Guide on Deciding Betweeen the Belgian Malinois and the Japanese Spitz.

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Belgian Malinois Versus Japanese Spitz: Introduction

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

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

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 Japanese Spitz.

Belgian Malinois versus Japanese Spitz: Overview

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

The table below compares the Belgian Malinois to the Japanese Spitz 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 Japanese Spitz

Factor Belgian Malinois Japanese Spitz
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 10 to 16 years
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Height 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 10 to 16 inches
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Weight 40 to 80 pounds 11 to 20 pounds
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1380 $2200
Price Range $850 – $1800 $2200 – $2200
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 Japanese Spitz. 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 Japanese Spitz is 90 out of 125.

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

    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 Japanese Spitz 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 Japanese Spitz

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

    • Belgian Malinoiss do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Japanese Spitzs adapt well to apartment living.

    The Similarities Between the Belgian Malinois and the Japanese Spitz

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

    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Japanese Spitz do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Japanese Spitz do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Japanese Spitz are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Japanese Spitz can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Japanese Spitz can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Japanese Spitz get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Japanese Spitz are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Japanese Spitz are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Japanese Spitz are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Japanese Spitz are very easy to train.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Japanese Spitz are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Japanese Spitz are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Belgian Malinois versus Japanese Spitz

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

    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, Japanese Spitzs weigh 11 to 20 pounds when fully grown. Japanese Spitzs are 10 to 16 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Belgian Malinois versus Japanese Spitz

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

    The lifespan of Japanese Spitzs is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Japanese Spitzs is 13.0 years.

    Price of Belgian Malinois versus Price of Japanese Spitz

    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 Japanese Spitz puppy is $2200. The price of the Japanese Spitz typically ranges from $2200 – $2200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1 Japanese Spitz puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Japanese Spitz is more expensive than the Belgian Malinois.

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Japanese Spitzs

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

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

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Belgian Malinoiss shed more than Japanese Spitzs?

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

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Belgian Malinois or the Japanese Spitz

    Belgian Malinoiss do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Belgian Malinois or the Japanese Spitz?

    Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to groom.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Belgian Malinois Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Japanese Spitz?

    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.

    Japanese Spitzs 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 Japanese Spitzs?

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

    Japanese Spitzs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Belgian Malinoiss Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Belgian Malinoiss can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Belgian Malinois vs. Japanese Spitz

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

    Japanese Spitzs 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 Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Belgian Malinoiss can tolerate hot weather.

    Japanese Spitzs 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 Japanese Spitz?

    Belgian Malinoiss do not get along well with other dogs.

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Belgian Malinoiss good family dogs? What about Japanese Spitzs?

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

    Japanese Spitzs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Belgian Malinoiss and Japanese Spitzs?

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

    Japanese Spitzs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Belgian Malinois Easier to Train than the Japanese Spitz?

    Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to train.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Is the Belgian Malinois Better for Apartment Owners than the Japanese Spitz?

    Belgian Malinoiss do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Belgian Malinoiss are OK for new dog owners.

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

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