Breed Comparison: Belgian Malinois Versus Sloughi

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Belgian Malinois Versus Sloughi: Introduction

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

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

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 Sloughi.

Belgian Malinois versus Sloughi: Overview

Both the Belgian Malinois and the Sloughi are similar in size. The Belgian Malinois and the Sloughi 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 Sloughi belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

Belgian Malinois versus Sloughi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Belgian Malinois to the Sloughi 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 Sloughi

Factor Belgian Malinois Sloughi
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 12 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 4/5
Height 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 24 to 29 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 3/5
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 5/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Weight 40 to 80 pounds 40 to 63 pounds
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
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 14.0 years
Average Price $1380 No Data
Price Range $850 – $1800 No Data
Temperament Score 94.1 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Exam by a veterinarian with Board certification by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Specialty of Cardiology
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination by a board certified ACVO Ophthalmologist- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
    		•

    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 Sloughi. 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 Sloughi is 79 out of 125.

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

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

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

    The Similarities Between the Belgian Malinois and the Sloughi

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

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

    Size Comparison of Belgian Malinois versus Sloughi

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

    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, Sloughis weigh 40 to 63 pounds when fully grown. Sloughis are 24 to 29 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Belgian Malinois versus Sloughi

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

    The lifespan of Sloughis is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Sloughis is 14.0 years.

    Sloughis live longer than Belgian Malinoiss.

    Temperament of the Belgian Malinois Versus the Sloughi

    The Sloughi has a better temperament than the Belgian Malinois.

    This is because the temperament score for the Sloughi is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Belgian Malinois is 94.1 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 100.0 percent, the Sloughi has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Belgian Malinois and the Sloughi by measuring the temperaments of 440 Belgian Malinoiss and 3 Sloughis.

    Health Problems of Belgian Malinois versus Health Problems of Sloughi

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

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

    3 health tests are recommended for Belgian Malinois while 6 tests are recommended for the Sloughi.

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

    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.

    Sloughi Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Exam by a veterinarian with Board certification by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Specialty of Cardiology
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination by a board certified ACVO Ophthalmologist- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Belgian Malinois versus Sloughi

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

    Sloughis can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Belgian Malinoiss shed more than Sloughis?

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

    Sloughis shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Belgian Malinois or the Sloughi

    Belgian Malinoiss do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Sloughis do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to groom.

    Sloughis are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Sloughis 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 Sloughis?

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

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

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

    Belgian Malinoiss can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Sloughis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Belgian Malinois vs. Sloughi

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

    Sloughis 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 Sloughis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Belgian Malinoiss can tolerate hot weather.

    Sloughis 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 Sloughi?

    Belgian Malinoiss do not get along well with other dogs.

    Sloughis get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Belgian Malinoiss good family dogs? What about Sloughis?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Belgian Malinoiss and Sloughis?

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

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

    Is the Belgian Malinois Easier to Train than the Sloughi?

    Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to train.

    Sloughis are fairly easy to train.

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

    Belgian Malinoiss do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Sloughis adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Belgian Malinoiss are OK for new dog owners.

    Sloughis are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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