Belgian Sheepdog versus Coton de Tulear. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Belgian Sheepdog Versus Coton de Tulear: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Belgian Sheepdog and the Coton de Tulear? 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 Sheepdog and the Coton de Tulear 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 Sheepdog and the Coton de Tulear.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Belgian Sheepdog and the Coton de Tulear 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 Sheepdog and for the Coton de Tulear. 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 Sheepdog and the Coton de Tulear.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Belgian Sheepdog or the Coton de Tulear.

Belgian Sheepdog versus Coton de Tulear: Overview

A very important difference between the Belgian Sheepdog and the Coton de Tulear is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Belgian Sheepdog is a large-sized dog while the Coton de Tulear is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Belgian Sheepdog 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 Coton de Tulear 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 Sheepdog versus Coton de Tulear: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Belgian Sheepdog to the Coton de Tulear 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 Sheepdog and the Coton de Tulear

Factor Belgian Sheepdog Coton de Tulear
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 14 to 16 years
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Height 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 8 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
General Health 3/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
Easygoing 1/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Weight 60 to 75 pounds 8 to 13 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1430 $2060
Price Range $800 – $1725 $1745 – $2500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • Cardiac Exam
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Belgian Sheepdog 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 Coton de Tulear. 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 Sheepdog is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Coton de Tulear is 94 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Coton de Tulear is a better pet than the Belgian Sheepdog. So, you should get the Coton de Tulear!

    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 Sheepdog and the Coton de Tulear so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Belgian Sheepdog and the Coton de Tulear

    Below is a list of where the Belgian Sheepdog and the Coton de Tulear are most different:

    • Belgian Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Coton de Tulears do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Belgian Sheepdogs have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Coton de Tulears have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.

    The Similarities Between the Belgian Sheepdog and the Coton de Tulear

    The Belgian Sheepdog and the Coton de Tulear are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Belgian Sheepdog and the Coton de Tulear are most similar:

    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Coton de Tulear do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Coton de Tulear are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Coton de Tulear are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Coton de Tulear are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Coton de Tulear can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Coton de Tulear are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Coton de Tulear are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Coton de Tulear have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Coton de Tulear 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 Sheepdog and the Coton de Tulear get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Coton de Tulear get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Coton de Tulear are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Coton de Tulear are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Belgian Sheepdog versus Coton de Tulear

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Belgian Sheepdog and the Coton de Tulear.

    Belgian Sheepdogs weigh 60 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Belgian Sheepdogs are 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Coton de Tulears weigh 8 to 13 pounds when fully grown. Coton de Tulears are 8 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Belgian Sheepdog versus Coton de Tulear

    The lifespan of Belgian Sheepdogs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Belgian Sheepdogs is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of Coton de Tulears is between 14 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Coton de Tulears is 15.0 years.

    Coton de Tulears live longer than Belgian Sheepdogs.

    Price of Belgian Sheepdog versus Price of Coton de Tulear

    The average price of the Belgian Sheepdog puppy is $1430. The price of the Belgian Sheepdog typically ranges from $800 – $1725. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 32 Belgian Sheepdog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Coton de Tulear puppy is $2060. The price of the Coton de Tulear typically ranges from $1745 – $2500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 127 Coton de Tulear puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Coton de Tulear is more expensive than the Belgian Sheepdog.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Belgian Sheepdog and Coton de Tulear. For different price points, the charts show how many Belgian Sheepdog puppies or how many Coton de Tulear puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Belgian Sheepdogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Belgian Sheepdogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Coton de Tulears

    A breakdown of the prices of Coton de Tulears

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Belgian Sheepdog puppy or the Coton de Tulear 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 Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Coton de Tulear

    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 Sheepdog and the Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulear is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Belgian Sheepdog.

    3 health tests are recommended for Belgian Sheepdog while 3 tests are recommended for the Coton de Tulear.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Belgian Sheepdogs and in Coton de Tulears.

    Belgian Sheepdog Health Problems

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

  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia

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

    Coton de Tulear Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Exam
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Coton de Tulears here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Belgian Sheepdog versus Coton de Tulear

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

    Coton de Tulears do not like to be left alone.

    Do Belgian Sheepdogs shed more than Coton de Tulears?

    Belgian Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Coton de Tulears do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Belgian Sheepdog or the Coton de Tulear

    Belgian Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Coton de Tulears do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Belgian Sheepdog or the Coton de Tulear?

    Belgian Sheepdogs are moderately easy to groom.

    Coton de Tulears require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Belgian Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Coton de Tulear?

    Belgian Sheepdogs 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.

    Coton de Tulears 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 Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Coton de Tulears?

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

    Coton de Tulears are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Belgian Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Coton de Tulears Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Belgian Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Coton de Tulears can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Belgian Sheepdog vs. Coton de Tulear

    Belgian Sheepdogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Coton de Tulears have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Belgian Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Coton de Tulears Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Belgian Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Coton de Tulears can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Belgian Sheepdog or the Coton de Tulear?

    Belgian Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Coton de Tulears get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Belgian Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Coton de Tulears?

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

    Coton de Tulears are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Belgian Sheepdogs and Coton de Tulears?

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

    Coton de Tulears get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Belgian Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Coton de Tulear?

    Belgian Sheepdogs are very easy to train.

    Coton de Tulears are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Belgian Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Coton de Tulear?

    Belgian Sheepdogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Coton de Tulears adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Belgian Sheepdog or the Coton de Tulear?

    Belgian Sheepdogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Coton de Tulears are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Belgian Sheepdog versus Coton de Tulear. 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 Sheepdog and the Coton de Tulear better suits you and your family.