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Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Blue Heeler or Malinois or Alsatian wolf dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd" Compare Australian Cattle Dog and Belgian Malinois. Which is better: Australian Cattle Dog or Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Australian Cattle Dog Belgian Malinois German Shepherd
OriginsAustralia flagAustralia Belgium flagBelgium Germany flagGermany
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank56442
Reviews4319
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Blue Heeler
Cattle Dog
Red Heeler
Queensland Heeler
Malinois Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Australian Cattle Dog or Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd? Which is the smallest dog, Australian Cattle Dog or Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd?
Medium Large Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Australian Cattle Dog or Belgian Malinois or Belgian Malinois? Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd weight comparison:
30-62 pounds (13-28 kg) Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
46 pounds (20.5 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Australian Cattle Dog or Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd? Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd height comparison:
Male: 17-20 inches (43-51 cm), Female: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (56-61 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 18.5 inches (47 cm), Female: 18 inches (45.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Australian Cattle Dog or Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd? Which is more expensive?
$500-$700 $1200-$1400 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Australian Cattle Dog or Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd?
Very frequent: The Australian Cattle Dog is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Australian Cattle Dog or Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd? Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd behavior/temperament comparison:
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Aggressive
Active
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Watchful
Hard working
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd?
Average: Australian Cattle Dog dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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Slightly Below Average: Belgian Malinois dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Australian Cattle Dog dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are a social breed.
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German Shepherd 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 Australian Cattle Dog 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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German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Australian Cattle Dog 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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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd playfulness comparison:
The Australian Cattle Dog is a highly playful breed.
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The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd?
Low to Average: The Australian Cattle Dog rarely barks.
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Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Australian Cattle Dog or Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Australian Cattle Dog 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.
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 German Shepherd indoors.

Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Average: Australian Cattle Dog 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.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Australian Cattle Dog or Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd?
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.

Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Australian Cattle Dog or Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Cattle Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

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

Low 🔽

The Australian Cattle Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd mouthiness comparison:
Australian Cattle Dog 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.
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German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd?
The Australian Cattle Dog 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.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Deafness
Hip Dysplasia
Eye Problems
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Degenerative Myelopathy
Wobbler's Syndrome
Panosteitis
Hemophilia B
Megaesophagus
Cushing's Syndrome
Lens Luxation
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Chronic Diarrhea
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Digestive Problems
Hemophilia A
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Lupus
Myasthenia Gravis
Nail Bed Disease
Osteochondrosis
Pannus
Paralysis
Perianal Fistula
Seborrhea
Vitiligo
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Australian Cattle Dog 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 German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Life Expectancy
Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do Australian Cattle Dog, Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Cattle Dog: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Australian Cattle Dog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even 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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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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Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Australian Cattle Dog or Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd?
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. 3 to 4 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? Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd weight gain potential comparison:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Cattle Dog'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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Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd coat comparison:
Dense Weather-resistant
Straight
Fuzzy
Colors
What are the original Australian Cattle Dog, Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd color?
Red
Blue
Speckled
Mottled
Black
Cream
Fawn
Brindle
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Australian Cattle Dog or Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd? Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd grooming comparison:
Effortless: The Australian Cattle Dog requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Australian Cattle Dog or Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd? Australian Cattle Dog or Belgian Malinois or {name3 shedding:
Australian Cattle Dog dogs shed moderately.
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Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Australian Cattle Dog or Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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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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8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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Hypoallergenic
Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd 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 Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd?

Medium

The Australian Cattle Dog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Australian Cattle Dog 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.
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The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

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

Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd 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.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Yes

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

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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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 Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd?

Not really

Australian Cattle Dog 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.
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Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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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.
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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.
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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.

Yes

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

Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd 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.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Litter Size
How many puppies can Australian Cattle Dog and Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd have?
1-7 puppies, average 5 6-10 puppies 6-10 puppies

Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1980 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 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 Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) 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
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
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
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

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