Which is Better between the German Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi? A Very Detailed Review.

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German Shepherd Dog Versus Mal Shi: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog or the Mal Shi.

German Shepherd Dog versus Mal Shi: Overview

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

Furthermore, the German Shepherd Dog 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.

German Shepherd Dog versus Mal Shi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi

Factor German Shepherd Dog Mal Shi
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall From 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 14 years 12 to 14 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Weight 75 to 95 pounds 6 to 12 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1280 $1730
Price Range $800 – $1500 $1300 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- recommend annually until age 6, every 2 years thereafter
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Temperament Test
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog is 77 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mal Shi is 80 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Mal Shi is a better pet than the German Shepherd Dog. 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 German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi

    Below is a list of where the German Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi are most different:

  • German Shepherd Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Mal Shis are good for new dog owners.
  • German Shepherd Dogs 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.
  • German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to groom. However, Mal Shis require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • German Shepherd Dogs 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 German Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi

    The German Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the German Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi are most similar:

  • Both the German Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the German Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the German Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the German Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the German Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the German Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the German Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the German Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi are very easy to train.
  • Both the German Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of German Shepherd Dog versus Mal Shi

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi.

    German Shepherd Dogs weigh 75 to 95 pounds when fully grown. German Shepherd Dogs are 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall 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.

    Lifespan of German Shepherd Dog versus Mal Shi

    The lifespan of German Shepherd Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Shepherd Dogs is 12.0 years.

    The lifespan of Mal Shis is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Mal Shis is 13.0 years.

    Mal Shis live longer than German Shepherd Dogs.

    Price of German Shepherd Dog versus Price of Mal Shi

    The average price of the German Shepherd Dog puppy is $1280. The price of the German Shepherd Dog typically ranges from $800 – $1500. However, the price of a German Shepherd Dog can be as low as $195 and as high as $6500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1776 German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog.

    German Shepherd Dog Mal Shi
    Average Price $1280 $1730
    Price Range $800 to $1500 $1300 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of German Shepherd Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of German Shepherd Dogs. 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 German Shepherd Dog 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: German Shepherd Dog versus Mal Shi

    German Shepherd Dogs do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do German Shepherd Dogs shed more than Mal Shis?

    German Shepherd Dogs 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 German Shepherd Dog or the Mal Shi

    German Shepherd Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the German Shepherd Dog or the Mal Shi?

    German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the German Shepherd Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mal Shi?

    German Shepherd Dogs 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.

    Do German Shepherd Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Mal Shis?

    German Shepherd Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    German Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: German Shepherd Dog vs. Mal Shi

    German Shepherd Dogs 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.

    Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    German Shepherd Dogs 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.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Shepherd Dog or the Mal Shi?

    German Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are German Shepherd Dogs good family dogs? What about Mal Shis?

    German Shepherd Dogs 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 German Shepherd Dogs and Mal Shis?

    German Shepherd Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the German Shepherd Dog Easier to Train than the Mal Shi?

    German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to train.

    Mal Shis are very easy to train.

    Is the German Shepherd Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Mal Shi?

    German Shepherd Dogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the German Shepherd Dog or the Mal Shi?

    German Shepherd Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Mal Shis are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Shepherd Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog:

  • American Pit Bull Terrier (77 percent match with German Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs American Pit Bull Terrier.
  • Belgian Malinois (74 percent match with German Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Belgian Malinois.
  • Entlebucher Mountain Dog (74 percent match with German Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog.
  • 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 German Shepherd Dog vs Maltese.
  • Peek A Poo (80 percent match with Mal Shi). Here is our comparison of the German Shepherd Dog vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    German Shepherd Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    German Shepherd Dog versus Bull Terrier     German Shepherd Dog versus American Staffordshire Terrier     German Shepherd Dog versus Bedlington Terrier     German Shepherd Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     German Shepherd Dog versus Siberian Husky     German Shepherd Dog versus Berger Picard     German Shepherd Dog versus Lowchen     German Shepherd Dog versus Beagle     German Shepherd Dog versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     German Shepherd Dog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     German Shepherd Dog versus Whoodle     German Shepherd Dog versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     German Shepherd Dog versus Tibetan Spaniel     German Shepherd Dog versus German Shorthaired Pointer     German Shepherd Dog versus Bolognese     German Shepherd Dog versus Pekingese     German Shepherd Dog versus Shiranian     German Shepherd Dog versus American Foxhound     German Shepherd Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     German Shepherd Dog versus American Foxhound     German Shepherd Dog versus Shiloh Shepherd     German Shepherd Dog versus Golden Retriever     German Shepherd Dog versus Miniature Poodle     German Shepherd Dog versus Xoloitzcuintli     German Shepherd Dog versus American Staffordshire Terrier     

    Mal Shi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mal Shi versus Basset Hound     Mal Shi versus Clumber Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Manchester Terrier     Mal Shi versus Barbet     Mal Shi versus French Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Mal Shi versus Greyhound     Mal Shi versus American Foxhound     Mal Shi versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Mal Shi versus Australian Cattle Dog     Mal Shi versus Whoodle     Mal Shi versus Barbet     Mal Shi versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Mal Shi versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Mal Shi versus Akita Chow     Mal Shi versus Yorkshire Terrier     Mal Shi versus Australian Terrier     Mal Shi versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Mal Shi versus Schnoodle     Mal Shi versus Jack Russell Terrier     Mal Shi versus Yorkshire Terrier     Mal Shi versus Cockapoo     Mal Shi versus Dogo Argentino     Mal Shi versus Swedish Vallhund     Mal Shi versus Dogue de Bordeaux     

    Conclusion: German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog and the Mal Shi better suits you and your family.