Great Dane versus Mal Shi. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Great Dane Versus Mal Shi: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Great Dane 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane or the Mal Shi.

Great Dane versus Mal Shi: Overview

A very important difference between the Great Dane and the Mal Shi is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Great Dane is a giant-sized dog while the Mal Shi is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Great Dane belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

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.

Great Dane versus Mal Shi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Great Dane 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 Great Dane and the Mal Shi

Factor Great Dane Mal Shi
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Weight 100 to 200 pounds 6 to 12 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Height 26 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder From 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Intelligence 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
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
Dog Friendly 5/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 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
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
Life Span 7 to 10 years 12 to 14 years
Average Lifespan 8.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1560 $1730
Price Range $1000 – $2000 $1300 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Great Dane 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane. 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane and the Mal Shi

    Below is a list of where the Great Dane and the Mal Shi are most different:

  • Great Danes do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Mal Shis adapt well to apartment living.
  • Great Danes are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Mal Shis are good for new dog owners.
  • Great Danes have a very high tendency to drool. However, Mal Shis do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Great Danes 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.
  • Great Danes are very easy to groom. However, Mal Shis require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Great Danes 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 Great Dane and the Mal Shi

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

  • Both the Great Dane and the Mal Shi cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Mal Shi are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Mal Shi are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Mal Shi are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Mal Shi are very easy to train.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Great Dane versus Mal Shi

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Great Dane and the Mal Shi.

    Great Danes weigh 100 to 200 pounds when fully grown. Great Danes are 26 to 34 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 Great Dane versus Mal Shi

    The lifespan of Great Danes is between 7 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Great Danes is 8.5 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 Great Danes.

    Price of Great Dane versus Price of Mal Shi

    The average price of the Great Dane puppy is $1560. The price of the Great Dane typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. However, the price of a Great Dane can be as low as $100 and as high as $5500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1324 Great Dane 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 Great Dane.

    Great Dane Mal Shi
    Average Price $1560 $1730
    Price Range $1000 to $2000 $1300 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Great Danes. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Great Danes. 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 Great Dane 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: Great Dane versus Mal Shi

    Great Danes do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Great Danes shed more than Mal Shis?

    Great Danes 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 Great Dane or the Mal Shi

    Great Danes have a very high tendency to drool.

    Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Great Dane or the Mal Shi?

    Great Danes are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Great Dane Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mal Shi?

    Great Danes 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 Great Danes Bark and Howl? What about Mal Shis?

    Great Danes 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 Great Danes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Great Danes cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Great Dane vs. Mal Shi

    Great Danes have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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 Great Danes Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Great Danes 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 Great Dane or the Mal Shi?

    Great Danes get along very well with other dogs.

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Great Danes good family dogs? What about Mal Shis?

    Great Danes 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 Great Danes and Mal Shis?

    Great Danes get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Great Dane Easier to Train than the Mal Shi?

    Great Danes are very easy to train.

    Mal Shis are very easy to train.

    Is the Great Dane Better for Apartment Owners than the Mal Shi?

    Great Danes do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Great Dane or the Mal Shi?

    Great Danes 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 Great Dane

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Great Dane 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 Great Dane:

  • Flat-Coated Retriever (72 percent match with Great Dane). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Flat-Coated Retriever.
  • Labrador Retriever (72 percent match with Great Dane). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Labrador Retriever.
  • Shiloh Shepherd (70 percent match with Great Dane). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Shiloh Shepherd.
  • 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 Great Dane vs Maltese.
  • Peek A Poo (80 percent match with Mal Shi). Here is our comparison of the Great Dane vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Great Dane Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Great Dane versus Maltipoo     Great Dane versus Bichon Frise     Great Dane versus Irish Water Spaniel     Great Dane versus Saint Berdoodle     Great Dane versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Great Dane versus Scottish Terrier     Great Dane versus Redbone Coonhound     Great Dane versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Great Dane versus Leonberger     Great Dane versus Toy Poodle     Great Dane versus West Highland White Terrier     Great Dane versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Great Dane versus Clumber Spaniel     Great Dane versus Barbet     Great Dane versus Azawakh     Great Dane versus Cavachon     Great Dane versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Great Dane versus German Longhaired Pointer     Great Dane versus Basenji     Great Dane versus Airedale Terrier     Great Dane versus Bordoodle     Great Dane versus Alaskan Malamute     Great Dane versus German Shepherd Dog     Great Dane versus Dachshund     Great Dane versus Dutch Shepherd     

    Mal Shi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mal Shi versus Puli     Mal Shi versus Mastiff     Mal Shi versus Afador     Mal Shi versus Finnish Lapphund     Mal Shi versus Pointer     Mal Shi versus Leonberger     Mal Shi versus Miniature Schnauzer     Mal Shi versus Bernedoodle     Mal Shi versus Welsh Terrier     Mal Shi versus Barbet     Mal Shi versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Mal Shi versus Cairn Terrier     Mal Shi versus Mountain Cur     Mal Shi versus Shiranian     Mal Shi versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Mal Shi versus Miniature Pinscher     Mal Shi versus English Setter     Mal Shi versus Westiepoo     Mal Shi versus Coton de Tulear     Mal Shi versus Chinese Crested     Mal Shi versus Boxer     Mal Shi versus Kooikerhondje     Mal Shi versus Labrador Retriever     Mal Shi versus Goldendoodle     Mal Shi versus Frenchton     

    Conclusion: Great Dane 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 Great Dane and the Mal Shi better suits you and your family.