Is the Mal Shi Better than the Spinone Italiano as a Pet? Answer…

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Mal Shi Versus Spinone Italiano: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Mal Shi and the Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano. 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 Spinone Italiano.

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 Spinone Italiano.

Mal Shi versus Spinone Italiano: Overview

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

Mal Shi versus Spinone Italiano: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Mal Shi to the Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano

Factor Mal Shi Spinone Italiano
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 4/5
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 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
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 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Weight 6 to 12 pounds 61 to 86 pounds
Height From 10 inches tall at the shoulder 22 to 28 inches
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1730 $1180
Price Range $1300 – $2000 $1000 – $1000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Recommend annual exams beginning at 1 year of age
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • 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 Spinone Italiano. 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 Spinone Italiano is 86 out of 125.

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

    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 Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano

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

  • Mal Shis do not have the tendency to drool. However, Spinone Italianos have a very high tendency to drool.
  • The Similarities Between the Mal Shi and the Spinone Italiano

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

  • Both the Mal Shi and the Spinone Italiano do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Spinone Italiano cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Spinone Italiano require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Spinone Italiano have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Spinone Italiano do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Spinone Italiano are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Spinone Italiano are very easy to train.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Spinone Italiano adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Spinone Italiano are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Mal Shi and the Spinone Italiano have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Mal Shi versus Spinone Italiano

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

    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, Spinone Italianos weigh 61 to 86 pounds when fully grown. Spinone Italianos are 22 to 28 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Mal Shi versus Spinone Italiano

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

    The lifespan of Spinone Italianos is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Spinone Italianos is 12.0 years.

    Mal Shis live longer than Spinone Italianos.

    Price of Mal Shi versus Price of Spinone Italiano

    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 Spinone Italiano puppy is $1180. The price of the Spinone Italiano typically ranges from $1000 – $1000. However, the price of the Spinone Italiano can be as low as $1000 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 30 Spinone Italiano puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Mal Shi is more expensive than the Spinone Italiano.

    Mal Shi Spinone Italiano
    Average Price $1730 $1180
    Price Range $1300 to $2000 $1000 to $1000

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Mal Shi and Spinone Italiano. For different price points, the charts show how many Mal Shi puppies or how many Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italianos

    A breakdown of the prices of Spinone Italianos

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

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

    Spinone Italianos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Mal Shis shed more than Spinone Italianos?

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

    Spinone Italianos shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Mal Shi or the Spinone Italiano

    Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Spinone Italianos have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Mal Shi or the Spinone Italiano?

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

    Spinone Italianos require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Mal Shi Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spinone Italiano?

    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.

    Spinone Italianos 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 Mal Shis Bark and Howl? What about Spinone Italianos?

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

    Spinone Italianos are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spinone Italianos Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Spinone Italianos can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Mal Shi vs. Spinone Italiano

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

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

    Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Spinone Italianos Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Spinone Italianos 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 Spinone Italiano?

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Spinone Italianos get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Mal Shis good family dogs? What about Spinone Italianos?

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

    Spinone Italianos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Mal Shis and Spinone Italianos?

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

    Spinone Italianos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Mal Shi Easier to Train than the Spinone Italiano?

    Mal Shis are very easy to train.

    Spinone Italianos are very easy to train.

    Is the Mal Shi Better for Apartment Owners than the Spinone Italiano?

    Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Spinone Italianos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Mal Shis are very good for new dog owners.

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

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

  • Collie (75 percent match with Spinone Italiano). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs Collie.
  • French Spaniel (78 percent match with Spinone Italiano). Here is our comparison of the Mal Shi vs French Spaniel.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Mal Shi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mal Shi versus Redbone Coonhound     Mal Shi versus Affenhuahua     Mal Shi versus Norwich Terrier     Mal Shi versus Norwegian Lundehund     Mal Shi versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Mal Shi versus Bouvier des Flandres     Mal Shi versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Mal Shi versus Coton de Tulear     Mal Shi versus Standard Poodle     Mal Shi versus Portuguese Water Dog     Mal Shi versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Mal Shi versus Jack Russell Terrier     Mal Shi versus Fila Brasileiro     Mal Shi versus German Shepherd Dog     Mal Shi versus Lhasapoo     Mal Shi versus Akita     Mal Shi versus Lakeland Terrier     Mal Shi versus Kai Ken     Mal Shi versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Mal Shi versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Mal Shi versus Redbone Coonhound     Mal Shi versus Japanese Spitz     Mal Shi versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Mal Shi versus Puggle     

    Spinone Italiano Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Spinone Italiano versus German Longhaired Pointer     Spinone Italiano versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Spinone Italiano versus Lhasapoo     Spinone Italiano versus Pomsky     Spinone Italiano versus Mudi     Spinone Italiano versus English Setter     Spinone Italiano versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Spinone Italiano versus Sealyham Terrier     Spinone Italiano versus Belgian Tervuren     Spinone Italiano versus Patterdale Terrier     Spinone Italiano versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Spinone Italiano versus Havanese     Spinone Italiano versus Standard Schnauzer     Spinone Italiano versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Spinone Italiano versus German Pinscher     Spinone Italiano versus Lhasa Apso     Spinone Italiano versus Puli     Spinone Italiano versus Airedale Terrier     Spinone Italiano versus Sloughi     Spinone Italiano versus Toy Poodle     Spinone Italiano versus Cane Corso     Spinone Italiano versus Bernedoodle     Spinone Italiano versus Whoodle     Spinone Italiano versus Pug     Spinone Italiano versus Standard Schnauzer     

    Conclusion: Mal Shi versus Spinone Italiano. 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 Spinone Italiano better suits you and your family.