Which is Better between the Mal Shi and the Shiba Inu? A Very Detailed Review.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Mal Shi Versus Shiba Inu: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Mal Shi and the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu. 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 Shiba Inu.

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 Shiba Inu.

Mal Shi versus Shiba Inu: Overview

A very important difference between the Mal Shi and the Shiba Inu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Mal Shi is a tiny-sized dog while the Shiba Inu is a small-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 Shiba Inu belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Mal Shi versus Shiba Inu: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Mal Shi to the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu

Factor Mal Shi Shiba Inu
Does NOT Shed 5/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 2/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 12 to 16 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
General Health 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 5/5
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 4/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 3/5
Weight 6 to 12 pounds 17 to 23 pounds
Height From 10 inches tall at the shoulder 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 14.0 years
Average Price $1730 $2130
Price Range $1300 – $2000 $1600 – $2500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • 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 Shiba Inu. 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 Shiba Inu is 82 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shiba Inu is a better pet than the Mal Shi. So, you should get the Shiba Inu!

    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 Shiba Inu so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Mal Shi and the Shiba Inu

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

  • Mal Shis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Shiba Inus shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Mal Shis do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Shiba Inus have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • The Similarities Between the Mal Shi and the Shiba Inu

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

  • Both the Mal Shi and the Shiba Inu do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Shiba Inu cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Shiba Inu have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Shiba Inu do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Shiba Inu are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Shiba Inu are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Shiba Inu are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Shiba Inu adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Shiba Inu are good for new dog owners.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Mal Shi versus Shiba Inu

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

    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, Shiba Inus weigh 17 to 23 pounds when fully grown. Shiba Inus are 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Mal Shi versus Shiba Inu

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

    The lifespan of Shiba Inus is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shiba Inus is 14.0 years.

    Shiba Inus live longer than Mal Shis.

    Price of Mal Shi versus Price of Shiba Inu

    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 Shiba Inu puppy is $2130. The price of the Shiba Inu typically ranges from $1600 – $2500. However, the price of the Shiba Inu can be as low as $600 and as high as $6995. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 283 Shiba Inu puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Shiba Inu is more expensive than the Mal Shi.

    Mal Shi Shiba Inu
    Average Price $1730 $2130
    Price Range $1300 to $2000 $1600 to $2500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Mal Shi and Shiba Inu. For different price points, the charts show how many Mal Shi puppies or how many Shiba Inu 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 Mal Shis. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Shiba Inus

    A breakdown of the prices of Shiba Inus

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Mal Shi puppy or the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu

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

    Shiba Inus can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Do Mal Shis shed more than Shiba Inus?

    Mal Shis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Shiba Inus shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Mal Shi or the Shiba Inu

    Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shiba Inus do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Mal Shi or the Shiba Inu?

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

    Shiba Inus are very easy to groom.

    Does the Mal Shi Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiba Inu?

    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.

    Shiba Inus have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Mal Shis Bark and Howl? What about Shiba Inus?

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

    Shiba Inus are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Shiba Inus can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Mal Shi vs. Shiba Inu

    Mal Shis do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Shiba Inus have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Shiba Inus 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 Shiba Inu?

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Shiba Inus get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Mal Shis good family dogs? What about Shiba Inus?

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

    Shiba Inus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Mal Shis and Shiba Inus?

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

    Shiba Inus get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Mal Shi Easier to Train than the Shiba Inu?

    Mal Shis are very easy to train.

    Shiba Inus are not easy to train.

    Is the Mal Shi Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiba Inu?

    Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shiba Inus adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Mal Shis are very good for new dog owners.

    Shiba Inus are very good 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:

  • Maltese (79 percent match with Mal Shi). Here is our comparison of the Shiba Inu vs Maltese.
  • Peek A Poo (80 percent match with Mal Shi). Here is our comparison of the Shiba Inu vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiba Inu

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

  • Manchester Terrier (72 percent match with Shiba Inu). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Manchester Terrier.
  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi (74 percent match with Shiba Inu). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Mal Shi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mal Shi versus Borzoi     Mal Shi versus Doberman Pinscher     Mal Shi versus Patterdale Terrier     Mal Shi versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Mal Shi versus Boykin Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Shiranian     Mal Shi versus Bulldog     Mal Shi versus Boxer     Mal Shi versus Lhasapoo     Mal Shi versus Skye Terrier     Mal Shi versus Lakeland Terrier     Mal Shi versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Mal Shi versus Clumber Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Cavapoo     Mal Shi versus Bearded Collie     Mal Shi versus Peek A Poo     Mal Shi versus Finnish Spitz     Mal Shi versus Great Pyrenees     Mal Shi versus Pug     Mal Shi versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Mal Shi versus Azawakh     Mal Shi versus Irish Terrier     Mal Shi versus Afador     Mal Shi versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     

    Shiba Inu Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shiba Inu versus Tibetan Terrier     Shiba Inu versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Shiba Inu versus Saint Bernard     Shiba Inu versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Shiba Inu versus Basenji     Shiba Inu versus Cesky Terrier     Shiba Inu versus Standard Schnauzer     Shiba Inu versus Maremma Sheepdog     Shiba Inu versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Shiba Inu versus Dutch Shepherd     Shiba Inu versus Beagle     Shiba Inu versus Bichon Frise     Shiba Inu versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Shiba Inu versus Chinook     Shiba Inu versus Giant Schnauzer     Shiba Inu versus Papillon     Shiba Inu versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Shiba Inu versus Boxerdoodle     Shiba Inu versus Affenhuahua     Shiba Inu versus Mudi     Shiba Inu versus Welsh Terrier     Shiba Inu versus Dogo Argentino     Shiba Inu versus English Springer Spaniel     Shiba Inu versus Bich Poo     Shiba Inu versus Mal Shi     

    Conclusion: Mal Shi versus Shiba Inu. 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 Shiba Inu better suits you and your family.