Last Updated: Jun 15, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Australian Shepherd Versus Mal Shi: Introduction
- Australian Shepherd versus Mal Shi: Overview
- Australian Shepherd versus Mal Shi: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi
- The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi
- Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Mal Shi
- Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Mal Shi
- Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Mal Shi
- Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Mal Shi
- Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Mal Shis?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Mal Shi?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Mal Shi?
- Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Mal Shis?
- Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Mal Shi?
- Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Mal Shi
- How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Mal Shis?
- Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mal Shi?
- Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Mal Shis?
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Mal Shi
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Australian Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Mal Shi. Which One is a Better Pet?
Australian Shepherd Versus Mal Shi: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd or the Mal Shi.
Australian Shepherd versus Mal Shi: Overview
A very important difference between the Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog while the Mal Shi is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Australian Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
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.
Australian Shepherd versus Mal Shi: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi
| Factor | Australian Shepherd | Mal Shi |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Height | 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder | From 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 40 to 65 pounds | 6 to 12 pounds |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1180 | $1730 |
| Price Range | $800 – $1500 | $1300 – $2000 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mal Shi is 80 out of 125.
Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Mal Shi, we still believe that the Australian Shepherd is a better pet than the Mal Shi.
This is because Australian Shepherds are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Australian Shepherd will come out on top.
Also, we are biased in favor of the Australian Shepherd :-). We are for the Australian Shepherd. So get a Australian Shepherd!
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi
Below is a list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi are most different:
The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi
The Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Mal Shi
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi.
The Australian Shepherd weighs 40 to 65 pounds when fully grown. The Australian Shepherd is 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, the Mal Shi weighs 6 to 12 pounds when fully grown. The Mal Shi is From 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Mal Shi
The lifespan of the Australian Shepherd is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Australian Shepherd is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of the Mal Shi is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Mal Shi is 13.0 years.
The Australian Shepherd live longer than the Mal Shi.
Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Mal Shi
The average price of the Australian Shepherd puppy is $1180. The price of the Australian Shepherd typically ranges from $800 – $1500. However, the price of a Australian Shepherd can be as low as $100 and as high as $12009. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 2674 Australian Shepherd 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 Mal Shi is more expensive than the Australian Shepherd.
| Australian Shepherd | Mal Shi | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1180 | $1730 |
| Price Range | $800 to $1500 | $1300 to $2000 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Shepherd and Mal Shi. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Shepherd puppies or how many Mal Shi puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Australian Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Mal Shis
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Australian Shepherd 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: Australian Shepherd versus Mal Shi
Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Mal Shis can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Mal Shis?
Australian Shepherds shed moderately.
Mal Shis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Mal Shi?
Australian Shepherds 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.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Mal Shi?
Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.
Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Mal Shis?
Australian Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Mal Shis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Mal Shi?
Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.
Mal Shis are very easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Mal Shi
Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Mal Shis?
Australian Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Mal Shis get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mal Shi?
Australian Shepherds 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 Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Mal Shis?
Australian Shepherds 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 Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather?
Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Mal Shis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Mal Shi
Australian Shepherds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
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 Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather?
Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.
Mal Shis cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Mal Shi?
Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.
Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Shepherd or the Mal Shi?
Australian Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Mal Shis are very good for new dog owners.
Australian Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Australian Shepherd compares to other breeds aside from the Mal Shi. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Australian Shepherd to other breeds:
Australian Shepherd versus Irish Terrier Australian Shepherd versus Standard Schnauzer Australian Shepherd versus Siberian Husky Australian Shepherd versus Labrador Retriever Australian Shepherd versus Great Pyrenees Australian Shepherd versus Welsh Terrier Australian Shepherd versus Affenpinscher Australian Shepherd versus Australian Cattle Dog Australian Shepherd versus Beagle Australian Shepherd versus Dachshund Australian Shepherd versus Collie Australian Shepherd versus Sheepadoodle Australian Shepherd versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Australian Shepherd versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Australian Shepherd versus Curly-Coated Retriever Australian Shepherd versus Australian Shepherd Australian Shepherd versus Lowchen Australian Shepherd versus Mudi Australian Shepherd versus Lakeland Terrier
Conclusion: Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the Mal Shi better suits you and your family.