Portuguese Water Dog vs Belgian Malinois
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Portuguese Water Dog
Working Group
Belgian Malinois
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Portuguese Water Dog Overview
Portuguese Water Dogs showcase a robust, athletic build with a distinctive waterproof coat that can be either wavy or curly. Their muscular frame and webbed feet reflect their heritage as maritime working dogs. Standing proudly with an alert expression, these medium-sized dogs display a well-proportioned head, expressive eyes, and a strong muzzle, embodying both strength and agility.
Belgian Malinois Overview
Belgian Malinois dogs showcase a powerful, well-muscled physique with distinctive upright ears and alert expression. Their short fawn-colored coat features black masking and ears. Athletic and graceful in movement, they possess a square-built frame with proud carriage. Their intelligent eyes and confident stance reflect their working heritage as exceptional herders and protectors.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Portuguese Water Dogs are less energetic than Belgian Malinoiss, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Portuguese Water Dogs require more grooming attention compared to Belgian Malinoiss.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Portuguese Water Dogs tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Belgian Malinoiss.
- Trainability: Belgian Malinoiss may be slightly easier to train due to their Belgian Malinois's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Belgian Malinoiss adapt better to apartment living, while Portuguese Water Dogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog and Belgian Malinois, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Portuguese Water Dog | Belgian Malinois |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 11-13 years | 14-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Portuguese Water Dog | Belgian Malinois |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-23 inches 43-58 cm | 22-26 inches 56-66 cm |
| Weight | 35-60 lbs 16-27 kg | 40-80 lbs 18-36 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Portuguese Water Dog | Belgian Malinois |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Adventurous, Athletic | Confident, Smart, Hardworking |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Portuguese Water Dog | Belgian Malinois |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Portuguese Water Dog Temperament
The Portuguese Water Dog is known for being affectionate, adventurous, athletic, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Belgian Malinois Temperament
The Belgian Malinois is characterized by being confident, smart, hardworking, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Portuguese Water Dog and Belgian Malinois, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 5/5
Belgian Malinois
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 4/5
Belgian Malinois
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 4/5
Belgian Malinois
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 1/5
Belgian Malinois
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 5/5
Belgian Malinois
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Portuguese Water Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Portuguese Water Dogs require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Portuguese Water Dogs require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Belgian Malinois Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Belgian Malinoiss need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Belgian Malinoiss require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Portuguese Water Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- GM1
- JDCM
- EOPRA
Belgian Malinois Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Pannus
- Thyroid Issues
Pros & Cons
Portuguese Water Dog
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Non-shedding coat
- Excellent swimming ability
- Great family companion
- Athletic and versatile
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Requires extensive exercise
- Can be stubborn
- Expensive maintenance
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Portuguese Water Dog and Belgian Malinois, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.