A Detailed Comparison of the Finnish Spitz and the Mal Shi.

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Finnish Spitz Versus Mal Shi: Introduction

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

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

Finnish Spitz versus Mal Shi: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Finnish Spitz 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..

Finnish Spitz versus Mal Shi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Finnish Spitz 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 Spitz Mal Shi
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Height 15 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder From 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Weight 20 to 35 pounds 6 to 12 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
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
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 2/5
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 $900 $1730
Price Range $600 – $1100 $1300 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data 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 Spitz 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 Spitz is 77 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 Finnish Spitz. 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 Finnish Spitz 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 Spitz and the Mal Shi

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

  • Finnish Spitzs 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.
  • Finnish Spitzs 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 Spitzs can tolerate cold weather. However, Mal Shis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • The Similarities Between the Finnish Spitz and the Mal Shi

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

  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Mal Shi do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Mal Shi require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Mal Shi are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Mal Shi are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Mal Shi are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Finnish Spitz versus Mal Shi

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

    Finnish Spitzs weigh 20 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Finnish Spitzs are 15 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.

    Price of Finnish Spitz versus Price of Mal Shi

    The average price of the Finnish Spitz puppy is $900. The price of the Finnish Spitz typically ranges from $600 – $1100. However, the price of a Finnish Spitz can be as low as $500 and as high as $1500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 3 Finnish Spitz 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 Mal Shi is more expensive than the Finnish Spitz.

    Finnish Spitz Mal Shi
    Average Price $900 $1730
    Price Range $600 to $1100 $1300 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Finnish Spitzs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Finnish Spitzs. 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 Finnish Spitz 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Finnish Spitz versus Mal Shi

    Finnish Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

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

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

    Finnish Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Finnish Spitzs 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.

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

    Finnish Spitzs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Finnish Spitzs are OK for new dog owners.

    Mal Shis are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Finnish Spitzs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

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

    Finnish Spitzs are fairly easy to train.

    Mal Shis are very easy to train.

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

    Finnish Spitzs 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 Finnish Spitzs shed more than Mal Shis?

    Finnish Spitzs 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.

    Wanderlust Potential: Finnish Spitz vs. Mal Shi

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

    Finnish Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

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

    Finnish Spitzs 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 Spitzs and Mal Shis?

    Finnish Spitzs 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 Spitz or the Mal Shi?

    Finnish Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.

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

    Finnish Spitzs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Finnish Spitz

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

  • Bearded Collie (78 percent match with Finnish Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Bearded Collie.
  • West Highland White Terrier (79 percent match with Finnish Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs West Highland White 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 Spitz vs Maltese.
  • Peek A Poo (80 percent match with Mal Shi). Here is our comparison of the Finnish Spitz vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Finnish Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Finnish Spitz versus Shihpoo     Finnish Spitz versus Australian Kelpie     Finnish Spitz versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Finnish Spitz versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Finnish Spitz versus Bolognese     Finnish Spitz versus West Highland White Terrier     Finnish Spitz versus Akita Chow     Finnish Spitz versus American Eskimo Dog     Finnish Spitz versus Portuguese Water Dog     Finnish Spitz versus Scottish Deerhound     

    Mal Shi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mal Shi versus Clumber Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Catahoula Bulldog     Mal Shi versus Irish Water Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Shiranian     Mal Shi versus Dachshund     Mal Shi versus French Bulldog     Mal Shi versus Shih Tzu     Mal Shi versus Harrier     Mal Shi versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Mal Shi versus Fila Brasileiro     

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