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American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois Comparison – Which dog is better Pit or Malinois?

"Find similarities and differences between American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois" Compare American Pit Bull Terrier and Belgian Malinois. Which is better: American Pit Bull Terrier or Belgian Malinois?
 
 
 
Name American Pit Bull Terrier Belgian Malinois
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States Belgium flagBelgium
Group Hunting Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank33644
Reviews103
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Pit
Pit Bull
Pitbull
Pitty
APBT
Malinois
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, American Pit Bull Terrier or Belgian Malinois? Is the American Pit Bull Terrier bigger than the Belgian Malinois breed? Is an American Pit Bull Terrier smaller than a Belgian Malinois?
Medium Large
Weight
Which is heavier, American Pit Bull Terrier or Belgian Malinois? American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois weight comparison:
22-78 pounds (10-35 kg) Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
50 pounds (22.5 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, American Pit Bull Terrier or Belgian Malinois? Is an American Pit Bull Terrier taller than a Belgian Malinois?
14-24 inches (35-60 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (56-61 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
19 inches (47.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm)

American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, American Pit Bull Terrier or Belgian Malinois? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between American Pit Bull Terrier and Belgian Malinois?
$500-$700 $1200-$1400
Availability
Which is easier to get, American Pit Bull Terrier or Belgian Malinois?
Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a American Pit Bull Terrier or Belgian Malinois smarter? Which is best? American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois intelligence:
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Trainability
American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois trainability comparison. What's the difference between American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois?
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: American Pit Bull Terrier or Belgian Malinois?
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog American Pit Bull Terrier or Belgian Malinois? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, American Pit Bull Terrier or Belgian Malinois? American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois behavior/temperament comparison:
Stubborn
Clownish
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Obedient
Loyal
Strong
Willed
Aggressive
Active
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Watchful
Hard working
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois?
High: American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Slightly Below Average: Belgian Malinois dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
See more.
Social Needs
American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois social needs comparison:
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois?
The wanderlust potential of the American Pit Bull Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the Belgian Malinois is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois? Which can be better for hunting?
American Pit Bull Terrier 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.
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.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois playfulness comparison:
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a playful breed.
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The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois?
Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier barks occasionally.
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Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly American Pit Bull Terrier or Belgian Malinois?
It is not recommended to keep the American Pit Bull Terrier breed in the home.
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.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Average: American Pit Bull Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Belgian Malinois dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: American Pit Bull Terrier or Belgian Malinois?
American Pit Bull Terrier 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.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: American Pit Bull Terrier or Belgian Malinois?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

American Pit Bull Terrier bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.
Biting Potential
Is an American Pit Bull Terrier more dangerous than a Belgian Malinois?

High 🔼

The American Pit Bull Terrier has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois health comparison. Which is the healthier: American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois?
American Pit Bull Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
The Belgian Malinois 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: American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Skin Allergies
Hip Dysplasia
Eye Problems
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois?
Frequent
The American Pit Bull Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Average
The Belgian Malinois should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois lifespan comparison. How long do American Pit Bull Terrier and Belgian Malinois breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the American Pit Bull Terrier and Belgian Malinois?
10-14 years
The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier: 12 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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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.
See more.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a American Pit Bull Terrier or Belgian Malinois? American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois energy level comparison:
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Belgian Malinois dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: American Pit Bull Terrier or Belgian Malinois? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Belgian Malinois dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: American Pit Bull Terrier or Belgian Malinois?
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Belgian Malinois dogs don't need too much sleep.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: American Pit Bull Terrier or Belgian Malinois? Does the American Pit Bull Terrier breed eat more than the Belgian Malinois breed?
Recommended daily amount: 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.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Low to Average: The Belgian Malinois has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois coat comparison:
Fine Weather-resistant
Straight
Colors
What are the original American Pit Bull Terrier and Belgian Malinois color? American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois color comparison:
Black
Gray
Tan
Red
Blue
White
Brown
Yellow
Black
Cream
Fawn
Brindle
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, American Pit Bull Terrier or Belgian Malinois? American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois grooming comparison:
Effortless: The American Pit Bull Terrier requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more American Pit Bull Terrier or Belgian Malinois? Do American Pit Bull Terrier dogs shed more than Belgian Malinois dogs?
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs shed moderately.
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Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: American Pit Bull Terrier or Belgian Malinois?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, American Pit Bull Terrier or Belgian Malinois?

Medium

The American Pit Bull Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois?
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Belgian Malinois is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Belgian Malinois dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly American Pit Bull Terrier or Belgian Malinois? Which dog is more friendly?
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Belgian Malinois dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly American Pit Bull Terrier or Belgian Malinois?
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly American Pit Bull Terrier or Belgian Malinois?
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly American Pit Bull Terrier or Belgian Malinois? Can an American Pit Bull Terrier and a Belgian Malinois be friends? Do American Pit Bull Terrier dogs get along with Belgian Malinois dogs?
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are not dog-friendly.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois?
Yes
American Pit Bull Terrier 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.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
American Pit Bull Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Belgian Malinois is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
American Pit Bull Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Belgian Malinoiss are usually recommended for elderly people.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois 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.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: American Pit Bull Terrier or Belgian Malinois? 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.
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

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.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois?

Not really

American Pit Bull Terrier 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.
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.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog

Yes

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

Not really

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

American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 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.
Litter Size
How many puppies can American Pit Bull Terrier and Belgian Malinois have? American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois litter size comparison:
5-8 puppies 6-10 puppies

American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Malinois Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Not recognized by FCI. Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
American Canine Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Backwoods Bulldog 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

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