A Detailed Comparison of the Doberman Pinscher and the Mal Shi.

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Doberman Pinscher Versus Mal Shi: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Doberman Pinscher and the Mal Shi? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher and the Mal Shi.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher or the Mal Shi

Doberman Pinscher versus Mal Shi: Overview

A very important difference between the Doberman Pinscher and the Mal Shi is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Doberman Pinscher is a large-sized dog while the Mal Shi is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Doberman Pinscher belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

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

Doberman Pinscher versus Mal Shi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Doberman Pinscher 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.

Factor Doberman Pinscher Mal Shi
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 3/5
General Health 1/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 12 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 5/5
Height 24 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder From 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 5/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Weight 60 to 80 pounds 6 to 12 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1910 $1730
Price Range $1100 – $2500 $1300 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • Working Aptitude
  • No Data

    *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Doberman Pinscher 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 a Doberman Pinscher is 81 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Mal Shi is 80 out of 125.

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

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Doberman Pinscher and the Mal Shi

    Below is a list of where the Doberman Pinscher and the Mal Shi are most different:

  • Doberman Pinschers have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Mal Shis have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Doberman Pinschers are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Mal Shis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Doberman Pinschers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Mal Shis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Doberman Pinschers have a very high tendency to drool. However, Mal Shis do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Doberman Pinschers are very easy to groom. However, Mal Shis require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the Doberman Pinscher and the Mal Shi

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

  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Mal Shi cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Mal Shi have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Mal Shi do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher and the Mal Shi are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Mal Shi are very easy to train.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Doberman Pinscher versus Mal Shi

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

    Doberman Pinschers weigh 60 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Doberman Pinschers are 24 to 28 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.

    Price of Doberman Pinscher versus Price of Mal Shi

    The average price of the Doberman Pinscher puppy is $1910. The price of the Doberman Pinscher typically ranges from $1100 – $2500. However, the price of a Doberman Pinscher can be as low as $300 and as high as $7500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 476 Doberman Pinscher 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 a 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 Doberman Pinscher is more expensive than the Mal Shi.

    Doberman Pinscher Mal Shi
    Average Price $1910 $1730
    Price Range $1100 to $2500 $1300 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Doberman Pinschers. 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 Doberman Pinscher 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Can Doberman Pinschers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Doberman Pinschers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

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

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

    Doberman Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Does the Doberman Pinscher Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mal Shi?

    Doberman Pinschers 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.

    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 Doberman Pinschers Bark and Howl? What about Mal Shis?

    Doberman Pinschers 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Doberman Pinscher versus Mal Shi

    Doberman Pinschers do not like to be left alone.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Doberman Pinscher vs. Mal Shi

    Doberman Pinschers 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.

    Is the Doberman Pinscher Better for Apartment Owners than the Mal Shi?

    Doberman Pinschers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Doberman Pinschers are OK for new dog owners.

    Mal Shis are very good for new dog owners.

    How Kid-friendly are Doberman Pinschers and Mal Shis?

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

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

    Can Doberman Pinschers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Doberman Pinschers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Do Doberman Pinschers shed more than Mal Shis?

    Doberman Pinschers shed. They are not recommended 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 Doberman Pinscher or the Mal Shi

    Doberman Pinschers have a very high tendency to drool.

    Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Are Doberman Pinschers good family dogs? What about Mal Shis?

    Doberman Pinschers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Doberman Pinscher or the Mal Shi?

    Doberman Pinschers are very easy to groom.

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

    Is the Doberman Pinscher Easier to Train than the Mal Shi?

    Doberman Pinschers are very easy to train.

    Mal Shis are very easy to train.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Doberman Pinscher

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

  • Rottweiler (68 percent match with Doberman Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Rottweiler.
  • Schnoodle (67 percent match with Doberman Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Schnoodle.
  • Neapolitan Mastiff (67 percent match with Doberman Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Neapolitan Mastiff.
  • 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 Doberman Pinscher vs Maltese.
  • Peek A Poo (80 percent match with Mal Shi). Here is our comparison of the Doberman Pinscher vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Doberman Pinscher Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Doberman Pinscher versus Bull Terrier     Doberman Pinscher versus Shihpoo     Doberman Pinscher versus Bordoodle     Doberman Pinscher versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Doberman Pinscher versus Toy Poodle     Doberman Pinscher versus Bolognese     Doberman Pinscher versus Karelian Bear Dog     Doberman Pinscher versus Lhasapoo     Doberman Pinscher versus Aussiedoodle     Doberman Pinscher versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     

    Mal Shi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mal Shi versus Irish Water Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Irish Terrier     Mal Shi versus Afghan Hound     Mal Shi versus Cavachon     Mal Shi versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Mal Shi versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Mal Shi versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Mal Shi versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Mal Shi versus Boston Terrier     Mal Shi versus Cockapoo     

    Conclusion: Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher and the Mal Shi better suits you and your family.