Belgian Malinois versus Fila Brasileiro. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Belgian Malinois Versus Fila Brasileiro: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Belgian Malinois and the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro. 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 Fila Brasileiro.

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 Fila Brasileiro.

Belgian Malinois versus Fila Brasileiro: Overview

A very important difference between the Belgian Malinois and the Fila Brasileiro is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Belgian Malinois is a large-sized dog while the Fila Brasileiro is a giant-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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Belgian Malinois to the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro

Factor Belgian Malinois Fila Brasileiro
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 9 to 12 years
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
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 24 to 30 inches
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Weight 40 to 80 pounds 90 to 180 pounds
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 10.5 years
Average Price $1380 $1800
Price Range $850 – $1800 $1800 – $1800
Temperament Score 94.1 percent 78.6 percent
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 Fila Brasileiro. 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 Fila Brasileiro is 62 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Belgian Malinois is a better pet than the Fila Brasileiro. 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro

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

    • Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to train. However, Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train.
    • Belgian Malinoiss are very playful. However, Fila Brasileiros not very playful.

    The Similarities Between the Belgian Malinois and the Fila Brasileiro

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

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

    Size Comparison of Belgian Malinois versus Fila Brasileiro

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

    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, Fila Brasileiros weigh 90 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Fila Brasileiros are 24 to 30 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Belgian Malinois versus Fila Brasileiro

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

    The lifespan of Fila Brasileiros is between 9 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Fila Brasileiros is 10.5 years.

    Belgian Malinoiss live longer than Fila Brasileiros.

    Temperament of the Belgian Malinois Versus the Fila Brasileiro

    The Belgian Malinois has a better temperament than the Fila Brasileiro.

    This is because the temperament score for the Belgian Malinois is 94.1 percent while the temperament score for the Fila Brasileiro is 78.6 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 78.6 percent, the Fila Brasileiro has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Belgian Malinois and the Fila Brasileiro by measuring the temperaments of 440 Belgian Malinoiss and 14 Fila Brasileiros.

    Price of Belgian Malinois versus Price of Fila Brasileiro

    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 Fila Brasileiro puppy is $1800. The price of the Fila Brasileiro typically ranges from $1800 – $1800. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1 Fila Brasileiro puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Fila Brasileiro is more expensive than the Belgian Malinois.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Belgian Malinois and Fila Brasileiro. For different price points, the charts show how many Belgian Malinois puppies or how many Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiros

    A breakdown of the prices of Fila Brasileiros

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

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

    Fila Brasileiros can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Belgian Malinoiss shed more than Fila Brasileiros?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Belgian Malinois or the Fila Brasileiro

    Belgian Malinoiss do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Fila Brasileiros drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Belgian Malinois or the Fila Brasileiro?

    Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to groom.

    Fila Brasileiros are very easy to groom.

    Does the Belgian Malinois Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Fila Brasileiro?

    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.

    Fila Brasileiros 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 Fila Brasileiros?

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

    Fila Brasileiros bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Belgian Malinoiss Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Belgian Malinoiss can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Fila Brasileiros cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Belgian Malinois vs. Fila Brasileiro

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

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

    Can Belgian Malinoiss Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Belgian Malinoiss can tolerate hot weather.

    Fila Brasileiros 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 Fila Brasileiro?

    Belgian Malinoiss do not get along well with other dogs.

    Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Belgian Malinoiss good family dogs? What about Fila Brasileiros?

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

    Fila Brasileiros are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Belgian Malinoiss and Fila Brasileiros?

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

    Fila Brasileiros get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Belgian Malinois Easier to Train than the Fila Brasileiro?

    Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to train.

    Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train.

    Is the Belgian Malinois Better for Apartment Owners than the Fila Brasileiro?

    Belgian Malinoiss do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Belgian Malinoiss are OK for new dog owners.

    Fila Brasileiros are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Belgian Malinois versus Fila Brasileiro. 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 Fila Brasileiro better suits you and your family.