• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie Comparison - Dog breed selector: Little Blue Dog or Malinois or Sheepdog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie" Compare Australian Shepherd and Belgian Malinois. Which is better: Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Border Collie?
 
 
 
Name Australian Shepherd Belgian Malinois Border Collie
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States Belgium flagBelgium England flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank174438
Reviews7313
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Little Blue Dog
Aussie
Malinois Sheepdog
Scotch Sheep Dog
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Border Collie? Which is the smallest dog, Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Border Collie?
Large Large Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Belgian Malinois? Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie weight comparison:
Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg) Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg) Male: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Border Collie? Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie height comparison:
Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (56-61 cm) Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm) Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm) Male: 20.5 inches (52 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm)

Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Border Collie? Which is more expensive?
$600-$800 $1200-$1400 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Border Collie?
Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.

Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie intelligence:
Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Trainability
Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie trainability comparison.
Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Border Collie dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Border Collie?
Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Border Collie? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.
Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Border Collie? Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie behavior/temperament comparison:
Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
Active
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Watchful
Hard working
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Tenacious
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Australian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Sensitive: Border Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie?
Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
Slightly Below Average: Belgian Malinois dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
See more.
High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie social needs comparison:
Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the Belgian Malinois is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Border Collie dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
See more.
Border Collie dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
See more.

Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie playfulness comparison:
The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
See more.
The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed.
See more.
The Border Collie is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie?
Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed.
See more.
Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Border Collie?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Australian Shepherd indoors.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Belgian Malinois indoors.
It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie breed in the home.

Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Belgian Malinois dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Border Collie dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Border Collie?
Australian Shepherd dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Belgian Malinois dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Border Collie dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Border Collie?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Low 🔽

The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie mouthiness comparison:
Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Border Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.

Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie health comparison. Which is the healthier: Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie?
The Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Belgian Malinois is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Border Collie is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Deafness
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Distichiasis
Collie Eye Anomaly
Detached Retina
Nasal Solar Dermatitis
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Persistent Pupillary Membranes
Hip Dysplasia
Eye Problems
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Collie Eye Anomaly
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Belgian Malinois should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Border Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie lifespan comparison. How long do Australian Shepherd, Belgian Malinois and Border Collie breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Australian Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Border Collie can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Border Collie? Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie energy level comparison:
Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are high-energy dogs.
Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Border Collie? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Australian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises.
Belgian Malinois dogs need a lot of exercises.
Border Collie dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Border Collie?
Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Belgian Malinois dogs don't need too much sleep.
Border Collie dogs don't need too much sleep.

Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Border Collie?
1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie weight gain potential comparison:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Low to Average: The Belgian Malinois has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity.
See more.

Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie coat comparison:
Feathered Weather-resistant
Straight
Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Colors
What are the original Australian Shepherd, Belgian Malinois and Border Collie color?
Black
Red
Blue
Merle
Black
Cream
Fawn
Brindle
Black
Tan
Red
Sable
Brindle
Lilac
Gold
Seal
White & Red
Slate
Sable Merle
Black & White
Tricolor
Blue merle
Blue merle-tricolor
Slate merle
Red merle
Saddleback Sable
White & Blue
White & Blue Merle
White & Red Merle
White Ticked
White & Gold
White & Sable
White & Seal
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Border Collie? Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie grooming comparison:
Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Border Collie? Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or {name3 shedding:
Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Border Collie dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Border Collie?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie?

Medium

The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Belgian Malinois is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Australian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Belgian Malinois dogs are generally with other pets.
Border Collie dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Border Collie? Which dog is more friendly?
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Border Collie?
Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Border Collie?
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Border Collie?
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie?
Yes
Australian Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Belgian Malinois dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Border Collie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Australian Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Belgian Malinois is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Border Collie is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Australian Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Belgian Malinoiss are usually recommended for elderly people.
Border Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Border Collie? Which is better for autism?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie?

Not really

Australian Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Belgian Malinois breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Border Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Australian Shepherd and Belgian Malinois and Border Collie have?
6-9 puppies, average 7 6-10 puppies 4-8 puppies

Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Australian Shepherd Club Of America
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
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
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
The American Int. Border Collie Registry
The American Border Collie Association

Rate This Comparsion - Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie

Reviews