A Detailed Comparison of the Lagotto Romagnolo and the Mal Shi.

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Lagotto Romagnolo Versus Mal Shi: Introduction

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

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

Lagotto Romagnolo versus Mal Shi: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Lagotto Romagnolo 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.

Lagotto Romagnolo versus Mal Shi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Lagotto Romagnolo 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 Lagotto Romagnolo and the Mal Shi

Factor Lagotto Romagnolo Mal Shi
Does NOT Shed 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 2/5
Life Span 14 to 17 years 12 to 14 years
Height 14 to 19 inches From 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Weight 24 to 35 pounds 6 to 12 pounds
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 15.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $5210 $1730
Price Range $4994 – $5819 $1300 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye examination each year, results registered with the OFA.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Lagotto Storage Disease
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Lagotto Romagnolo 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 Lagotto Romagnolo is 80 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 not better or worse than the Lagotto Romagnolo. So, you can get the Mal Shi or the Lagotto Romagnolo!

    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 Lagotto Romagnolo 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 Lagotto Romagnolo and the Mal Shi

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

  • Lagotto Romagnolos do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Mal Shis adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Lagotto Romagnolo and the Mal Shi

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

  • Both the Lagotto Romagnolo and the Mal Shi do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Lagotto Romagnolo and the Mal Shi require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Lagotto Romagnolo and the Mal Shi do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Lagotto Romagnolo and the Mal Shi do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Lagotto Romagnolo and the Mal Shi are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Lagotto Romagnolo and the Mal Shi are very easy to train.
  • Both the Lagotto Romagnolo and the Mal Shi are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Lagotto Romagnolo and the Mal Shi have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Lagotto Romagnolo and the Mal Shi have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Lagotto Romagnolo and the Mal Shi require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Lagotto Romagnolo and the Mal Shi are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Lagotto Romagnolo versus Mal Shi

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

    Lagotto Romagnolos weigh 24 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Lagotto Romagnolos are 14 to 19 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 Lagotto Romagnolo versus Mal Shi

    The lifespan of Lagotto Romagnolos is between 14 to 17 years. The average lifespan of Lagotto Romagnolos is 15.5 years.

    The lifespan of Mal Shis is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Mal Shis is 13.0 years.

    Lagotto Romagnolos live longer than Mal Shis.

    Price of Lagotto Romagnolo versus Price of Mal Shi

    The average price of the Lagotto Romagnolo puppy is $5210. The price of the Lagotto Romagnolo typically ranges from $4994 – $5819. However, the price of a Lagotto Romagnolo can be as low as $3850 and as high as $6100. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 12 Lagotto Romagnolo 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 Lagotto Romagnolo is more expensive than the Mal Shi.

    Lagotto Romagnolo Mal Shi
    Average Price $5210 $1730
    Price Range $4994 to $5819 $1300 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Lagotto Romagnolos. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Lagotto Romagnolos. 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 Lagotto Romagnolo 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: Lagotto Romagnolo versus Mal Shi

    Lagotto Romagnolos can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Do Lagotto Romagnolos shed more than Mal Shis?

    Lagotto Romagnolos do not shed a lot. They are good 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 Lagotto Romagnolo or the Mal Shi

    Lagotto Romagnolos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Lagotto Romagnolo or the Mal Shi?

    Lagotto Romagnolos 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 Lagotto Romagnolo Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mal Shi?

    Lagotto Romagnolos 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 Lagotto Romagnolos Bark and Howl? What about Mal Shis?

    Lagotto Romagnolos bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Lagotto Romagnolos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Lagotto Romagnolos can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Lagotto Romagnolo vs. Mal Shi

    Lagotto Romagnolos 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 Lagotto Romagnolos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Lagotto Romagnolos 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 Lagotto Romagnolo or the Mal Shi?

    Lagotto Romagnolos get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Lagotto Romagnolos good family dogs? What about Mal Shis?

    Lagotto Romagnolos are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

    Mal Shis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Lagotto Romagnolos and Mal Shis?

    Lagotto Romagnolos 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 Lagotto Romagnolo Easier to Train than the Mal Shi?

    Lagotto Romagnolos are very easy to train.

    Mal Shis are very easy to train.

    Is the Lagotto Romagnolo Better for Apartment Owners than the Mal Shi?

    Lagotto Romagnolos do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Lagotto Romagnolos are very good for new dog owners.

    Mal Shis are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lagotto Romagnolo

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

  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Lagotto Romagnolo). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Polish Lowland Sheepdog (77 percent match with Lagotto Romagnolo). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
  • 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 Lagotto Romagnolo vs Maltese.
  • Peek A Poo (80 percent match with Mal Shi). Here is our comparison of the Lagotto Romagnolo vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Lagotto Romagnolo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lagotto Romagnolo versus Yorkshire Terrier     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Chorkie     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Spanish Mastiff     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Shih Tzu     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Bolognese     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Papipoo     Lagotto Romagnolo versus English Toy Spaniel     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Pomsky     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Dalmatian     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Boxer     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Mudi     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Cesky Terrier     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Dogo Argentino     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Spinone Italiano     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Newfoundland     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Akita     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Shiba Inu     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Aussiedoodle     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Shiranian     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Yorkshire Terrier     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Swedish Vallhund     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Swedish Vallhund     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Westiepoo     Lagotto Romagnolo versus Shihpoo     

    Mal Shi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mal Shi versus Swedish Vallhund     Mal Shi versus Australian Terrier     Mal Shi versus Bearded Collie     Mal Shi versus Brussels Griffon     Mal Shi versus Bull Terrier     Mal Shi versus Pomsky     Mal Shi versus Whippet     Mal Shi versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Dutch Shepherd     Mal Shi versus Cockapoo     Mal Shi versus Saluki     Mal Shi versus Puggle     Mal Shi versus English Setter     Mal Shi versus Kuvasz     Mal Shi versus Alaskan Malamute     Mal Shi versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Mal Shi versus Dalmatian     Mal Shi versus French Bulldog     Mal Shi versus Redbone Coonhound     Mal Shi versus Leonberger     Mal Shi versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Mal Shi versus Bichon Frise     Mal Shi versus Puli     Mal Shi versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Mal Shi versus King Shepherd     

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