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Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Doberman Pinscher Comparison - Dog breed selector: American Akita or Malinois or Doberman? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Doberman Pinscher" Compare Akita and Belgian Malinois. Which is better: Akita or Belgian Malinois or Doberman Pinscher?
 
 
 
Name Akita Belgian Malinois Doberman Pinscher
OriginsJapan flagJapan Belgium flagBelgium Germany flagGermany
Group Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank474416
Reviews91018
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher breeds.
American Akita
Japanese Akita
Great Japanese Dog
Malinois Doberman
Dobermann
Dobynm
Dobie
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Doberman Pinscher Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg), Female: 75-110 pounds (34-50 kg) Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg) Male: 88-99 pounds (40-45 kg), Female: 71-77 pounds (32-35 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 97.5 pounds (44 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (42 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg) Male: 93.5 pounds (42.5 kg), Female: 74 pounds (33.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Akita or Belgian Malinois or Doberman Pinscher? Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Doberman Pinscher height comparison:
Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (56-61 cm) Male: 26-28 inches (66-71cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm) Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)

Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Doberman Pinscher Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1200 $1200-$1400 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Akita or Belgian Malinois or Doberman Pinscher?
Very frequent: The Akita is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Doberman Pinscher is quite easy to get.

Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Doberman Pinscher Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed.
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Outstanding: Doberman Pinscher is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. Which is easiest to train?
Akita dogs are easy to train.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are very easy to train.
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Doberman Pinscher dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. Which breed is most alert?
Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Doberman Pinscher dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. Which breed is most protective?
Akita dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Doberman Pinscher dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Doberman Pinscher Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher? Compare temperaments.
Dignified
Independent
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Faithful
Vigilant
Willing
Active
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Watchful
Hard working
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Obedient
Loyal
Fearless
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Akita 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.
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Sensitive: Doberman Pinscher 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: Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Doberman Pinscher?
High: Akita dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Slightly Below Average: Belgian Malinois dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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High: Doberman Pinscher dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Doberman Pinscher social needs comparison:
Akita dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are a social breed.
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Doberman Pinscher dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Akita is strong enough to escape from home.
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The wanderlust potential of the Belgian Malinois is strong enough to escape from home.
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Doberman Pinscher dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Akita dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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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.
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Their prey drive is low.
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Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Doberman Pinscher Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. Which breed is most vocal?
Low: The Akita barks none to minimal.
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Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed.
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Low to Average: The Doberman Pinscher rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Doberman Pinschers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Akita breed.
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.
Very house-friendly dog the Doberman Pinscher breed.

Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Doberman Pinscher Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. Which breed is most flexible?
Akita 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.
Doberman Pinscher dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Akita or Belgian Malinois or Doberman Pinscher?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
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.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Doberman Pinscher Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. Which has lowest bite risk?

Moderate

The Akita has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Doberman Pinscher has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. Which uses mouth most during play?
Akita dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Belgian Malinois dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Doberman Pinscher dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Akita bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Doberman Pinscher bite force: Ordinary.

Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Doberman Pinscher Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. Which breed lives longest?
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Akita: 12 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Doberman Pinscher: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers cold weather
The Akita can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. Which has fewer health issues?
The Akita 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.
Doberman Pinschers are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Akita 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.
Rare
The Doberman Pinscher should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Doberman Pinscher? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Doberman Pinscher health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Sebaceous Adenitis
Hip Dysplasia
Eye Problems
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Wobbler's Syndrome
Cardiomyopathy

Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Doberman Pinscher Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. Which breed is most active?
Akita dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Belgian Malinois dogs are high-energy dogs.
Doberman Pinscher dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Doberman Pinscher exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Akita or Belgian Malinois or Doberman Pinscher? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Akita dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Belgian Malinois dogs need a lot of exercises.
Doberman Pinscher dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Akita or Belgian Malinois or Doberman Pinscher?
Akita dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Belgian Malinois dogs don't need too much sleep.
Doberman Pinscher dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Doberman Pinscher Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Akita's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Low to Average: The Belgian Malinois has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Doberman Pinscher has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 5 to 6 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Doberman Pinscher Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. What colors are available?
Black
Red
White
Brown
Fawn
Black
Cream
Fawn
Brindle
Black
Tan
Red
Blue
White
Brown
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. Which requires most maintenance?
Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort.
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Easy to groom: The Doberman Pinscher doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. Which drools least?
The Akita is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
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The Belgian Malinois is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Doberman Pinscher drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Akita has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Doberman Pinscher has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fluffy
Dense
Waterproof
Straight
Weather-resistant
Straight
Fine
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. Which requires most frequent baths?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Akita or Belgian Malinois or Doberman Pinscher? Akita or Belgian Malinois or {name3 shedding:
Akita dogs are heavy shedders.
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Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately.
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Doberman Pinscher dogs shed moderately.
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Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Doberman Pinscher Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. Which is best with kids?
Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Akita dogs are generally with other pets.
Belgian Malinois dogs are generally with other pets.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Akita or Belgian Malinois or Doberman Pinscher? Which dog is more friendly?
Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Akita or Belgian Malinois or Doberman Pinscher?
Akita dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Akita or Belgian Malinois or Doberman Pinscher?
Akita dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Doberman Pinscher?
Yes
Akita 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
Doberman Pinscher dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Akita is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Belgian Malinois is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Doberman Pinscher is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Akitas are usually recommended for elderly people.
Belgian Malinoiss are usually recommended for elderly people.
Doberman Pinschers are commonly okay with elderly people.

Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Doberman Pinscher As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. Which excels in therapy work?

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.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. Which has best nose work ability?

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.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. Which is best for SAR work?

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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Akita breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

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

Not really

Doberman Pinscher breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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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.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. Which has most military use?

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Not really

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

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Doberman Pinscher Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. Which has most puppies?
3-12 puppies 6-10 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. What's recommended?

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.

Akita vs Belgian Malinois vs Doberman Pinscher Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section. Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Pinscher and Schnauzer type section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Akita, Belgian Malinois, and Doberman Pinscher. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
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
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
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

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