Is the Belgian Malinois Better than the Estrela Mountain Dog as a Pet? Our Answer.

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Belgian Malinois Versus Estrela Mountain Dog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Belgian Malinois and the Estrela Mountain Dog 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 Estrela Mountain Dog. 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 Estrela Mountain Dog.

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 Estrela Mountain Dog.

Belgian Malinois versus Estrela Mountain Dog: Overview

Both the Belgian Malinois and the Estrela Mountain Dog are similar in size. The Belgian Malinois and the Estrela Mountain Dog are both large-sized dogs.

Furthermore, both the Belgian Malinois and the Estrela Mountain Dog are Herding Dogs. This means both the Belgian Malinois and the Estrela Mountain Dog 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.

Belgian Malinois versus Estrela Mountain Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Belgian Malinois to the Estrela Mountain Dog 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 Estrela Mountain Dog

Factor Belgian Malinois Estrela Mountain Dog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 11 to 15 years
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Height 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 24 to 30 inches
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Weight 40 to 80 pounds 75 to 130 pounds
Easygoing 1/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1380 No Data
Price Range $850 – $1800 No Data
Temperament Score 94.1 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • 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 Estrela Mountain Dog. 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 Estrela Mountain Dog is 85 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Estrela Mountain Dog is a better pet than the Belgian Malinois. So, you should get the Estrela Mountain 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 Belgian Malinois and the Estrela Mountain Dog 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 Estrela Mountain Dog

    Below is a list of where the Belgian Malinois and the Estrela Mountain Dog are most different:

    • Belgian Malinoiss have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Estrela Mountain Dogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
    • Belgian Malinoiss 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. However, Estrela Mountain Dogs are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle.
    • Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to groom. However, Estrela Mountain Dogs require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.

    The Similarities Between the Belgian Malinois and the Estrela Mountain Dog

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

    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Estrela Mountain Dog do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Estrela Mountain Dog do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Estrela Mountain Dog are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Estrela Mountain Dog are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Estrela Mountain Dog can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Estrela Mountain Dog can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Estrela Mountain Dog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Estrela Mountain Dog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Estrela Mountain Dog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Estrela Mountain Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Estrela Mountain Dog are very easy to train.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Estrela Mountain Dog are highly intelligent.

    Size Comparison of Belgian Malinois versus Estrela Mountain Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Belgian Malinois and the Estrela Mountain Dog.

    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, Estrela Mountain Dogs weigh 75 to 130 pounds when fully grown. Estrela Mountain Dogs are 24 to 30 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Belgian Malinois versus Estrela Mountain Dog

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

    The lifespan of Estrela Mountain Dogs is between 11 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Estrela Mountain Dogs is 13.0 years.

    Temperament of the Belgian Malinois Versus the Estrela Mountain Dog

    The Estrela Mountain Dog has a better temperament than the Belgian Malinois.

    This is because the temperament score for the Estrela Mountain Dog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Belgian Malinois is 94.1 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 100.0 percent, the Estrela Mountain Dog has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Belgian Malinois and the Estrela Mountain Dog by measuring the temperaments of 440 Belgian Malinoiss and 1 Estrela Mountain Dogs.

    Health Problems of Belgian Malinois versus Health Problems of Estrela Mountain Dog

    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 Estrela Mountain Dog 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 Estrela Mountain Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Belgian Malinois.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Estrela Mountain Dog than for the Belgian Malinois.

    3 health tests are recommended for Belgian Malinois while 4 tests are recommended for the Estrela Mountain Dog.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Belgian Malinoiss and in Estrela Mountain Dogs.

    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.

    Estrela Mountain Dog Health Problems

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Estrela Mountain 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 Estrela Mountain Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Estrela Mountain 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 Estrela Mountain Dogs for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Estrela Mountain Dogs here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Belgian Malinois versus Estrela Mountain Dog

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

    Estrela Mountain Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Belgian Malinoiss shed more than Estrela Mountain Dogs?

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

    Estrela Mountain Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Belgian Malinois or the Estrela Mountain Dog

    Belgian Malinoiss do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Belgian Malinois or the Estrela Mountain Dog?

    Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to groom.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Belgian Malinois Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Estrela Mountain Dog?

    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.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Belgian Malinoiss Bark and Howl? What about Estrela Mountain Dogs?

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

    Estrela Mountain Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Belgian Malinoiss Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Estrela Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Belgian Malinoiss can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Belgian Malinois vs. Estrela Mountain Dog

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

    Estrela Mountain Dogs 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 Estrela Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Belgian Malinoiss can tolerate hot weather.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs 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 Estrela Mountain Dog?

    Belgian Malinoiss do not get along well with other dogs.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Belgian Malinoiss good family dogs? What about Estrela Mountain Dogs?

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

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Belgian Malinoiss and Estrela Mountain Dogs?

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

    Estrela Mountain Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Belgian Malinois Easier to Train than the Estrela Mountain Dog?

    Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to train.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are very easy to train.

    Is the Belgian Malinois Better for Apartment Owners than the Estrela Mountain Dog?

    Belgian Malinoiss do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Belgian Malinoiss are OK for new dog owners.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Belgian Malinois versus Estrela Mountain Dog. 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 Estrela Mountain Dog better suits you and your family.