Breed Comparison: Golden Retriever Versus Mal Shi

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Golden Retriever Versus Mal Shi: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever or the Mal Shi.

Golden Retriever versus Mal Shi: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Golden Retriever 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 offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.

Golden Retriever versus Mal Shi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever and the Mal Shi

FactorGolden RetrieverMal Shi
Tolerates Being Alone1/53/5
Life Span10 to 12 years12 to 14 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living2/55/5
Easy To Groom2/52/5
General Health2/52/5
Tendency NOT to Wander4/55/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/54/5
Height21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulderFrom 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners3/55/5
Tolerates Cold Weather3/52/5
Tolerates Hot Weather3/52/5
Low Prey Drive3/51/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/52/5
Does NOT Drool2/55/5
Easygoing1/53/5
Affectionate With Family5/54/5
Kid-Friendly5/53/5
Dog Friendly5/53/5
Friendly Toward Strangers5/53/5
Does NOT Shed1/55/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight1/53/5
Easy To Train5/54/5
Intelligence5/53/5
Does NOT chew on things1/52/5
NOT Rambunctious1/53/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/53/5
Potential For Playfulness5/53/5
Weight55 to 75 pounds6 to 12 pounds
Average Lifespan11.0 years13.0 years
Average Price$1870$1730
Price Range$1500 – $2200$1300 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination (evaluations annually for the dog`s lifetime)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever is 73 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 Golden Retriever. 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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever and the Mal Shi

    Below is a list of where the Golden Retriever and the Mal Shi are most different:

  • Golden Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Mal Shis adapt well to apartment living.
  • Golden Retrievers have a very high tendency to drool. However, Mal Shis do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Golden Retrievers 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.
  • The Similarities Between the Golden Retriever and the Mal Shi

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

  • Both the Golden Retriever and the Mal Shi require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Golden Retriever and the Mal Shi have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever and the Mal Shi do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Golden Retriever and the Mal Shi are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Golden Retriever and the Mal Shi are very easy to train.
  • Both the Golden Retriever and the Mal Shi are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Golden Retriever versus Mal Shi

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Golden Retriever and the Mal Shi.

    Golden Retrievers weigh 55 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Golden Retrievers are 21 to 24 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.

    Lifespan of Golden Retriever versus Mal Shi

    The lifespan of Golden Retrievers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Golden Retrievers is 11.0 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 Golden Retrievers.

    Price of Golden Retriever versus Price of Mal Shi

    The average price of the Golden Retriever puppy is $1870. The price of the Golden Retriever typically ranges from $1500 – $2200. However, the price of a Golden Retriever can be as low as $100 and as high as $6500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 2668 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever is more expensive than the Mal Shi.

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    Golden Retriever Mal Shi
    Average Price $1870 $1730
    Price Range $1500 to $2200 $1300 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Golden Retrievers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Golden Retrievers. 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 Golden Retriever 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: Golden Retriever versus Mal Shi

    Golden Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Golden Retrievers shed more than Mal Shis?

    Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retriever or the Mal Shi

    Golden Retrievers have a very high tendency to drool.

    Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Golden Retriever or the Mal Shi?

    Golden Retrievers 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.

    Does the Golden Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mal Shi?

    Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Mal Shis?

    Golden Retrievers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Golden Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Golden Retrievers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Golden Retriever vs. Mal Shi

    Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retriever or the Mal Shi?

    Golden Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Golden Retrievers good family dogs? What about Mal Shis?

    Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retrievers and Mal Shis?

    Golden Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Golden Retriever Easier to Train than the Mal Shi?

    Golden Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Mal Shis are very easy to train.

    Is the Golden Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Mal Shi?

    Golden Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Golden Retriever or the Mal Shi?

    Golden Retrievers are OK for new dog owners.

    Mal Shis are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Golden Retriever

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever:

  • Aussiedoodle (74 percent match with Golden Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Aussiedoodle.
  • Irish Setter (72 percent match with Golden Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Irish Setter.
  • Labrador Retriever (75 percent match with Golden Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Labrador Retriever.
  • 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 Golden Retriever vs Maltese.
  • Peek A Poo (80 percent match with Mal Shi). Here is our comparison of the Golden Retriever vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Golden Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Golden Retriever versus Kooikerhondje     Golden Retriever versus Lakeland Terrier     Golden Retriever versus Bloodhound     Golden Retriever versus Australian Shepherd     Golden Retriever versus Finnish Lapphund     Golden Retriever versus Cavachon     Golden Retriever versus Azawakh     Golden Retriever versus Shichon     Golden Retriever versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Golden Retriever versus Plott     Golden Retriever versus Belgian Sheepdog     Golden Retriever versus Miniature Schnauzer     Golden Retriever versus Frenchton     Golden Retriever versus Alaskan Malamute     Golden Retriever versus Australian Kelpie     Golden Retriever versus Scottish Terrier     Golden Retriever versus Basset Hound     Golden Retriever versus Mountain Cur     Golden Retriever versus Cairn Terrier     Golden Retriever versus Irish Wolfhound     Golden Retriever versus Yorkshire Terrier     Golden Retriever versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Golden Retriever versus Australian Shepherd     Golden Retriever versus Fila Brasileiro     Golden Retriever versus Finnish Spitz     

    Mal Shi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mal Shi versus Samoyed     Mal Shi versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Mal Shi versus English Cocker Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Mal Shi versus Norwich Terrier     Mal Shi versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Mal Shi versus Basset Hound     Mal Shi versus Bluetick Coonhound     Mal Shi versus Australian Cattle Dog     Mal Shi versus Mountain Cur     Mal Shi versus Norwegian Buhund     Mal Shi versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Mal Shi versus Cockalier     Mal Shi versus Silky Terrier     Mal Shi versus Australian Shepherd     Mal Shi versus French Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Bolognese     Mal Shi versus Black Russian Terrier     Mal Shi versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Mal Shi versus American Hairless Terrier     Mal Shi versus Pyredoodle     Mal Shi versus Boxerdoodle     Mal Shi versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Mal Shi versus Canaan Dog     Mal Shi versus Bracco Italiano     

    Conclusion: Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever and the Mal Shi better suits you and your family.