Which is Better between the Gordon Setter and the Mal Shi? A Very Detailed Review.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Gordon Setter Versus Mal Shi: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter or the Mal Shi.

Gordon Setter versus Mal Shi: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Gordon Setter 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.

Gordon Setter versus Mal Shi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter and the Mal Shi

Factor Gordon Setter Mal Shi
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Height 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the From 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 14 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
Weight 45 to 80 pounds 6 to 12 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 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 11.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1360 $1730
Price Range $1250 – $1500 $1300 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • approved laboratory
  • DNA Repository (new requirement effective 7/1/13)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • rcd4 PRA (new requirement effective 7/1/13)
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter is 70 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 Gordon Setter. 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 Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter and the Mal Shi

    Below is a list of where the Gordon Setter and the Mal Shi are most different:

  • Gordon Setters do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Mal Shis adapt well to apartment living.
  • Gordon Setters 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.
  • Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setter and the Mal Shi

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

  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Mal Shi do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Mal Shi require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Mal Shi do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter and the Mal Shi have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Mal Shi are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Mal Shi are very easy to train.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Mal Shi are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Gordon Setter versus Mal Shi

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Gordon Setter and the Mal Shi.

    Gordon Setters weigh 45 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Gordon Setters are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the 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 Gordon Setter versus Mal Shi

    The lifespan of Gordon Setters is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setters.

    Price of Gordon Setter versus Price of Mal Shi

    The average price of the Gordon Setter puppy is $1360. The price of the Gordon Setter typically ranges from $1250 – $1500. However, the price of a Gordon Setter can be as low as $600 and as high as $1500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 17 Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter.

    Gordon Setter Mal Shi
    Average Price $1360 $1730
    Price Range $1250 to $1500 $1300 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Gordon Setters. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Gordon Setters. 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 Gordon Setter 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: Gordon Setter versus Mal Shi

    Gordon Setters do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Gordon Setters shed more than Mal Shis?

    Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setter or the Mal Shi

    Gordon Setters drool moderately.

    Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Gordon Setter or the Mal Shi?

    Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mal Shi?

    Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setters Bark and Howl? What about Mal Shis?

    Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Gordon Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Gordon Setter vs. Mal Shi

    Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setter or the Mal Shi?

    Gordon Setters do not get along well with other dogs.

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Gordon Setters good family dogs? What about Mal Shis?

    Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setters and Mal Shis?

    Gordon Setters get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Gordon Setter Easier to Train than the Mal Shi?

    Gordon Setters are very easy to train.

    Mal Shis are very easy to train.

    Is the Gordon Setter Better for Apartment Owners than the Mal Shi?

    Gordon Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Gordon Setter or the Mal Shi?

    Gordon Setters are OK for new dog owners.

    Mal Shis are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Gordon Setter

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter:

  • Belgian Tervuren (78 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Belgian Tervuren.
  • Giant Schnauzer (79 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Giant Schnauzer.
  • Mudi (75 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Mudi.
  • 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 Gordon Setter vs Maltese.
  • Peek A Poo (80 percent match with Mal Shi). Here is our comparison of the Gordon Setter vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Gordon Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Gordon Setter versus German Shepherd Dog     Gordon Setter versus Cocker Spaniel     Gordon Setter versus Canaan Dog     Gordon Setter versus Pomeranian     Gordon Setter versus Brussels Griffon     Gordon Setter versus Portuguese Water Dog     Gordon Setter versus Akita Chow     Gordon Setter versus Great Pyrenees     Gordon Setter versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Gordon Setter versus Bulldog     Gordon Setter versus Shihpoo     Gordon Setter versus Labrador Retriever     Gordon Setter versus Affenhuahua     Gordon Setter versus American Eskimo Dog     Gordon Setter versus Mastiff     Gordon Setter versus Australian Cattle Dog     Gordon Setter versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Chow Chow     Gordon Setter versus Weimaraner     Gordon Setter versus Japanese Spitz     Gordon Setter versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Gordon Setter versus Affenpinscher     Gordon Setter versus Boston Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Cavachon     

    Mal Shi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mal Shi versus Rottweiler     Mal Shi versus Morkie     Mal Shi versus Beaglier     Mal Shi versus Yorkshire Terrier     Mal Shi versus French Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Frenchton     Mal Shi versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Mal Shi versus Redbone Coonhound     Mal Shi versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Mal Shi versus Affenpinscher     Mal Shi versus Hovawart     Mal Shi versus Coton de Tulear     Mal Shi versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Mal Shi versus Bracco Italiano     Mal Shi versus American Water Spaniel     Mal Shi versus American Bulldog     Mal Shi versus Tibetan Mastiff     Mal Shi versus Papillon     Mal Shi versus Labradoodle     Mal Shi versus Carolina Dog     Mal Shi versus Borzoi     Mal Shi versus Boxerdoodle     Mal Shi versus Giant Schnauzer     Mal Shi versus Golden Retriever     Mal Shi versus Basenji     

    Conclusion: Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter and the Mal Shi better suits you and your family.