mal Shi can be as low as $700 and as high as $3500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 216 Mal Shi puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Maltese is more expensive than the Mal Shi.

    Maltese Mal Shi
    Average Price $2580 $1730
    Price Range $1800 to $3000 $1300 to $2000

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

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Mal Shis

    A breakdown of the prices of Mal Shis

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

    Malteses do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Malteses shed more than Mal Shis?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Maltese or the Mal Shi

    Malteses do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

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

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

    Malteses 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.

    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.

    Do Malteses Bark and Howl? What about Mal Shis?

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

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

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

    Malteses cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Maltese vs. Mal Shi

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

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

    Can Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

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

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

    Malteses get along very well with other dogs.

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Malteses good family dogs? What about Mal Shis?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Malteses and Mal Shis?

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

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

    Is the Maltese Easier to Train than the Mal Shi?

    Malteses are very easy to train.

    Mal Shis are very easy to train.

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

    Malteses adapt very well to apartment living.

    Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Malteses are very good for new dog owners.

    Mal Shis are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maltese

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

  • Pomapoo (80 percent match with Maltese). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Pomapoo.
  • Peek A Poo (81 percent match with Maltese). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Peek A Poo.
  • 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:

  • Peek A Poo (80 percent match with Mal Shi). Here is our comparison of the Maltese vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Maltese Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maltese versus Mountain Cur     Maltese versus Frenchton     Maltese versus Cockalier     Maltese versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Maltese versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Maltese versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Maltese versus Field Spaniel     Maltese versus Great Pyrenees     Maltese versus Doberman Pinscher     Maltese versus Boston Terrier     Maltese versus Canaan Dog     Maltese versus Rottweiler     Maltese versus Doberman Pinscher     Maltese versus Akbash     Maltese versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Maltese versus Australian Terrier     Maltese versus King Shepherd     Maltese versus German Shepherd Dog     Maltese versus Giant Schnauzer     Maltese versus Airedale Terrier     Maltese versus Pyredoodle     Maltese versus Yorkipoo     Maltese versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Maltese versus Fila Brasileiro     Maltese versus Dutch Shepherd     

    Mal Shi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mal Shi versus Giant Schnauzer     Mal Shi versus Bolognese     Mal Shi versus Sloughi     Mal Shi versus Bearded Collie     Mal Shi versus Chorkie     Mal Shi versus German Shepherd Dog     Mal Shi versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Mal Shi versus Boston Terrier     Mal Shi versus King Shepherd     Mal Shi versus Beagle     Mal Shi versus Swedish Vallhund     Mal Shi versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Mal Shi versus Irish Terrier     Mal Shi versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Mal Shi versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Mal Shi versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Mal Shi versus Whoodle     Mal Shi versus Gordon Setter     Mal Shi versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Mal Shi versus English Cocker Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Rottweiler     Mal Shi versus Afador     Mal Shi versus Belgian Tervuren     Mal Shi versus Bull Terrier     Mal Shi versus English Toy Spaniel     

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