Quick Links: Table of Contents
- American Eskimo Dog Versus Belgian Malinois: Introduction
- American Eskimo Dog versus Belgian Malinois: Overview
- American Eskimo Dog versus Belgian Malinois: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Eskimo Dog and the Belgian Malinois
- The Similarities Between the American Eskimo Dog and the Belgian Malinois
- Size (Weight and Height) of American Eskimo Dog versus Belgian Malinois
- Price of American Eskimo Dog versus Price of Belgian Malinois
- Adopting the American Eskimo Dog versus Adopting the Belgian Malinois
- The Popularity of American Eskimo Dog versus Popularity of Belgian Malinois
- Health Problems of American Eskimo Dog versus Health Problems of Belgian Malinois
- Which one drools more, the American Eskimo Dog or the Belgian Malinois
- Tolerates Being Alone: American Eskimo Dog versus Belgian Malinois
- Can American Eskimo Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Belgian Malinoiss Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the American Eskimo Dog or the Belgian Malinois?
- Does the American Eskimo Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Belgian Malinois?
- Wanderlust Potential: American Eskimo Dog vs. Belgian Malinois
- Do American Eskimo Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Belgian Malinoiss?
- Can American Eskimo Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Belgian Malinoiss Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Are American Eskimo Dogs good family dogs? What about Belgian Malinoiss?
- How Kid-friendly are American Eskimo Dogs and Belgian Malinoiss?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Eskimo Dog or the Belgian Malinois?
- Do American Eskimo Dogs shed more than Belgian Malinoiss?
- Is the American Eskimo Dog Easier to Train than the Belgian Malinois?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the American Eskimo Dog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Belgian Malinois
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: American Eskimo Dog versus Belgian Malinois. Which One is a Better Pet?
American Eskimo Dog Versus Belgian Malinois: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Eskimo Dog and the Belgian Malinois? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the American Eskimo Dog and the Belgian Malinois 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 American Eskimo Dog and the Belgian Malinois.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Eskimo Dog and the Belgian Malinois 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 American Eskimo Dog and for the Belgian Malinois. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you more insight into deciding which pet to get between the American Eskimo Dog and the Belgian Malinois.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the American Eskimo Dog or the Belgian Malinois
American Eskimo Dog versus Belgian Malinois: Overview
A very important difference between the American Eskimo Dog and the Belgian Malinois is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Eskimo Dog is a small-sized dog while the Belgian Malinois is a large-sized dog.
Furthermore, the American Eskimo Dog 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.
On the other hand, the Belgian Malinois belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
American Eskimo Dog versus Belgian Malinois: Comparison Table
The table below compares the American Eskimo Dog to the Belgian Malinois 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.
| Factor | American Eskimo Dog | Belgian Malinois |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Height | 15 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder | 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | Starts at 30 pounds | 40 to 80 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1220 | $1380 |
| Price Range | $750 – $1500 | $850 – $1800 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 118 | 47 |
*Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Eskimo Dog 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 Belgian Malinois. 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 a American Eskimo Dog is 87 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Belgian Malinois is 83 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the American Eskimo Dog is a better pet than the Belgian Malinois. So, you should get the American Eskimo 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 American Eskimo Dog and the Belgian Malinois so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Eskimo Dog and the Belgian Malinois
Below is a list of where the American Eskimo Dog and the Belgian Malinois are most different:
The Similarities Between the American Eskimo Dog and the Belgian Malinois
The American Eskimo Dog and the Belgian Malinois are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the American Eskimo Dog and the Belgian Malinois are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of American Eskimo Dog versus Belgian Malinois
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Eskimo Dog and the Belgian Malinois.
American Eskimo Dogs weigh Starts at 30 pounds when fully grown. American Eskimo Dogs are 15 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Belgian Malinoiss weigh 40 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Belgian Malinoiss are 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Price of American Eskimo Dog versus Price of Belgian Malinois
The average price of the American Eskimo Dog puppy is $1220. The price of the American Eskimo Dog typically ranges from $750 – $1500. However, the price of a American Eskimo Dog can be as low as $225 and as high as $4000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 211 American Eskimo Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Belgian Malinois puppy is $1380. The price of the Belgian Malinois typically ranges from $850 – $1800. However, the price of a Belgian Malinois can be as low as $100 and as high as $3500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 320 Belgian Malinois puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Belgian Malinois is more expensive than the American Eskimo Dog.
| American Eskimo Dog | Belgian Malinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1220 | $1380 |
| Price Range | $750 to $1500 | $850 to $1800 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the American Eskimo Dog and Belgian Malinois. For different price points, the charts show how many American Eskimo Dog puppies or how many Belgian Malinois puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of American Eskimo Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Belgian Malinoiss
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the American Eskimo Dog puppy or the Belgian Malinois 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
Adopting the American Eskimo Dog versus Adopting the Belgian Malinois
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many American Eskimo Dogs and many Belgian Malinoiss are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male American Eskimo Dog named Rufus that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable American Eskimo Dogs like Rufus on pefinder.com.
Also, like American Eskimo Dogs, Belgian Malinoiss are also available for adoption. For example, Vance is a Male Belgian Malinois that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Belgian Malinoiss like Vance that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Kingston-Adopted! is the name of another American Eskimo Dog (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also Goldie, an adorable Male Belgian Malinois on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more American Eskimo Dogs and Belgian Malinoiss that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of American Eskimo Dog versus Popularity of Belgian Malinois
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the American Eskimo Dog and the Belgian Malinois over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Belgian Malinois is more popular with dog owners than the American Eskimo Dog. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Belgian Malinois is 47 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the American Eskimo Dog is 118 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of American Eskimo Dog
Popularity of Belgian Malinois
| Year | American Eskimo Dog Popularity Rank | Belgian Malinois Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 110 | 60 |
| 2014 | 120 | 60 |
| 2015 | 118 | 51 |
| 2016 | 122 | 47 |
| 2017 | 118 | 44 |
| 2018 | 122 | 43 |
| 2019 | 120 | 41 |
| 2020 | 119 | 37 |
Health Problems of American Eskimo Dog versus Health Problems of Belgian Malinois
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. Therefore, there is nothing like a perfect puppy.
Both the American Eskimo Dog and the Belgian Malinois are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the American Eskimo Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Belgian Malinois.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the American Eskimo Dog than for the Belgian Malinois.
8 health tests are recommended for American Eskimo Dog while 3 tests are recommended for the Belgian Malinois.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in American Eskimo Dogs and in Belgian Malinoiss.
American Eskimo Dog Health Problems
American Eskimo Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing American Eskimo Dog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a American Eskimo Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your American Eskimo Dog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen American Eskimo Dogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for American Eskimo Dogs here.
Belgian Malinois Health Problems
Belgian Malinoiss are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Belgian Malinois puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Belgian Malinois puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Belgian Malinois breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Belgian Malinoiss for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Belgian Malinoiss here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in American Eskimo Dogs and Belgian Malinoiss
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the American Eskimo Dog Breed is Degenerative Myelopathy problems.
This is because the American Eskimo Dog ranks 6 out of 70 dog breeds for Degenerative Myelopathy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 68 American Eskimo Dogs, 17 of them had Degenerative Myelopathy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in American Eskimo Dogs, and how common these diseases are in American Eskimo Dogs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Belgian Malinois Breed is Dentition Database problems.
This is because the Belgian Malinois ranks 29 out of 49 dog breeds for Dentition Database problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 68 Belgian Malinoiss, 2 of them had Dentition Database problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Belgian Malinoiss, and how common these diseases are in Belgian Malinoiss relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in American Eskimo Dog and in Belgian Malinois and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the American Eskimo Dog and the Belgian Malinois:
| Disease | American Eskimo Dog Rank | Belgian Malinois Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 6 out of 70 dog breeds | 36 out of 70 dog breeds |
| Legg-Calve-Perthes problems | 9 out of 40 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 48 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 122 out of 198 dog breeds | 160 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 123 out of 144 dog breeds | 45 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 136 out of 182 dog breeds | 95 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Dentition Database problems | Not Common | 29 out of 49 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 90 out of 115 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Which one drools more, the American Eskimo Dog or the Belgian Malinois
American Eskimo Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Belgian Malinoiss do have a very low tendency to drool.
Tolerates Being Alone: American Eskimo Dog versus Belgian Malinois
American Eskimo Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Belgian Malinoiss can be left alone only for a short time.
Can American Eskimo Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Belgian Malinoiss Tolerate Hot Weather?
American Eskimo Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Belgian Malinoiss can tolerate hot weather.
Which is Easier to Groom, the American Eskimo Dog or the Belgian Malinois?
American Eskimo Dogs are moderately easy to groom.
Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to groom.
Does the American Eskimo Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Belgian Malinois?
American Eskimo Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Belgian Malinoiss 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.
Wanderlust Potential: American Eskimo Dog vs. Belgian Malinois
American Eskimo Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Belgian Malinoiss have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Eskimo Dog or the Belgian Malinois?
American Eskimo Dogs are very good for new dog owners.
Belgian Malinoiss are OK for new dog owners.
Do American Eskimo Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Belgian Malinoiss?
American Eskimo Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Belgian Malinoiss are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Is the American Eskimo Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Belgian Malinois?
American Eskimo Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.
Belgian Malinoiss do not adapt well to apartment living.
Can American Eskimo Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Belgian Malinoiss Tolerate Cold Weather?
American Eskimo Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Belgian Malinoiss can very well tolerate cold weather.
Are American Eskimo Dogs good family dogs? What about Belgian Malinoiss?
American Eskimo Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Belgian Malinoiss are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are American Eskimo Dogs and Belgian Malinoiss?
American Eskimo Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Belgian Malinoiss get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Eskimo Dog or the Belgian Malinois?
American Eskimo Dogs get along very well with other dogs.
Belgian Malinoiss do not get along well with other dogs.
Do American Eskimo Dogs shed more than Belgian Malinoiss?
American Eskimo Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Belgian Malinoiss do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Is the American Eskimo Dog Easier to Train than the Belgian Malinois?
American Eskimo Dogs are very easy to train.
Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to train.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the American Eskimo Dog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Belgian Malinois 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 Belgian Malinois:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Belgian Malinois
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the American Eskimo 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 American Eskimo Dog:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the American Eskimo Dog and how the Belgian Malinois compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the American Eskimo Dog and of the Belgian Malinois to other breeds:
American Eskimo Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
American Eskimo Dog versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon American Eskimo Dog versus Mudi American Eskimo Dog versus Black Russian Terrier American Eskimo Dog versus Doberman Pinscher American Eskimo Dog versus Borzoi American Eskimo Dog versus Irish Terrier American Eskimo Dog versus Pug American Eskimo Dog versus American Water Spaniel American Eskimo Dog versus Berger Picard American Eskimo Dog versus Borzoi
Belgian Malinois Versus Other Dog Breeds
Belgian Malinois versus Golden Cocker Retriever Belgian Malinois versus Standard Schnauzer Belgian Malinois versus Cockalier Belgian Malinois versus Vizsla Belgian Malinois versus Tibetan Mastiff Belgian Malinois versus Pyrenean Shepherd Belgian Malinois versus American Hairless Terrier Belgian Malinois versus Tibetan Mastiff Belgian Malinois versus Papipoo Belgian Malinois versus Whoodle
Conclusion: American Eskimo Dog versus Belgian Malinois. 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 American Eskimo Dog and the Belgian Malinois better suits you and your family.