Belgian Malinois has average obesity risk, needs balanced diet, daily walks, and weight monitoring.

Portuguese Water Dog has average risk of obesity, needs daily walks and quality diet to maintain healthy weight.

Unfortunately, the Belgian Malinois is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Portuguese Water Dogs are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Active
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Hard working
Protective
Stubborn
Watchful

Brave
Impetuous
Obedient
Docile
Intelligent
Quarrelsome

Belgian Malinoiss are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Portuguese Water Dogs shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

Choose a Belgian Malinois if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

Portuguese Water Dogs make excellent watchdogs - they're vocal and protective of their territory.

Belgium

Portugal

Shepherd Dog

poodle

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

American Kennel Club
Canadian Kennel Club
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Australian National Kennel Council
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
The Kennel Club

1800s

700 BC

Herding (AKC:1959)(UKC)

Working (AKC:1983)
Gun Dogs (UKC)

Brown

Brown

Black

Black
Brown

Brown
Fawn
Sable

Black
White
Brown

Straight

Curly

A Belgian Malinois can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Portuguese Water Dog can have a litter of 10-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Usually A Very Healthy Breed

Hip Dysplasia
Addison's Disease
Follicular Dysplasia

Epilepsy
Pannus
Skin Allergies

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Hip
MRI
Eye Examination
Allergy Tests

Eye
Hip
Blood Test
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Belgian Malinois has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Portuguese Water Dog has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Belgian Malinoiss need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

Portuguese Water Dogs require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed that frequently barks and howls, and may not be suitable for those seeking a quiet companion.

Portuguese Water Dog dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

Belgian Malinois dogs have a strong protective nature and territorial instinct. They are highly vigilant and will fiercely defend their home and family.

While Portuguese Water Dog dogs can defend their territory or owners, it's not their primary trait, and they are not ideal guard dogs.

Explore, Run, Running, Walks, Walk, Catch treats, Play, Ball fetching, Item searching, Frisbee, Chase, Fetch, Hide & Seek, Walking, Sprints, Riding in truck, Fetching games, Bitting Bones

Walking, Petting, Running, Run, Frisbee, Swim, Fetch, Nose work, Sniffing, Drinking water, Jogging, Walk, Tug-of-war, Jump

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Belgian Malinois, it's at least 12 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Portuguese Water Dog, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Scissors
Nail Clipper

Slicker Brush
Scissors
Clipper
Nail Clipper

For an average 60-80 pound (27 - 36 kg) Belgian Malinois feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 42-60 pound (19 - 27 kg) Portuguese Water Dog feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

The average cost of a Belgian Malinois is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

The average cost of a Portuguese Water Dog is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

The average per month expenses of a Belgian Malinois is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Portuguese Water Dog is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Belgian Malinoiss are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

The Portuguese Water Dog is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.

Belgian Malinoiss are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Portuguese Water Dogs are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Belgian Malinoiss are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Portuguese Water Dogs are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

Belgian Malinoiss are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

Portuguese Water Dogs are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Belgian Malinoiss are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

Portuguese Water Dogs are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

The Belgian Malinois is highly intelligent and eager to please, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced dog owners due to its easy trainability.

Portuguese Water Dogs are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.