Belgian Malinois vs Lagotto Romagnolo
Breed Compatibility
88% Compatible
Energy Level
Belgian Malinois: Energetic0.8
Lagotto Romagnolo: Regular Exercise0.6
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Belgian Malinois: Easy Training0.8
Lagotto Romagnolo: Eager to Please1.0
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
Belgian Malinois: Weekly Brushing0.4
Lagotto Romagnolo: Occasional Bath/Brush0.2
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Belgian Malinois3/5
Lagotto Romagnolo3/5
Good with Other Dogs
Belgian Malinois3/5
Lagotto Romagnolo5/5
Good with Strangers
Belgian Malinois3/5
Lagotto Romagnolo4/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Belgian Malinois
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Vision loss
Elbow Dysplasia: Joint development issue
Pannus: Eye inflammation condition
Thyroid Issues: Hormone imbalances
Von Willebrand's Disease: Blood clotting
Lagotto Romagnolo
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Epilepsy: Neurological seizure disorder
Eye Problems: Various ocular conditions
Benign Juvenile Epilepsy: Early onset
Storage Disease: Metabolic disorder risk
Cerebral Dysfunction: Brain function issues
Pros & Cons Comparison
Belgian Malinois
Pros
Highly intelligent
Excellent working ability
Athletic
Loyal
Protective
Cons
High exercise needs
Intense drive requires management
Can be too protective
Needs experienced handler
Lagotto Romagnolo
Pros
Excellent nose work abilities
Minimal shedding
Highly trainable
Good with families
Adaptable to different environments
Cons
Requires regular grooming
High exercise needs
Can be vocal
Expensive to purchase
Belgian Malinois Fun Fact
Belgian Malinois can detect scents 40x better than humans and jump over 8 feet high!
Lagotto Romagnolo Fun Fact
The only breed specifically developed and recognized worldwide for truffle hunting abilities!
Heritage & Purpose
Belgian Malinois
Origin:
Developed in Belgium during the 1800s as versatile herding dogs and guardians. Malinois served alongside military and police forces, excelling in protection work.
Lagotto Romagnolo
Origin:
Dating back to Renaissance Italy's Romagna region, these skilled water retrievers evolved into specialized truffle hunters, using their exceptional nose work abilities to locate valuable fungi.
Special Considerations
Belgian Malinois
Requires extensive socialization, high-level exercise commitment, and experienced handling. Regular grooming and mental stimulation essential for balanced behavior.
Lagotto Romagnolo
Regular grooming needed to maintain curly coat. Requires consistent mental stimulation through training or nose work. Monitor for early signs of epilepsy or neurological issues.
Shedding
SeasonalShedding
InfrequentRelated Comparisons
Same Group
Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren →Similar Size
Belgian Malinois vs Labrador Retriever →Similar Size
Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren →