Is the Belgian Malinois Better than the Havanese as a Pet? Our Answer.

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Belgian Malinois Versus Havanese: Introduction

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

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

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 Havanese.

Belgian Malinois versus Havanese: Overview

A very important difference between the Belgian Malinois and the Havanese is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Belgian Malinois is a large-sized dog while the Havanese 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 Havanese belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Belgian Malinois versus Havanese: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Belgian Malinois to the Havanese 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 Havanese

Factor Belgian Malinois Havanese
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 12 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 4/5
Height 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
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 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Weight 40 to 80 pounds 7 to 13 pounds
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 1/5
Easy To Train 5/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1380 $2180
Price Range $850 – $1800 $1700 – $2750
Temperament Score 94.1 percent 81.8 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • Congenital Deafness
  • 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 Havanese. 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 Havanese is 91 out of 125.

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

    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 Havanese 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 Havanese

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

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

    The Similarities Between the Belgian Malinois and the Havanese

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

    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Havanese do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Havanese do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Havanese are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Havanese can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Havanese can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Havanese get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Havanese are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Havanese have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Havanese 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 Havanese are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Havanese are very easy to train.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Havanese are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Havanese are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Belgian Malinois versus Havanese

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

    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, Havaneses weigh 7 to 13 pounds when fully grown. Havaneses are 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Belgian Malinois versus Havanese

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

    The lifespan of Havaneses is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Havaneses is 13.5 years.

    Havaneses live longer than Belgian Malinoiss.

    Temperament of the Belgian Malinois Versus the Havanese

    The Belgian Malinois has a better temperament than the Havanese.

    This is because the temperament score for the Belgian Malinois is 94.1 percent while the temperament score for the Havanese is 81.8 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 81.8 percent, the Havanese has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Belgian Malinois and the Havanese by measuring the temperaments of 440 Belgian Malinoiss and 11 Havaneses.

    Price of Belgian Malinois versus Price of Havanese

    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 Havanese puppy is $2180. The price of the Havanese typically ranges from $1700 – $2750. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 647 Havanese puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Havanese is more expensive than the Belgian Malinois.

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Havaneses

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

    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 Havanese 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 Havanese is prone to more genetic health problems than the Belgian Malinois.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Havanese than for the Belgian Malinois.

    3 health tests are recommended for Belgian Malinois while 4 tests are recommended for the Havanese.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Belgian Malinoiss and in Havaneses.

    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.

    Havanese Health Problems

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

  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Belgian Malinois versus Havanese

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

    Havaneses do not like to be left alone.

    Do Belgian Malinoiss shed more than Havaneses?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Belgian Malinois or the Havanese

    Belgian Malinoiss do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Havaneses do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to groom.

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

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

    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.

    Havaneses 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 Havaneses?

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

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

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

    Belgian Malinoiss can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Havaneses can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Belgian Malinois vs. Havanese

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

    Havaneses 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 Havaneses Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Belgian Malinoiss can tolerate hot weather.

    Havaneses can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Belgian Malinoiss do not get along well with other dogs.

    Havaneses get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Belgian Malinoiss good family dogs? What about Havaneses?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Belgian Malinoiss and Havaneses?

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

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

    Is the Belgian Malinois Easier to Train than the Havanese?

    Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to train.

    Havaneses are very easy to train.

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

    Belgian Malinoiss do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Havaneses adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Belgian Malinoiss are OK for new dog owners.

    Havaneses are very good for new dog owners.

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