Why you Should Get the Miniature Schnauzer Instead of the Mal Shi.

Last Updated: May 01, 2022

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Miniature Schnauzer Versus Mal Shi: Introduction

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

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

Miniature Schnauzer versus Mal Shi

Miniature Schnauzer versus Mal Shi: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Miniature Schnauzer belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

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.

Miniature Schnauzer versus Mal Shi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer and the Mal Shi

FactorMiniature SchnauzerMal Shi
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Weight11 to 20 pounds6 to 12 pounds
Life Span12 to 14 years12 to 14 years
Height13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulderFrom 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Does NOT Shed4/55/5
Easy To Groom2/52/5
Does NOT chew on things4/52/5
Good For Novice Owners3/55/5
Kid-Friendly3/53/5
Dog Friendly3/53/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/53/5
General Health3/52/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/52/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/55/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor3/54/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living4/55/5
Easygoing2/53/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/52/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/52/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/53/5
Intelligence4/53/5
Low Prey Drive2/51/5
Potential For Playfulness4/53/5
Tolerates Being Alone5/53/5
Affectionate With Family5/54/5
Easy To Train5/54/5
NOT Rambunctious1/53/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/53/5
Average Lifespan13.0 years13.0 years
Average Price$1950$1730
Price Range$1400 – $2500$1300 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Mycobacterium Avian Complex
  • Myotonia Congenita
  • No Data
    *Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (The American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer is 82 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mal Shi is 80 out of 125.

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

    The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mal Shi

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

  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mal Shi do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mal Shi do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mal Shi require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mal Shi adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer and the Mal Shi gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mal Shi are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mal Shi have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mal Shi are very playful.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mal Shi are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mal Shi are very easy to train.
  • Size Comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer versus Mal Shi

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

    The Miniature Schnauzer weighs 11 to 20 pounds when fully grown. The Miniature Schnauzer is 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, the Mal Shi weighs 6 to 12 pounds when fully grown. The Mal Shi is From 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Size of Miniature Schnauzer versus Size of Mal Shi

    Lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer versus Mal Shi

    The lifespan of the Miniature Schnauzer is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Miniature Schnauzer is 13.0 years.

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

    The Mal Shi live as long as the Miniature Schnauzer.

    Price of Miniature Schnauzer versus Price of Mal Shi

    The average price of the Miniature Schnauzer puppy is $1950. The price of the Miniature Schnauzer typically ranges from $1400 – $2500. However, the price of a Miniature Schnauzer can be as low as $500 and as high as $8500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 913 Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer is more expensive than the Mal Shi.

    Miniature Schnauzer Mal Shi
    Average Price $1950 $1730
    Price Range $1400 to $2500 $1300 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Miniature Schnauzers. 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 Miniature Schnauzer 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: Miniature Schnauzer versus Mal Shi

    Miniature Schnauzers can be left alone for some time without problems.

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

    Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Mal Shis?

    Miniature Schnauzers 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 is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Mal Shi?

    Miniature Schnauzers 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.

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

    Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Mal Shis get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Mal Shis?

    Miniature Schnauzers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Mal Shi?

    Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train.

    Mal Shis are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Mal Shi

    Miniature Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Mal Shis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Mal Shis?

    Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mal Shi?

    Miniature Schnauzers 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 Miniature Schnauzers Bark and Howl? What about Mal Shis?

    Miniature Schnauzers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mal Shis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Miniature Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Mal Shi

    Miniature Schnauzers 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 Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mal Shis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Miniature Schnauzers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Is the Miniature Schnauzer Better for Apartment Owners than the Mal Shi?

    Miniature Schnauzers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Mal Shis adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Miniature Schnauzers are OK for new dog owners.

    Mal Shis are very good for new dog owners.

    Miniature Schnauzer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Miniature Schnauzer compares to other breeds aside from the Mal Shi. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer to other breeds:

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Cavapoo     Miniature Schnauzer versus Japanese Chin     Miniature Schnauzer versus Affenhuahua     Miniature Schnauzer versus Xoloitzcuintli     Miniature Schnauzer versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Alaskan Malamute     Miniature Schnauzer versus Belgian Tervuren     Miniature Schnauzer versus Australian Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Miniature Schnauzer versus Redbone Coonhound     Miniature Schnauzer versus Vizsla     Miniature Schnauzer versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Miniature Schnauzer versus Bernedoodle     Miniature Schnauzer versus Schnoodle     Miniature Schnauzer versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     

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