Differences and Similarities between the Leonberger and the Mal Shi.

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Leonberger Versus Mal Shi: Introduction

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

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

Leonberger versus Mal Shi: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Leonberger 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.

Leonberger versus Mal Shi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Leonberger 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 Leonberger and the Mal Shi

Factor Leonberger Mal Shi
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 1/5 2/5
General Health 1/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 14 years
Weight 120 to 170 pounds 6 to 12 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 5/5
Height 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder From 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Dog Friendly 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Intelligence 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
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
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $870 $1730
Price Range $300 – $1150 $1300 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • CGC
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Leonberger Polyneuropathy (LPN1)
  • Leonberger Polyneuropathy 2
  • Leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEMP)
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Leonberger 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 Leonberger is 63 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 Leonberger. 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 Leonberger 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 Leonberger and the Mal Shi

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

  • Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Mal Shis adapt well to apartment living.
  • Leonbergers are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Mal Shis are good for new dog owners.
  • Leonbergers can tolerate cold weather. However, Mal Shis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Leonbergers 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.
  • The Similarities Between the Leonberger and the Mal Shi

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

  • Both the Leonberger and the Mal Shi cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Mal Shi have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Mal Shi do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Mal Shi are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Leonberger 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 Leonberger and the Mal Shi are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Mal Shi get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Mal Shi gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Mal Shi are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Mal Shi have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Mal Shi have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Mal Shi require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Mal Shi are very playful.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Mal Shi are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Leonberger versus Mal Shi

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

    Leonbergers weigh 120 to 170 pounds when fully grown. Leonbergers are 25 to 31 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 Leonberger versus Mal Shi

    The lifespan of Leonbergers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Leonbergers 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 Leonbergers.

    Price of Leonberger versus Price of Mal Shi

    The average price of the Leonberger puppy is $870. The price of the Leonberger typically ranges from $300 – $1150. However, the price of a Leonberger can be as low as $300 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 3 Leonberger 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 Leonberger.

    Leonberger Mal Shi
    Average Price $870 $1730
    Price Range $300 to $1150 $1300 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Leonbergers. 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 Leonberger 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: Leonberger versus Mal Shi

    Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Leonbergers shed more than Mal Shis?

    Leonbergers 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 Leonberger or the Mal Shi

    Leonbergers drool moderately.

    Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Leonbergers are very easy to groom.

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

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

    Leonbergers 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 Leonbergers Bark and Howl? What about Mal Shis?

    Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

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

    Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Leonberger vs. Mal Shi

    Leonbergers 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 Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Leonbergers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Mal Shis cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Leonberger or the Mal Shi?

    Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Leonbergers good family dogs? What about Mal Shis?

    Leonbergers 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 Leonbergers and Mal Shis?

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

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

    Is the Leonberger Easier to Train than the Mal Shi?

    Leonbergers are not easy to train.

    Mal Shis are very easy to train.

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

    Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Leonbergers 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 Leonberger

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

  • Bernese Mountain Dog (75 percent match with Leonberger). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Bernese Mountain Dog.
  • Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (75 percent match with Leonberger). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
  • Mastiff (73 percent match with Leonberger). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs 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 Leonberger vs Maltese.
  • Peek A Poo (80 percent match with Mal Shi). Here is our comparison of the Leonberger vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Leonberger Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Leonberger versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Leonberger versus Standard Schnauzer     Leonberger versus Bullmastiff     Leonberger versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Leonberger versus Bulldog     Leonberger versus Briard     Leonberger versus Chinese Crested     Leonberger versus Korean Jindo Dog     Leonberger versus Maremma Sheepdog     Leonberger versus Bulldog     Leonberger versus Clumber Spaniel     Leonberger versus Afghan Hound     Leonberger versus Barbet     Leonberger versus Hovawart     Leonberger versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Leonberger versus Chorkie     Leonberger versus Redbone Coonhound     Leonberger versus Schipperke     Leonberger versus Spanish Mastiff     Leonberger versus Labrador Retriever     Leonberger versus Bedlington Terrier     Leonberger versus Chorkie     Leonberger versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Leonberger versus Boerboel     Leonberger versus English Springer Spaniel     

    Mal Shi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mal Shi versus Labradoodle     Mal Shi versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Mal Shi versus Bordoodle     Mal Shi versus Saint Berdoodle     Mal Shi versus Bull Terrier     Mal Shi versus Miniature Pinscher     Mal Shi versus Doberman Pinscher     Mal Shi versus Karelian Bear Dog     Mal Shi versus Bloodhound     Mal Shi versus Papillon     Mal Shi versus Skye Terrier     Mal Shi versus Pomsky     Mal Shi versus Manchester Terrier     Mal Shi versus Labrador Retriever     Mal Shi versus Jack Russell Terrier     Mal Shi versus Biewer Terrier     Mal Shi versus Pomeranian     Mal Shi versus Lhasa Apso     Mal Shi versus Dachshund     Mal Shi versus Australian Shepherd     Mal Shi versus Scottish Terrier     Mal Shi versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Mal Shi versus Pointer     Mal Shi versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Mal Shi versus Kuvasz     

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