Side by side
Both columns come from the same cost model, so every row is a like for like comparison.
| Measure | Belgian Malinois | Bulldog |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime cost | $39,603 | $30,783 |
| First year | $6,975 | $7,915 |
| Monthly average | $275 | $262 |
| Puppy price | $1,500 to $4,000 | $2,500 to $5,500 |
| Routine care, yearly | $2,851 | $2,541 |
| Expected health cost | $0 | $0 |
| Documented conditions | 9 | 16 |
| Median lifespan | 12 yrs | 9.8 yrs |
| Adult weight | 40 to 80 lb | 40 to 50 lb |
| Daily food | 3.5 cups | 2.8 cups |
| Grooming, yearly | $220 | $220 |
| Risk profile | Moderate | High, early onset |
| Biggest single risk | Skin disease | Elbow dysplasia |
Health risks compared
What tends to go wrong in each breed, how often, and what it costs to treat.
| Condition | Rate | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Skin disease | 36% | $252–$679 |
| Digestive disease | 30% | $354–$954 |
| Musculoskeletal disease | 15% | $281–$756 |
| Ear infection | 10% | $100–$270 |
| Periodontal disease | 9% | $246–$663 |
| Elbow dysplasia | 9% | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Anal sac impaction | 7% | $84–$226 |
| Degenerative myelopathy | 3% | not priced |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | 1% | $169–$455 |
| Hip dysplasia | n/a | $3,500–$7,000 |
| Progressive retinal atrophy | n/a | $316–$850 |
| Expected total | $0 | |
| Condition | Rate | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Elbow dysplasia | 40% | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Digestive disease | 30% | $354–$954 |
| Musculoskeletal disease | 15% | $281–$756 |
| Prolapsed third eyelid gland (Cherry eye) | 14% | $662–$1,782 |
| Ear infection | 10% | $100–$270 |
| Periodontal disease | 9% | $246–$663 |
| Anal sac impaction | 7% | $84–$226 |
| Patellar luxation | 6% | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Distichiasis | 5% | $662–$1,782 |
| Entropion | 4% | $449–$1,209 |
| Hypersensitivity (allergic) skin disorder | 4% | $629–$1,694 |
| Skin (cutaneous) cyst | 4% | not priced |
| Dermatitis | 3% | $252–$679 |
| Alopecia/Baldness | 3% | not priced |
| Pyoderma | 3% | $252–$679 |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | 1% | $169–$455 |
| Degenerative myelopathy | 1% | not priced |
| Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome | n/a | $1,784–$4,802 |
| Skin fold dermatitis | n/a | $252–$679 |
| Hip dysplasia | n/a | $1,200–$3,500 |
| Expected total | $0 | |
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Common questions
Is a Belgian Malinois or a Bulldog more expensive?
The Bulldog is cheaper by about $8,820 over a lifetime. Belgian Malinois: $39,603. Bulldog: $30,783. The gap comes mostly from health costs rather than routine care.
Which lives longer, a Belgian Malinois or a Bulldog?
The Belgian Malinois has the longer typical lifespan. Belgian Malinois: 12 years. Bulldog: 9.8 years.
Which is healthier, a Belgian Malinois or a Bulldog?
Both figures below are what it costs to own the dog, not what it costs if something goes wrong. The Belgian Malinois's biggest single risk is skin disease, seen in 36% of the breed. For the Bulldog it is elbow dysplasia, at 40%.
How we calculated this
Both breeds run through one model, so the comparison is like for like. Full method.