A Detailed Comparison of the Belgian Malinois and the Cavachon.

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Belgian Malinois Versus Cavachon: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Belgian Malinois and the Cavachon? 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 Belgian Malinois and the Cavachon 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 Belgian Malinois and the Cavachon.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Belgian Malinois and the Cavachon 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 Belgian Malinois and for the Cavachon. 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 Belgian Malinois and the Cavachon.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Belgian Malinois or the Cavachon.

Belgian Malinois versus Cavachon: Overview

A very important difference between the Belgian Malinois and the Cavachon is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Belgian Malinois is a large-sized dog while the Cavachon is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Cavachon belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Belgian Malinois versus Cavachon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Belgian Malinois to the Cavachon 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 Belgian Malinois and the Cavachon

Factor Belgian Malinois Cavachon
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 10 to 15 years
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Height 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 12 to 13 inches
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Weight 40 to 80 pounds 15 to 35 pounds
Easygoing 1/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1380 $2190
Price Range $850 – $1800 $1800 – $2500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Belgian Malinois 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 Cavachon. 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 Belgian Malinois is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Cavachon is 87 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Cavachon is a better pet than the Belgian Malinois. So, you should get the Cavachon!

    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 Belgian Malinois and the Cavachon so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Belgian Malinois and the Cavachon

    Below is a list of where the Belgian Malinois and the Cavachon are most different:

    • Belgian Malinoiss do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Cavachons adapt well to apartment living.
    • Belgian Malinoiss do not get along well with other dogs. However, Cavachons get along well with other dogs.
    • Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to groom. However, Cavachons require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.

    The Similarities Between the Belgian Malinois and the Cavachon

    The Belgian Malinois and the Cavachon are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Belgian Malinois and the Cavachon are most similar:

    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Cavachon do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Cavachon do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Cavachon are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Cavachon can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Cavachon can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Cavachon get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Cavachon are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Cavachon have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Cavachon do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Cavachon 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 Belgian Malinois and the Cavachon are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Cavachon are very easy to train.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Cavachon are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Cavachon have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Cavachon require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Cavachon are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Belgian Malinois versus Cavachon

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Belgian Malinois and the Cavachon.

    Belgian Malinoiss weigh 40 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Belgian Malinoiss are 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Cavachons weigh 15 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Cavachons are 12 to 13 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Belgian Malinois versus Cavachon

    The lifespan of Belgian Malinoiss is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Belgian Malinoiss is 13.0 years.

    The lifespan of Cavachons is between 10 to 15 years . The average lifespan of Cavachons is 12.5 years.

    Belgian Malinoiss live longer than Cavachons.

    Price of Belgian Malinois versus Price of Cavachon

    The average price of the Belgian Malinois puppy is $1380. The price of the Belgian Malinois typically ranges from $850 – $1800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 311 Belgian Malinois puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Cavachon puppy is $2190. The price of the Cavachon typically ranges from $1800 – $2500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 262 Cavachon puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Cavachon is more expensive than the Belgian Malinois.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Belgian Malinois and Cavachon. For different price points, the charts show how many Belgian Malinois puppies or how many Cavachon puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Belgian Malinoiss. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Belgian Malinoiss. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Cavachons

    A breakdown of the prices of Cavachons

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Belgian Malinois puppy or the Cavachon 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: Belgian Malinois versus Cavachon

    Belgian Malinoiss can be left alone only for a short time.

    Cavachons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Belgian Malinoiss shed more than Cavachons?

    Belgian Malinoiss do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the Belgian Malinois or the Cavachon

    Belgian Malinoiss do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Cavachons do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Belgian Malinois or the Cavachon?

    Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Belgian Malinois Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Cavachon?

    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.

    Cavachons 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 Belgian Malinoiss Bark and Howl? What about Cavachons?

    Belgian Malinoiss are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Cavachons bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Belgian Malinoiss Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Cavachons Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Belgian Malinoiss can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Cavachons can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Belgian Malinois vs. Cavachon

    Belgian Malinoiss have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

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

    Can Belgian Malinoiss Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Cavachons Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Belgian Malinoiss can tolerate hot weather.

    Cavachons can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Belgian Malinois or the Cavachon?

    Belgian Malinoiss do not get along well with other dogs.

    Cavachons get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Belgian Malinoiss good family dogs? What about Cavachons?

    Belgian Malinoiss are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Cavachons are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Belgian Malinoiss and Cavachons?

    Belgian Malinoiss get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Cavachons get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Belgian Malinois Easier to Train than the Cavachon?

    Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to train.

    Cavachons are very easy to train.

    Is the Belgian Malinois Better for Apartment Owners than the Cavachon?

    Belgian Malinoiss do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Cavachons adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Belgian Malinois or the Cavachon?

    Belgian Malinoiss are OK for new dog owners.

    Cavachons are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Belgian Malinois versus Cavachon. 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 Belgian Malinois and the Cavachon better suits you and your family.