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

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Hovawart Versus Mal Shi: Introduction

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

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

Hovawart versus Mal Shi: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Hovawart 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.

Hovawart versus Mal Shi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Mal Shi

Factor Hovawart Mal Shi
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
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
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 5/5
Height 23 to 29 inches From 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 3/5
Weight 55 to 110 pounds 6 to 12 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.0 years
Price Range No Data $1300 – $2000
Average Price No Data $1730
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data No Data

Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Hovawart 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 Hovawart is 78 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 Hovawart. 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 Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Mal Shi

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

  • Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Mal Shis adapt well to apartment living.
  • Hovawarts are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Mal Shis are good for new dog owners.
  • Hovawarts have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Mal Shis have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Hovawart and the Mal Shi

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

  • Both the Hovawart and the Mal Shi do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mal Shi do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mal Shi do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mal Shi are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Mal Shi are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mal Shi get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mal Shi are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mal Shi have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mal Shi require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mal Shi are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Hovawart versus Mal Shi

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

    Hovawarts weigh 55 to 110 pounds when fully grown. Hovawarts are 23 to 29 inches 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 Hovawart versus Mal Shi

    The lifespan of Hovawarts is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Hovawart versus Mal Shi

    Hovawarts do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Hovawarts shed more than Mal Shis?

    Hovawarts shed moderately.

    Mal Shis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Hovawart or the Mal Shi

    Hovawarts do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Hovawart or the Mal Shi?

    Hovawarts are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Hovawart Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mal Shi?

    Hovawarts have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to 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 Hovawarts Bark and Howl? What about Mal Shis?

    Hovawarts are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Can Hovawarts Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Hovawarts can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Hovawart vs. Mal Shi

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawart or the Mal Shi?

    Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs.

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Hovawarts good family dogs? What about Mal Shis?

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts and Mal Shis?

    Hovawarts get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Hovawart Easier to Train than the Mal Shi?

    Hovawarts are not easy to train.

    Mal Shis are very easy to train.

    Is the Hovawart Better for Apartment Owners than the Mal Shi?

    Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawart

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

  • Catahoula Leopard Dog (78 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Catahoula Leopard Dog.
  • Spanish Mastiff (81 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Spanish Mastiff.
  • 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 Hovawart vs Maltese.
  • Peek A Poo (80 percent match with Mal Shi). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Hovawart Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Hovawart versus Affenhuahua     Hovawart versus Jack Russell Terrier     Hovawart versus Shihpoo     Hovawart versus Cockalier     Hovawart versus Australian Terrier     Hovawart versus English Toy Spaniel     Hovawart versus Chow Chow     Hovawart versus Beagle     Hovawart versus Shetland Sheepdog     Hovawart versus Chinook     Hovawart versus Irish Terrier     Hovawart versus Akbash     Hovawart versus Labrador Retriever     Hovawart versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Hovawart versus Collie     Hovawart versus Australian Kelpie     Hovawart versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Hovawart versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Hovawart versus Welsh Terrier     Hovawart versus Briard     Hovawart versus Portuguese Pointer     Hovawart versus Akita     Hovawart versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Hovawart versus Kooikerhondje     Hovawart versus Australian Cattle Dog     

    Mal Shi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mal Shi versus Kai Ken     Mal Shi versus Shichon     Mal Shi versus Chi-Poo     Mal Shi versus Cairn Terrier     Mal Shi versus Italian Greyhound     Mal Shi versus Pug     Mal Shi versus Whippet     Mal Shi versus Shih Tzu     Mal Shi versus Tibetan Mastiff     Mal Shi versus Frenchton     Mal Shi versus Bernedoodle     Mal Shi versus Tibetan Spaniel     Mal Shi versus French Bulldog     Mal Shi versus Papillon     Mal Shi versus Great Pyrenees     Mal Shi versus Cockapoo     Mal Shi versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Stabyhoun     Mal Shi versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Mal Shi versus Cane Corso     Mal Shi versus Toy Poodle     Mal Shi versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Mal Shi versus Briard     Mal Shi versus Westiepoo     Mal Shi versus Black and Tan Coonhound     

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