Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Mal Shi Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction
- Mal Shi versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview
- Mal Shi versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the Mal Shi and the Portuguese Water Dog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Mal Shi versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Lifespan of Mal Shi versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Price of Mal Shi versus Price of Portuguese Water Dog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Mal Shi versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Do Mal Shis shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Which one drools more, the Mal Shi or the Portuguese Water Dog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Mal Shi or the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Does the Mal Shi Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Do Mal Shis Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Mal Shi vs. Portuguese Water Dog
- Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Mal Shi or the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Are Mal Shis good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Mal Shis and Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Is the Mal Shi Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mal Shi
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Water Dog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Mal Shi versus Portuguese Water Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Mal Shi Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Mal Shi and the Portuguese Water Dog? 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 Mal Shi and the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Mal Shi and the Portuguese Water Dog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Mal Shi and the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Mal Shi and for the Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Mal Shi and the Portuguese Water Dog.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Mal Shi or the Portuguese Water Dog.
Mal Shi versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview
A very important difference between the Mal Shi and the Portuguese Water Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Mal Shi is a tiny-sized dog while the Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Mal Shi belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.
On the other hand, the Portuguese Water Dog 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.
Mal Shi versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Mal Shi to the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Mal Shi and the Portuguese Water Dog
| Factor | Mal Shi | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 6 to 12 pounds | 35 to 60 pounds |
| Height | From 10 inches tall at the shoulder | 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Average Price | $1730 | $2860 |
| Price Range | $1300 – $2000 | $2500 – $3300 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
|
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Mal Shi 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 Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Mal Shi is 80 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Water Dog is 84 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Portuguese Water Dog is a better pet than the Mal Shi. So, you should get the Portuguese Water Dog!
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 Mal Shi and the Portuguese Water Dog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Similarities Between the Mal Shi and the Portuguese Water Dog
The Mal Shi and the Portuguese Water Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Mal Shi and the Portuguese Water Dog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Mal Shi versus Portuguese Water Dog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Mal Shi and the Portuguese Water Dog.
Mal Shis weigh 6 to 12 pounds when fully grown. Mal Shis are From 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Portuguese Water Dogs weigh 35 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Portuguese Water Dogs are 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the when fully grown.
Lifespan of Mal Shi versus Portuguese Water Dog
The lifespan of Mal Shis is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Mal Shis is 13.0 years.
The lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is 12.0 years.
Mal Shis live longer than Portuguese Water Dogs.
Price of Mal Shi versus Price of Portuguese Water Dog
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 a Mal Shi can be as low as $700 and as high as $3500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 216 Mal Shi puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Portuguese Water Dog puppy is $2860. The price of the Portuguese Water Dog typically ranges from $2500 – $3300. However, the price of the Portuguese Water Dog can be as low as $900 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 140 Portuguese Water Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Portuguese Water Dog is more expensive than the Mal Shi.
| Mal Shi | Portuguese Water Dog | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1730 | $2860 |
| Price Range | $1300 to $2000 | $2500 to $3300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Mal Shi and Portuguese Water Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many Mal Shi puppies or how many Portuguese Water Dog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Mal Shis. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Portuguese Water Dogs
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Mal Shi puppy or the Portuguese Water Dog 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: Mal Shi versus Portuguese Water Dog
Mal Shis can be left alone only for a short time.
Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Mal Shis shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?
Mal Shis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Portuguese Water Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Mal Shi or the Portuguese Water Dog
Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Portuguese Water Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Mal Shi or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Mal Shis require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Portuguese Water Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Mal Shi Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?
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.
Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Mal Shis Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
Mal Shis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Portuguese Water Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Mal Shis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Mal Shi vs. Portuguese Water Dog
Mal Shis do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Mal Shis cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Portuguese Water Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Mal Shi or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.
Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Mal Shis good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
Mal Shis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Portuguese Water Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Mal Shis and Portuguese Water Dogs?
Mal Shis get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Portuguese Water Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Mal Shi Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Mal Shis are very easy to train.
Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.
Is the Mal Shi Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.
Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Mal Shi or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Mal Shis are very good for new dog owners.
Portuguese Water Dogs are OK for new dog owners.
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 Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Water Dog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Mal Shi and how the Portuguese Water Dog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Mal Shi and of the Portuguese Water Dog to other breeds:
Mal Shi Versus Other Dog Breeds
Mal Shi versus Stabyhoun Mal Shi versus Pomapoo Mal Shi versus Maltese Mal Shi versus Golden Cocker Retriever Mal Shi versus Bull Terrier Mal Shi versus Vizsla Mal Shi versus Dachshund Mal Shi versus Chinook Mal Shi versus Cavachon Mal Shi versus Maremma Sheepdog Mal Shi versus French Bulldog Mal Shi versus Bracco Italiano Mal Shi versus Leonberger Mal Shi versus Akbash Mal Shi versus Puggle Mal Shi versus Coton de Tulear Mal Shi versus Toy Fox Terrier Mal Shi versus Azawakh Mal Shi versus Lowchen Mal Shi versus Shiranian Mal Shi versus Akita Chow Mal Shi versus Redbone Coonhound Mal Shi versus Mudi Mal Shi versus Neapolitan Mastiff Mal Shi versus Irish Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Portuguese Water Dog versus Siberian Husky Portuguese Water Dog versus Akita Portuguese Water Dog versus Aussiedoodle Portuguese Water Dog versus Irish Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus American Bulldog Portuguese Water Dog versus Toy Poodle Portuguese Water Dog versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus American Foxhound Portuguese Water Dog versus Bichon Frise Portuguese Water Dog versus Morkie Portuguese Water Dog versus Dutch Shepherd Portuguese Water Dog versus Braque du Bourbonnais Portuguese Water Dog versus Black Russian Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Finnish Spitz Portuguese Water Dog versus Siberian Husky Portuguese Water Dog versus Keeshond Portuguese Water Dog versus Vizsla Portuguese Water Dog versus Australian Cattle Dog Portuguese Water Dog versus French Bulldog Portuguese Water Dog versus Great Dane Portuguese Water Dog versus Kuvasz Portuguese Water Dog versus Aussiedoodle Portuguese Water Dog versus Hovawart Portuguese Water Dog versus Alaskan Klee Kai Portuguese Water Dog versus Scottish Deerhound
Conclusion: Mal Shi versus Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Mal Shi and the Portuguese Water Dog better suits you and your family.