Why you Should Get the Border Collie Instead of the Mal Shi.

Last Updated: Mar 09, 2022

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Border Collie Versus Mal Shi: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Border Collie 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 Border Collie 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 Border Collie 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 Border Collie or the Mal Shi.

Note that the border collie breed comes in two varieties based on coat texture. There is the smooth-coat border collie and the rough-coat border collie. Read our article on rough-coat border collie versus smooth-coat border collie.

Furthermore, the border collie dog breed is very different from the collie dog breed. Learn about the differences between these two dog breeds in our border collie versus collie article.

Finally, just like the border collie, the collie also comes in two varieties. There is the rough collie and the smooth collie. To learn about the differences and similarities between them, check out our article on rough collie versus smooth collie.

Border Collie versus Mal Shi

Border Collie versus Mal Shi: Overview

A very important difference between the Border Collie and the Mal Shi is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Border Collie is a medium-sized dog while the Mal Shi is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Border Collie 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.

Border Collie versus Mal Shi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Border Collie 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 Border Collie and the Mal Shi

FactorBorder CollieMal Shi
Tolerates Being Alone1/53/5
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Life Span12 to 15 years12 to 14 years
Height18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulderFrom 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living2/55/5
Good For Novice Owners2/55/5
General Health2/52/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl4/52/5
Dog Friendly3/53/5
Does NOT Shed3/55/5
Easy To Groom3/52/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/53/5
Does NOT chew on things3/52/5
Low Prey Drive3/51/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/55/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor3/54/5
Weight30 to 45 pounds6 to 12 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather4/52/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/52/5
Kid-Friendly4/53/5
Easygoing1/53/5
Affectionate With Family5/54/5
Friendly Toward Strangers5/53/5
Easy To Train5/54/5
Intelligence5/53/5
NOT Rambunctious1/53/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/53/5
Potential For Playfulness5/53/5
Average Lifespan13.5 years13.0 years
Average Price$1000$1730
Price Range$600 – $1250$1300 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Congenital Deafness
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination, recommended annually until age 7
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis
  • Shoulders
  • TNS Info
  • Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome
  • No Data

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

    Despite the equal Better-Pet score of the Border Collie and the Mal Shi, we still think that the Border Collie is a better pet than the Mal Shi.

    This is because Border Collies are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Border Collie will come out on top.

    Also, we are biased in favor of the Border Collie :-). We are for the Border Collie. So get a Border Collie!

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Border Collie and the Mal Shi

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

  • Border Collies do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Mal Shis adapt well to apartment living.
  • Border Collies are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Mal Shis are good for new dog owners.
  • The Similarities Between the Border Collie and the Mal Shi

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

  • Both the Border Collie and the Mal Shi do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Mal Shi have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Mal Shi get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Mal Shi are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Mal Shi are very easy to train.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Border Collie versus Mal Shi

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

    Border Collies weigh 30 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Border Collies are 18 to 22 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.

    Here is our article on Border Collie size, Border Collie growth, and Border Collie weight.

    Lifespan of Border Collie versus Mal Shi

    The lifespan of Border Collies is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Border Collies 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.

    Border Collies live longer than Mal Shis.

    Go to this article to learn more about Border Collie lifespan and how long Border Collie live.

    Price of Border Collie versus Price of Mal Shi

    The average price of the Border Collie puppy is $1000. The price of the Border Collie typically ranges from $600 – $1250. However, the price of a Border Collie can be as low as $100 and as high as $5500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1009 Border Collie 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 Border Collie.

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    Border Collie Mal Shi
    Average Price $1000 $1730
    Price Range $600 to $1250 $1300 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Border Collies. 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 Border Collie 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.

    Go to this article to learn more about Border Collie cost and price.

    Check out our list of best Border Collie breeders here

    Tolerates Being Alone: Border Collie versus Mal Shi

    Border Collies do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Border Collies shed more than Mal Shis?

    Border Collies shed moderately.

    Check out our articles to learn more on how to minimize shedding in Border Collies, and on how to groom a Border Collie

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Border Collie or the Mal Shi?

    Border Collies are moderately easy to groom.

    To learn more about how to properly groom a Border Collie, check out our article on how to groom a Border Collie.

    Learn more on how to take care of a Border Collie here.

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

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

    Border Collies get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Border Collies good family dogs? What about Mal Shis?

    Border Collies are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Border Collie make a good addition to a family. They love kids and kids love them.

    Learn about Border Collie temperament here.

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

    Is the Border Collie Easier to Train than the Mal Shi?

    Border Collies are very easy to train.

    Mal Shis are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Border Collie or the Mal Shi

    Border Collies do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Border Collies and Mal Shis?

    Border Collies get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Does the Border Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mal Shi?

    Border Collies have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Border Collies Bark and Howl? What about Mal Shis?

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

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

    Can Border Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Border Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Border Collie vs. Mal Shi

    Border Collies have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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 Border Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Border Collies can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Is the Border Collie Better for Apartment Owners than the Mal Shi?

    Border Collies do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Border Collies are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Mal Shis are very good for new dog owners.

    Border Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Border Collie compares to other breeds aside from the Mal Shi. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Border Collie to other breeds:

    Border Collie versus Boerboel     Border Collie versus Yorkipoo     Border Collie versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Border Collie versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Border Collie versus Giant Schnauzer     Border Collie versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Border Collie versus Mudi     Border Collie versus Bordoodle     Border Collie versus Bearded Collie     Border Collie versus Azawakh     Border Collie versus Australian Kelpie     Border Collie versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Border Collie versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Border Collie versus Irish Water Spaniel     Border Collie versus Finnish Lapphund     

    Conclusion: Border Collie 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 Border Collie and the Mal Shi better suits you and your family.