Belgian Malinois vs Nortese Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Malinois or Nortese?
Compare the Belgian Malinois and Nortese breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a Malinois or a Nortese? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you
Other names
Malinois
Weight
What is the average weight of Belgian Malinois and Nortese?
80.0 pounds
( 36 kg )
9.5 pounds
( 4 kg )
Height
What is the average height of Belgian Malinois and Nortese
24.5 inches
( 62.2 cm )
9.0 inches
( 22.9 cm )
Hypoallergenic
Are Belgian Malinoiss or Norteses hypoallergenic, or neither?
No
Unfortunately, the Belgian Malinois is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.
Yes
While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Norteses are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.
Temperament
What are the personalities of Belgian Malinois and Nortese dogs?
Active Alert Confident Friendly Hard working Protective Stubborn Watchful
Do Belgian Malinoiss shed more than Norteses, or which breed sheds more, Belgian Malinoiss or Norteses?
Belgian Malinoiss are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.
Norteses shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.
Watchdog Ability
Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Belgian Malinois or Nortese?
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.
Avoid Norteses as watchdogs - they're not effective.
Ancestry
What are the origins of Belgian Malinois and Nortese breeds?
Shepherd Dog
Norwich Terrier and Maltese x
Breed recognition
Which kennel clubs recognize/register Belgian Malinois and Nortese?
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
ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc. IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry®
Date of Birth
When were Belgian Malinois and Nortese breeds first developed?
1800s
Unknown
Eye Color Possibilites
What are the eye colors of Belgian Malinois and Nortese dogs?
Brown
Nose Color Possibilites
What are the natural nose colors of Belgian Malinois and Nortese?
Black
Coat Color Possibilites
What are the natural colors of the coat for Belgian Malinois and Nortese breeds?
Brown Fawn Sable
White Cream Fawn Red Isabella
Coat Length
What is the typical coat length for Belgian Malinois and Nortese breeds?
Belgian Malinoiss have coats that can be either short or medium in length.
Norteses have medium-length coats.
Coat Density
What is the density of the coat of Belgian Malinois and Nortese?
Coat Texture
What is the hair texture of Belgian Malinois and Nortese?
Straight
Litter Size
What is the usual litter size for Belgian Malinois and Nortese?
12-14 puppies per pregnancy
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.
3-5 puppies per pregnancy
A Nortese can have a litter of 3-5 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.
Adaptability
Belgian Malinois and Norteses are known for their adaptability and versatility. They are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments, making them great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.
Health Issues
Between Belgian Malinois and Nortese, which breed is more prone to health problems?
Belgian Malinois and Nortese breeds are generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.
Major Concerns
What are the major health concerns for Belgian Malinois and Nortese breeds?
What occasional tests are recommended for Belgian Malinois and Nortese breeds?
Hip MRI Eye Examination Allergy Tests
Eye Examinations BAER Testing Blood Sugar and Thyroid Tests Skin Biopsy or Intradermal Tests for specific allergies Dental and Oral Examinations X-rays or other radiographic imaging
Energy
How do the energy levels of Belgian Malinoiss and Norteses compare?
Belgian Malinoiss thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.
Norteses' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.
Social Needs
Belgian Malinois vs Nortese social needs comparison
Belgian Malinois and Nortese have above average social needs compared to other breeds. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.
Exercise Needed
Belgian Malinois vs Nortese exercise need comparison.
Belgian Malinoiss need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.
Norteses need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.
Sleeping Need
Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Belgian Malinois or Nortese?
Belgian Malinoiss are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.
Norteses sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.
Tendency to Bark
Do Belgian Malinoiss or Norteses bark more/less frequently?
The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed that frequently barks and howls, and may not be suitable for those seeking a quiet companion.
Nortese dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.
Mouthiness
Mouthiness Comparison: Belgian Malinois vs Nortese?
Roaming urge
Belgian Malinois vs Labrador: Running away tendency?
Prey Drive
Belgian Malinois or Nortese - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?
Activity Level
Which breed has higher energy, Belgian Malinoiss or Norteses?
High
Belgian Malinoiss are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.
Low
Norteses are low-energy dogs. This breed make a great companion for a relatively inactive person. Nortese dogs require a few short daily walks, and then they're happy snuggling next to you for the rest of the day.
Tolerance of being left alone
Walks per Week
How many miles should Belgian Malinois or Nortese walk each week?
12 miles / week
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.
5 miles / week
There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Nortese, it's at least 5 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.
Activity per Day
Do Belgian Malinoiss or Norteses require more exercise?
60 minutes
In general most Belgian Malinoiss usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.
45 minutes
In general most Norteses usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.
Grooming
Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Belgian Malinoiss or Norteses?
Belgian Malinois and Nortese are breeds of dogs that require an average amount of grooming effort.
Brushing Frequency
What is the recommended brushing frequency for Belgian Malinois and Nortese dogs?
Weekly
Belgian Malinois should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot
Daily
Ideally, Nortese should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.
Brushing Tools
What brushing tools are used for Belgian Malinoiss and Norteses?
Pin Brush Slicker Brush Comb Scissors Nail Clipper
Pin Brush Comb Scissors Nail Clipper
Cups
How much food should be given to Belgian Malinois or Nortese in cups?
3 cups
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.
1 cups
For an average 7-12 pound (3 - 5 kg) Nortese feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.
Daily Cost
Which breed has a higher daily cost, Belgian Malinois or Nortese?
$2.10 - $2.70 / day
The average cost of a Belgian Malinois is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.
$1.10 - $1.40 / day
The average cost of a Nortese is somewhere $1.10 - $1.40 per day.
Monthly Cost
Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Belgian Malinois or Nortese?
$55 - $73 / month
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.
$28 - $42 / month
The average per month expenses of a Nortese is between $28 - $42. This makes an average of $336 - $504 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.
Intelligence
Comparing Intelligence: Belgian Malinoiss vs Norteses
Belgian Malinois is a very intelligent and trainable breed.
Norteses are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.
Sensitivity Level
How do Belgian Malinois and Nortese compare in sensitivity?
These breeds are more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. Belgian Malinois and Nortese need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.
Affection Dependance
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Belgian Malinois vs Nortese?
Apartment Friendly
Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Belgian Malinois or Nortese?
Belgian Malinoiss are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.
Norteses make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.
Child Friendly
Do Belgian Malinoiss or Norteses have a friendlier temperament towards children?
Belgian Malinois and Nortese are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.
Senior-friendly
Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Belgian Malinois or Nortese?
Cat Friendly
Do Belgian Malinois or Nortese breeds have a better compatibility with cats?
Belgian Malinoiss are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.
Norteses are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.
Dog Friendly
Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Belgian Malinois or Nortese?
Belgian Malinoiss are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.
Norteses are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.
Pet friendly
How do Belgian Malinois or Nortese dogs interact with other pets?
Stranger Friendly
Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Belgian Malinois or Nortese?
Belgian Malinoiss are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.
Norteses are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.
Playfulness
Which breed is more playful between Belgian Malinois and Nortese?
Belgian Malinoiss are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.
Norteses are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.
Trainability
How do the trainability levels of Belgian Malinoiss and Norteses compare?
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.
Norteses are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.