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Portuguese Water Dog vs Belgian Malinois
Compare Portuguese Water Dog and Belgian Malinois side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
Portuguese Water Dog
Belgian Malinois
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
43 – 57 cm
57 – 62 cm
Weight
16 – 25 kg
20 – 30 kg
Life expectancy
12 – 15 years
10 – 14 years
Child friendly
5/5
3/5
Energy level
5/5
3/5
Intelligence
4/5
5/5
Trainability
4/5
5/5
Health
3/5
4/5
Grooming needs
4/5
3/5
Shedding
1/5
3/5
Barking level
3/5
4/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
3/5
Characteristics
Portuguese Water Dog
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Easy to train
Medium
Belgian Malinois
Super smart
Easy to train
Large
Summary
About Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is a sturdy, medium‑sized, low‑shedding water lover with a curly or wavy coat. Intelligent, people‑oriented and energetic, it needs regular grooming, daily training, and plenty of exercise and swimming, thriving as an active, closely involved family companion.
About Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois: medium‑large, lean, and highly athletic herding dog with a short fawn coat and black mask. Extremely intelligent, intense, loyal, and people‑focused. Needs firm structure, daily mental work, and heavy exercise; thrives with experienced, very active owners.
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