Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Irish Terrier Versus Mal Shi: Introduction
- Irish Terrier versus Mal Shi: Overview
- Irish Terrier versus Mal Shi: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Irish Terrier and the Mal Shi
- The Similarities Between the Irish Terrier and the Mal Shi
- Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Terrier versus Mal Shi
- Lifespan of Irish Terrier versus Mal Shi
- Price of Irish Terrier versus Price of Mal Shi
- Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Terrier versus Mal Shi
- Do Irish Terriers shed more than Mal Shis?
- Which one drools more, the Irish Terrier or the Mal Shi
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Terrier or the Mal Shi?
- Does the Irish Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mal Shi?
- Do Irish Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Mal Shis?
- Can Irish Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Irish Terrier vs. Mal Shi
- Can Irish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Irish Terrier or the Mal Shi?
- Are Irish Terriers good family dogs? What about Mal Shis?
- How Kid-friendly are Irish Terriers and Mal Shis?
- Is the Irish Terrier Easier to Train than the Mal Shi?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mal Shi
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Irish Terrier versus Mal Shi. Which One is a Better Pet?
Irish Terrier Versus Mal Shi: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier and the Mal Shi.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier or the Mal Shi.
Irish Terrier versus Mal Shi: Overview
A very important difference between the Irish Terrier and the Mal Shi is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Irish Terrier is a medium-sized dog while the Mal Shi is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Irish Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
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.
Irish Terrier versus Mal Shi: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier and the Mal Shi
| Factor | Irish Terrier | Mal Shi |
|---|---|---|
| Dog Friendly | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 16 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Height | 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder | From 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 25 to 27 pounds | 6 to 12 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1280 | $1730 |
| Price Range | $1000 – $1500 | $1300 – $2000 |
| 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 Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier. 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 Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier and the Mal Shi
Below is a list of where the Irish Terrier and the Mal Shi are most different:
The Similarities Between the Irish Terrier and the Mal Shi
The Irish Terrier and the Mal Shi are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Irish Terrier and the Mal Shi are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Terrier versus Mal Shi
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Irish Terrier and the Mal Shi.
Irish Terriers weigh 25 to 27 pounds when fully grown. Irish Terriers are 18 to 20 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 Irish Terrier versus Mal Shi
The lifespan of Irish Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Irish Terriers is 14.0 years.
The lifespan of Mal Shis is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Mal Shis is 13.0 years.
Irish Terriers live longer than Mal Shis.
Price of Irish Terrier versus Price of Mal Shi
The average price of the Irish Terrier puppy is $1280. The price of the Irish Terrier typically ranges from $1000 – $1500. However, the price of a Irish Terrier can be as low as $450 and as high as $2800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 26 Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier.
| Irish Terrier | Mal Shi | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1280 | $1730 |
| Price Range | $1000 to $1500 | $1300 to $2000 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Irish Terrier and Mal Shi. For different price points, the charts show how many Irish Terrier puppies or how many Mal Shi puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Irish Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Mal Shis
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Irish Terrier 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: Irish Terrier versus Mal Shi
Irish Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Mal Shis can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Irish Terriers shed more than Mal Shis?
Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terrier or the Mal Shi
Irish Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Terrier or the Mal Shi?
Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mal Shi?
Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Mal Shis?
Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather?
Irish Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Mal Shis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Irish Terrier vs. Mal Shi
Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather?
Irish Terriers can tolerate hot weather.
Mal Shis cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Irish Terrier or the Mal Shi?
Irish Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.
Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Irish Terriers good family dogs? What about Mal Shis?
Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terriers and Mal Shis?
Irish Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Mal Shis get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Is the Irish Terrier Easier to Train than the Mal Shi?
Irish Terriers are not easy to train.
Mal Shis are very easy to train.
Is the Irish Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Mal Shi?
Irish Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Irish Terrier or the Mal Shi?
Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier:
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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Irish Terrier and how the Mal Shi compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Irish Terrier and of the Mal Shi to other breeds:
Irish Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Irish Terrier versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Irish Terrier versus Norwich Terrier Irish Terrier versus Shiranian Irish Terrier versus Boston Terrier Irish Terrier versus English Setter Irish Terrier versus Kuvasz Irish Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog Irish Terrier versus Sloughi Irish Terrier versus American Foxhound Irish Terrier versus Curly-Coated Retriever Irish Terrier versus Keeshond Irish Terrier versus Bichon Frise Irish Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Irish Terrier versus Flat-Coated Retriever Irish Terrier versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Irish Terrier versus Italian Greyhound Irish Terrier versus Bichon Frise Irish Terrier versus Australian Terrier Irish Terrier versus Pomeranian Irish Terrier versus Manchester Terrier Irish Terrier versus Keeshond Irish Terrier versus Sloughi Irish Terrier versus Siberian Husky Irish Terrier versus Leonberger Irish Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer
Mal Shi Versus Other Dog Breeds
Mal Shi versus Miniature Poodle Mal Shi versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Mal Shi versus Bearded Collie Mal Shi versus Welsh Terrier Mal Shi versus Cockalier Mal Shi versus Boxerdoodle Mal Shi versus Lancashire Heeler Mal Shi versus Afador Mal Shi versus Pyrenean Shepherd Mal Shi versus Pyrenean Shepherd Mal Shi versus Shih Tzu Mal Shi versus Miniature Poodle Mal Shi versus Chi-Poo Mal Shi versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Mal Shi versus Irish Water Spaniel Mal Shi versus Flat-Coated Retriever Mal Shi versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Mal Shi versus Yorkipoo Mal Shi versus Cesky Terrier Mal Shi versus German Shepherd Dog Mal Shi versus Boerboel Mal Shi versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Mal Shi versus Canaan Dog Mal Shi versus Cesky Terrier Mal Shi versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Conclusion: Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier and the Mal Shi better suits you and your family.