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

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Labrador Retriever Versus Mal Shi: Introduction

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

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

Labrador Retriever versus Mal Shi: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Labrador 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.

Labrador Retriever versus Mal Shi: Comparison Table

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

Factor Labrador Retriever Mal Shi
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Height 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder From 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 5/5
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
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 3/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 2/5
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
Weight 55 to 80 pounds 6 to 12 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1290 $1730
Price Range $850 – $1500 $1300 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Centronuclear Myopathy
  • D Locus (Dilute) DNA Test
  • EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • prcd-PRA DNA Test
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever is 74 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 Labrador 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 Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever and the Mal Shi

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

  • Labrador Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Mal Shis adapt well to apartment living.
  • Labrador Retrievers 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.
  • Labrador 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.
  • Labrador Retrievers are very easy to groom. However, Mal Shis require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retriever and the Mal Shi

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

  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Mal Shi do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Mal Shi are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Mal Shi are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Mal Shi are very easy to train.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Mal Shi are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Labrador Retriever versus Mal Shi

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

    Labrador Retrievers weigh 55 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Labrador Retrievers are 21 to 24 inches 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 Labrador Retriever versus Mal Shi

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

    Price of Labrador Retriever versus Price of Mal Shi

    The average price of the Labrador Retriever puppy is $1290. The price of the Labrador Retriever typically ranges from $850 – $1500. However, the price of a Labrador Retriever can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1413 Labrador 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 Mal Shi is more expensive than the Labrador Retriever.

    Labrador Retriever Mal Shi
    Average Price $1290 $1730
    Price Range $850 to $1500 $1300 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Labrador 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 Labrador 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: Labrador Retriever versus Mal Shi

    Labrador Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Labrador Retrievers shed more than Mal Shis?

    Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever or the Mal Shi

    Labrador Retrievers drool moderately.

    Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Labrador Retrievers are very easy to groom.

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

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

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

    Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Labrador Retrievers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Labrador Retriever vs. Mal Shi

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

    Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever or the Mal Shi?

    Labrador Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.

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

    Labrador 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 Labrador Retrievers and Mal Shis?

    Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever Easier to Train than the Mal Shi?

    Labrador Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Mal Shis are very easy to train.

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

    Labrador Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Labrador Retrievers are OK for new dog owners.

    Mal Shis are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Labrador Retriever

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

  • Golden Retriever (75 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Golden Retriever.
  • Aussiedoodle (73 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Aussiedoodle.
  • Flat-Coated Retriever (77 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Flat-Coated Retriever.
  • Shiloh Shepherd (79 percent match with Labrador Retriever). 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 Labrador Retriever vs Maltese.
  • Peek A Poo (80 percent match with Mal Shi). Here is our comparison of the Labrador Retriever vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Labrador Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Labrador Retriever versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Labrador Retriever versus Irish Water Spaniel     Labrador Retriever versus Samoyed     Labrador Retriever versus Xoloitzcuintli     Labrador Retriever versus Cockapoo     Labrador Retriever versus Maremma Sheepdog     Labrador Retriever versus Akita Chow     Labrador Retriever versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Labrador Retriever versus Sussex Spaniel     Labrador Retriever versus Schnoodle     Labrador Retriever versus Manchester Terrier     Labrador Retriever versus Pharaoh Hound     Labrador Retriever versus Keeshond     Labrador Retriever versus Yorkipoo     Labrador Retriever versus Golden Retriever     Labrador Retriever versus Alaskan Malamute     Labrador Retriever versus Akbash     Labrador Retriever versus Lowchen     Labrador Retriever versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Labrador Retriever versus Yorkshire Terrier     Labrador Retriever versus Siberian Husky     Labrador Retriever versus Schnoodle     Labrador Retriever versus Stabyhoun     Labrador Retriever versus Affenpinscher     Labrador Retriever versus Golden Cocker Retriever     

    Mal Shi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mal Shi versus French Bulldog     Mal Shi versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Mal Shi versus Peek A Poo     Mal Shi versus Cesky Terrier     Mal Shi versus Skye Terrier     Mal Shi versus Morkie     Mal Shi versus Beaglier     Mal Shi versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Mal Shi versus Clumber Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Yorkipoo     Mal Shi versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Black Mouth Cur     Mal Shi versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Sheepadoodle     Mal Shi versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Mal Shi versus Boxer     Mal Shi versus Miniature Pinscher     Mal Shi versus Boykin Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Havanese     Mal Shi versus Dachshund     Mal Shi versus Sheepadoodle     Mal Shi versus Plott     Mal Shi versus American Bulldog     Mal Shi versus Mudi     

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