Breed Comparison: Belgian Malinois Versus Dogue de Bordeaux

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Belgian Malinois Versus Dogue de Bordeaux: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Belgian Malinois and the Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux. 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 Dogue de Bordeaux.

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 Dogue de Bordeaux.

Belgian Malinois versus Dogue de Bordeaux: Overview

Both the Belgian Malinois and the Dogue de Bordeaux are similar in size. The Belgian Malinois and the Dogue de Bordeaux are both large-sized dogs.

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 Dogue de Bordeaux belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Belgian Malinois versus Dogue de Bordeaux: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Belgian Malinois to the Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux

Factor Belgian Malinois Dogue de Bordeaux
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 1/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 8 to 12 years
Dog Friendly 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Height 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Weight 40 to 80 pounds Starts at 100 pounds
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 10.0 years
Average Price $1380 $2300
Price Range $850 – $1800 $1800 – $2500
Temperament Score 94.1 percent 78.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•

    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 Dogue de Bordeaux. 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 Dogue de Bordeaux is 70 out of 125.

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

    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 Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux

    Below is a list of where the Belgian Malinois and the Dogue de Bordeaux are most different:

    • Belgian Malinoiss do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Dogue de Bordeauxs adapt well to apartment living.
    • Belgian Malinoiss do not have the tendency to drool. However, Dogue de Bordeauxs have a very high tendency to drool.
    • Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to train. However, Dogue de Bordeauxs are not easy to train.
    • Belgian Malinoiss have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy. However, Dogue de Bordeauxs have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.

    The Similarities Between the Belgian Malinois and the Dogue de Bordeaux

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

    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Dogue de Bordeaux do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Dogue de Bordeaux do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Dogue de Bordeaux are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Dogue de Bordeaux can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Dogue de Bordeaux get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Dogue de Bordeaux have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Dogue de Bordeaux are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Dogue de Bordeaux require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    Size Comparison of Belgian Malinois versus Dogue de Bordeaux

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Belgian Malinois and the Dogue de Bordeaux.

    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, Dogue de Bordeauxs weigh Starts at 100 pounds when fully grown. Dogue de Bordeauxs are 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Belgian Malinois versus Dogue de Bordeaux

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

    The lifespan of Dogue de Bordeauxs is between 8 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Dogue de Bordeauxs is 10.0 years.

    Belgian Malinoiss live longer than Dogue de Bordeauxs.

    Temperament of the Dogue de Bordeaux Versus the Belgian Malinois

    The Belgian Malinois has a better temperament than the Dogue de Bordeaux.

    This is because the temperament score for the Belgian Malinois is 94.1 percent while the temperament score for the Dogue de Bordeaux is 78.0 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 94.1 percent, the Belgian Malinois has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 78.0 percent, the Dogue de Bordeaux has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Belgian Malinois and the Dogue de Bordeaux by measuring the temperaments of 440 Belgian Malinoiss and 100 Dogue de Bordeauxs.

    Price of Belgian Malinois versus Price of Dogue de Bordeaux

    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 Dogue de Bordeaux puppy is $2300. The price of the Dogue de Bordeaux typically ranges from $1800 – $2500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 88 Dogue de Bordeaux puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Dogue de Bordeaux is more expensive than the Belgian Malinois.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Belgian Malinois and Dogue de Bordeaux. For different price points, the charts show how many Belgian Malinois puppies or how many Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeauxs

    A breakdown of the prices of Dogue de Bordeauxs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Belgian Malinois puppy or the Dogue de Bordeaux 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.

    Health Problems of Belgian Malinois versus Health Problems of Dogue de Bordeaux

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Belgian Malinois and the Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux is prone to more genetic health problems than the Belgian Malinois.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Dogue de Bordeaux than for the Belgian Malinois.

    3 health tests are recommended for Belgian Malinois while 6 tests are recommended for the Dogue de Bordeaux.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Belgian Malinoiss and in Dogue de Bordeauxs.

    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:

  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Belgian Malinoiss here.

    Dogue de Bordeaux Health Problems

    Dogue de Bordeauxs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeauxs for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Dogue de Bordeauxs here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Belgian Malinois versus Dogue de Bordeaux

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

    Dogue de Bordeauxs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Belgian Malinoiss shed more than Dogue de Bordeauxs?

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

    Dogue de Bordeauxs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Belgian Malinois or the Dogue de Bordeaux

    Belgian Malinoiss do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Dogue de Bordeauxs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Belgian Malinois or the Dogue de Bordeaux?

    Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to groom.

    Dogue de Bordeauxs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Belgian Malinois Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Dogue de Bordeaux?

    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.

    Dogue de Bordeauxs 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 Dogue de Bordeauxs?

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

    Dogue de Bordeauxs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Belgian Malinoiss Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Dogue de Bordeauxs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Belgian Malinoiss can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Dogue de Bordeauxs can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Belgian Malinois vs. Dogue de Bordeaux

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

    Dogue de Bordeauxs 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 Dogue de Bordeauxs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Belgian Malinoiss can tolerate hot weather.

    Dogue de Bordeauxs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Belgian Malinois or the Dogue de Bordeaux?

    Belgian Malinoiss do not get along well with other dogs.

    Dogue de Bordeauxs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Belgian Malinoiss good family dogs? What about Dogue de Bordeauxs?

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

    Dogue de Bordeauxs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Belgian Malinoiss and Dogue de Bordeauxs?

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

    Dogue de Bordeauxs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Belgian Malinois Easier to Train than the Dogue de Bordeaux?

    Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to train.

    Dogue de Bordeauxs are not easy to train.

    Is the Belgian Malinois Better for Apartment Owners than the Dogue de Bordeaux?

    Belgian Malinoiss do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Dogue de Bordeauxs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Belgian Malinois or the Dogue de Bordeaux?

    Belgian Malinoiss are OK for new dog owners.

    Dogue de Bordeauxs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Belgian Malinois versus Dogue de Bordeaux. 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 Dogue de Bordeaux better suits you and your family.