Breed Comparison: Belgian Malinois Versus Portuguese Pointer

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Belgian Malinois Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

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

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

Belgian Malinois versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

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

The table below compares the Belgian Malinois to the Portuguese 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 Portuguese Pointer

Factor Belgian Malinois Portuguese Pointer
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 12 to 14 years
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 5/5
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 20 to 22 inches
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Weight 40 to 80 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
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 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.0 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
    		•
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination – recommended testing frequency at ages 1, 4, and 7
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    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 Portuguese 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 Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.

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

    The Similarities Between the Belgian Malinois and the Portuguese Pointer

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

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

    Size Comparison of Belgian Malinois versus Portuguese Pointer

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Belgian Malinois and the Portuguese 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, Portuguese Pointers weigh 35 to 59 pounds when fully grown. Portuguese Pointers are 20 to 22 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Belgian Malinois versus Portuguese 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 Portuguese Pointers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Pointers is 13.0 years.

    Health Problems of Belgian Malinois versus Health Problems of Portuguese Pointer

    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 Portuguese Pointer 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 Portuguese Pointer is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Belgian Malinois.

    3 health tests are recommended for Belgian Malinois while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.

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

    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.

    Portuguese Pointer Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination – recommended testing frequency at ages 1, 4, and 7
  • Hip Dysplasia

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Belgian Malinois versus Portuguese Pointer

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

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Belgian Malinoiss shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Belgian Malinois or the Portuguese Pointer

    Belgian Malinoiss do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

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

    Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to groom.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Belgian Malinois Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese 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.

    Portuguese Pointers 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 Portuguese Pointers?

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

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

    Can Belgian Malinoiss Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Belgian Malinoiss can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Belgian Malinois vs. Portuguese Pointer

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

    Portuguese Pointers 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 Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Belgian Malinoiss can tolerate hot weather.

    Portuguese Pointers 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 Portuguese Pointer?

    Belgian Malinoiss do not get along well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Belgian Malinoiss good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

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

    Portuguese Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Belgian Malinoiss and Portuguese Pointers?

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

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

    Is the Belgian Malinois Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Is the Belgian Malinois Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Belgian Malinoiss do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Belgian Malinoiss are OK for new dog owners.

    Portuguese Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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