Which is Better Between the Belgian Malinois and the Tibetan Mastiff?

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Belgian Malinois Versus Tibetan Mastiff: Introduction

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

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

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 Tibetan Mastiff.

Belgian Malinois versus Tibetan Mastiff: Overview

A very important difference between the Belgian Malinois and the Tibetan Mastiff is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Belgian Malinois is a large-sized dog while the Tibetan Mastiff is a giant-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 Tibetan Mastiff belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Belgian Malinois versus Tibetan Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Belgian Malinois to the Tibetan Mastiff 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 Tibetan Mastiff

Factor Belgian Malinois Tibetan Mastiff
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 10 to 14 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 2 feet to 2 feet, 2 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Weight 40 to 80 pounds 75 to 160 pounds
Easygoing 1/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 1/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1380 $3650
Price Range $850 – $1800 $1400 – $6000
Temperament Score 94.1 percent 52.9 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • 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 Tibetan Mastiff. 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 Tibetan Mastiff is 77 out of 125.

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

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

    • Belgian Malinoiss do not get along well with other dogs. However, Tibetan Mastiffs get along well with other dogs.
    • Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to train. However, Tibetan Mastiffs are not easy to train.
    • Belgian Malinoiss require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise. However, Tibetan Mastiffs have low exercise needs.

    The Similarities Between the Belgian Malinois and the Tibetan Mastiff

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

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

    Size Comparison of Belgian Malinois versus Tibetan Mastiff

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

    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, Tibetan Mastiffs weigh 75 to 160 pounds when fully grown. Tibetan Mastiffs are 2 feet to 2 feet, 2 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Belgian Malinois versus Tibetan Mastiff

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

    The lifespan of Tibetan Mastiffs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Tibetan Mastiffs is 12.0 years.

    Belgian Malinoiss live longer than Tibetan Mastiffs.

    Temperament of the Tibetan Mastiff Versus the Belgian Malinois

    The Belgian Malinois has a better temperament than the Tibetan Mastiff.

    This is because the temperament score for the Belgian Malinois is 94.1 percent while the temperament score for the Tibetan Mastiff is 52.9 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 52.9 percent, the Tibetan Mastiff has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Belgian Malinois and the Tibetan Mastiff by measuring the temperaments of 440 Belgian Malinoiss and 17 Tibetan Mastiffs.

    Price of Belgian Malinois versus Price of Tibetan Mastiff

    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 Tibetan Mastiff puppy is $3650. The price of the Tibetan Mastiff typically ranges from $1400 – $6000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 12 Tibetan Mastiff puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Tibetan Mastiff is more expensive than the Belgian Malinois.

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Tibetan Mastiffs

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

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

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

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

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

    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.

    Tibetan Mastiff Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Belgian Malinois versus Tibetan Mastiff

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

    Tibetan Mastiffs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Belgian Malinoiss shed more than Tibetan Mastiffs?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Belgian Malinois or the Tibetan Mastiff

    Belgian Malinoiss do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Tibetan Mastiffs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Belgian Malinois or the Tibetan Mastiff?

    Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to groom.

    Tibetan Mastiffs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Belgian Malinois Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Tibetan Mastiff?

    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.

    Tibetan Mastiffs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Belgian Malinoiss Bark and Howl? What about Tibetan Mastiffs?

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

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

    Can Belgian Malinoiss Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Tibetan Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Belgian Malinoiss can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Tibetan Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Belgian Malinois vs. Tibetan Mastiff

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

    Tibetan Mastiffs 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 Tibetan Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Belgian Malinoiss can tolerate hot weather.

    Tibetan Mastiffs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Belgian Malinoiss do not get along well with other dogs.

    Tibetan Mastiffs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Belgian Malinoiss good family dogs? What about Tibetan Mastiffs?

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

    Tibetan Mastiffs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Belgian Malinoiss and Tibetan Mastiffs?

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

    Tibetan Mastiffs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Belgian Malinois Easier to Train than the Tibetan Mastiff?

    Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to train.

    Tibetan Mastiffs are not easy to train.

    Is the Belgian Malinois Better for Apartment Owners than the Tibetan Mastiff?

    Belgian Malinoiss do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Tibetan Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Belgian Malinoiss are OK for new dog owners.

    Tibetan Mastiffs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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