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

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Finnish Lapphund Versus Mal Shi: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund or the Mal Shi

Finnish Lapphund versus Mal Shi: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Finnish Lapphund 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 offsprings of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds..

Finnish Lapphund versus Mal Shi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund Mal Shi
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Height 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder From 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Weight 33 to 53 pounds 6 to 12 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
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
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 3/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Price Range No Data $1300 – $2000
Average Price No Data $1730
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
    		•  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 Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Mal Shi is 80 out of 125.

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

    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 Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund and the Mal Shi

    Below is a list of where the Finnish Lapphund and the Mal Shi are most different:

  • Finnish Lapphunds 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.
  • Finnish Lapphunds can tolerate cold weather. However, Mal Shis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Finnish Lapphunds do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Mal Shis do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.

    • The Similarities Between the Finnish Lapphund and the Mal Shi

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

  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Mal Shi do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Mal Shi do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Mal Shi cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Mal Shi adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Mal Shi are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund and the Mal Shi are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Mal Shi gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Mal Shi are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Mal Shi have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Mal Shi require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Mal Shi are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Mal Shi are very easy to train.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Finnish Lapphund versus Mal Shi

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

    Finnish Lapphunds weigh 33 to 53 pounds when fully grown. Finnish Lapphunds are 17 to 20 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.

    Which one drools more, the Finnish Lapphund or the Mal Shi

    Finnish Lapphunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Finnish Lapphund versus Mal Shi

    Finnish Lapphunds do not like to be left alone.

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

    Can Finnish Lapphunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Finnish Lapphunds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Do Finnish Lapphunds shed more than Mal Shis?

    Finnish Lapphunds shed moderately.

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

    Do Finnish Lapphunds Bark and Howl? What about Mal Shis?

    Finnish Lapphunds bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Is the Finnish Lapphund Better for Apartment Owners than the Mal Shi?

    Finnish Lapphunds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Finnish Lapphunds are very good for new dog owners.

    Mal Shis are very good for new dog owners.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Finnish Lapphund or the Mal Shi?

    Finnish Lapphunds are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Finnish Lapphund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mal Shi?

    Finnish Lapphunds 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.

    Wanderlust Potential: Finnish Lapphund vs. Mal Shi

    Finnish Lapphunds 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 Finnish Lapphunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Finnish Lapphunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Are Finnish Lapphunds good family dogs? What about Mal Shis?

    Finnish Lapphunds 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 Finnish Lapphunds and Mal Shis?

    Finnish Lapphunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

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

    Finnish Lapphunds get along very well with other dogs.

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Is the Finnish Lapphund Easier to Train than the Mal Shi?

    Finnish Lapphunds are very easy to train.

    Mal Shis are very easy to train.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Finnish Lapphund

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

  • American Eskimo Dog (79 percent match with Finnish Lapphund). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs American Eskimo Dog.
  • Bearded Collie (80 percent match with Finnish Lapphund). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Bearded Collie.
  • English Cocker Spaniel (79 percent match with Finnish Lapphund). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs English Cocker Spaniel.
  • Jack Russell Terrier (80 percent match with Finnish Lapphund). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Jack Russell Terrier.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Finnish Lapphund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Finnish Lapphund versus Afador     Finnish Lapphund versus Brussels Griffon     Finnish Lapphund versus Boxer     Finnish Lapphund versus Cockalier     Finnish Lapphund versus Bedlington Terrier     Finnish Lapphund versus Bedlington Terrier     Finnish Lapphund versus Chinook     Finnish Lapphund versus Airedale Terrier     Finnish Lapphund versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     

    Mal Shi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mal Shi versus Aussiedoodle     Mal Shi versus Boykin Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Shiranian     Mal Shi versus English Setter     Mal Shi versus Cavapoo     Mal Shi versus Afghan Hound     Mal Shi versus Cairn Terrier     Mal Shi versus German Pinscher     Mal Shi versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Mal Shi versus Bouvier des Flandres     

    Conclusion: Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund and the Mal Shi better suits you and your family.