Breed Comparison: Dogo Argentino Versus Mal Shi

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Dogo Argentino Versus Mal Shi: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino or the Mal Shi

Dogo Argentino versus Mal Shi: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Dogo Argentino 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.

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..

Dogo Argentino versus Mal Shi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino Mal Shi
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Height 23 to 27 inches From 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 2/5
Intelligence 3/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Weight 80 to 100 pounds 6 to 12 pounds
Life Span 9 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2510 $1730
Price Range $1500 – $2500 $1300 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino is 67 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Mal Shi is 80 out of 125.

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

    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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino and the Mal Shi

    Below is a list of where the Dogo Argentino and the Mal Shi are most different:

  • Dogo Argentinos do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Mal Shis adapt well to apartment living.
  • Dogo Argentinos are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Mal Shis are good for new dog owners.
  • Dogo Argentinos have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Mal Shis do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • The Similarities Between the Dogo Argentino and the Mal Shi

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

  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Mal Shi do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Mal Shi do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Mal Shi cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Mal Shi do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Mal Shi do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Mal Shi are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Mal Shi are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Mal Shi are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Mal Shi have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Mal Shi require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Mal Shi have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dogo Argentino versus Mal Shi

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

    Dogo Argentinos weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Dogo Argentinos are 23 to 27 inches 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 Dogo Argentino versus Price of Mal Shi

    The average price of the Dogo Argentino puppy is $2510. The price of the Dogo Argentino typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Dogo Argentino can be as low as $400 and as high as $6800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 114 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino is more expensive than the Mal Shi.

    Dogo Argentino Mal Shi
    Average Price $2510 $1730
    Price Range $1500 to $2500 $1300 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Dogo Argentinos. 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 Dogo Argentino 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.

    Is the Dogo Argentino Better for Apartment Owners than the Mal Shi?

    Dogo Argentinos do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Dogo Argentinos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Mal Shis are very good for new dog owners.

    Do Dogo Argentinos shed more than Mal Shis?

    Dogo Argentinos 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dogo Argentino versus Mal Shi

    Dogo Argentinos do not like to be left alone.

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

    Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dogo Argentinos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Dogo Argentinos and Mal Shis?

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

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

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Is the Dogo Argentino Easier to Train than the Mal Shi?

    Dogo Argentinos are not easy to train.

    Mal Shis are very easy to train.

    Do Dogo Argentinos Bark and Howl? What about Mal Shis?

    Dogo Argentinos 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.

    Which one drools more, the Dogo Argentino or the Mal Shi

    Dogo Argentinos drool moderately.

    Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dogo Argentinos can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Are Dogo Argentinos good family dogs? What about Mal Shis?

    Dogo Argentinos 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 Dogo Argentino or the Mal Shi?

    Dogo Argentinos are very easy to groom.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Dogo Argentino vs. Mal Shi

    Dogo Argentinos 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.

    Does the Dogo Argentino Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mal Shi?

    Dogo Argentinos 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.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dogo Argentino

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

  • American Bulldog (78 percent match with Dogo Argentino). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs American Bulldog.
  • Fila Brasileiro (80 percent match with Dogo Argentino). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Fila Brasileiro.
  • 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 Dogo Argentino vs Maltese.
  • Peek A Poo (80 percent match with Mal Shi). Here is our comparison of the Dogo Argentino vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Dogo Argentino Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dogo Argentino versus Brussels Griffon     Dogo Argentino versus Patterdale Terrier     Dogo Argentino versus Vizsla     Dogo Argentino versus Akita Chow     Dogo Argentino versus Peek A Poo     Dogo Argentino versus Scottish Terrier     Dogo Argentino versus American Hairless Terrier     Dogo Argentino versus Basset Hound     Dogo Argentino versus Bracco Italiano     Dogo Argentino versus Great Pyrenees     

    Mal Shi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mal Shi versus Bloodhound     Mal Shi versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Mal Shi versus Cavapoo     Mal Shi versus Scottish Deerhound     Mal Shi versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Mal Shi versus Portuguese Water Dog     Mal Shi versus Puli     Mal Shi versus Akita Chow     Mal Shi versus Pug     Mal Shi versus Yorkipoo     

    Conclusion: Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino and the Mal Shi better suits you and your family.