A Detailed Comparison of the Belgian Malinois and the German Longhaired Pointer.

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Belgian Malinois Versus German Longhaired Pointer: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Belgian Malinois and the German Longhaired Pointer 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 German Longhaired Pointer. 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 German Longhaired Pointer.

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 German Longhaired Pointer.

Belgian Malinois versus German Longhaired Pointer: Overview

Both the Belgian Malinois and the German Longhaired Pointer are similar in size. The Belgian Malinois and the German Longhaired Pointer 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 German Longhaired Pointer belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Belgian Malinois versus German Longhaired Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Belgian Malinois to the German Longhaired Pointer 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 German Longhaired Pointer

Factor Belgian Malinois German Longhaired Pointer
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 11 to 14 years
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
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 23 to 28 inches
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Weight 40 to 80 pounds 60 to 71 pounds
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1380 No Data
Price Range $850 – $1800 No Data
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 German Longhaired Pointer. 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 German Longhaired Pointer is 78 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Belgian Malinois is a better pet than the German Longhaired Pointer. 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 German Longhaired Pointer so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Belgian Malinois and the German Longhaired Pointer

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

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

    Size Comparison of Belgian Malinois versus German Longhaired Pointer

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Belgian Malinois and the German Longhaired Pointer.

    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, German Longhaired Pointers weigh 60 to 71 pounds when fully grown. German Longhaired Pointers are 23 to 28 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Belgian Malinois versus German Longhaired Pointer

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

    The lifespan of German Longhaired Pointers is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Longhaired Pointers is 12.5 years.

    Belgian Malinoiss live longer than German Longhaired Pointers.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Belgian Malinois versus German Longhaired Pointer

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

    German Longhaired Pointers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Belgian Malinoiss shed more than German Longhaired Pointers?

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

    German Longhaired Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Belgian Malinois or the German Longhaired Pointer

    Belgian Malinoiss do have a very low tendency to drool.

    German Longhaired Pointers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Belgian Malinois or the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to groom.

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Belgian Malinois Have a Higher Prey Drive than the German Longhaired Pointer?

    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.

    German Longhaired Pointers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Belgian Malinoiss Bark and Howl? What about German Longhaired Pointers?

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

    German Longhaired Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Belgian Malinoiss Tolerate Cold Weather? And can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Belgian Malinoiss can very well tolerate cold weather.

    German Longhaired Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Belgian Malinois vs. German Longhaired Pointer

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

    German Longhaired Pointers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Belgian Malinoiss Tolerate Hot Weather? Can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Belgian Malinoiss can tolerate hot weather.

    German Longhaired Pointers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Belgian Malinois or the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Belgian Malinoiss do not get along well with other dogs.

    German Longhaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Belgian Malinoiss good family dogs? What about German Longhaired Pointers?

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

    German Longhaired Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Belgian Malinoiss and German Longhaired Pointers?

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

    German Longhaired Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Belgian Malinois Easier to Train than the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to train.

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to train.

    Is the Belgian Malinois Better for Apartment Owners than the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Belgian Malinoiss do not adapt well to apartment living.

    German Longhaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Belgian Malinois or the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Belgian Malinoiss are OK for new dog owners.

    German Longhaired Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Belgian Malinois versus German Longhaired Pointer. 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 German Longhaired Pointer better suits you and your family.