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

"Find similarities and differences between Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd" Compare Australian Kelpie and Belgian Malinois. Which is better: Australian Kelpie or Belgian Malinois or Australian Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Australian Kelpie Belgian Malinois Australian Shepherd
OriginsAustralia flagAustralia Belgium flagBelgium United States flagUnited States
Group Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank5234417
Reviews4107
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd breeds.
Australischer Kelpie
Barb
Kelpie
Australian Sheepdog
Malinois Little Blue Dog
Aussie
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Large Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd? Compare adult weight ranges.
25-45 pounds (11-20 kg) Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg) Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
35 pounds (15.5 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg) Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Australian Kelpie or Belgian Malinois or Australian Shepherd? Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd height comparison:
17-20 inches (43-51 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (56-61 cm) Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
18.5 inches (47 cm) Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm) Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm)

Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. Find price differences between these breeds.
$500-$700 $1200-$1400 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Australian Kelpie or Belgian Malinois or Australian Shepherd?
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.
Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. 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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Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. Which is easiest to train?
Australian Kelpie dogs are very easy to train.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are very easy to train.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed is most alert?
Australian Kelpie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed is most protective?
Australian Kelpie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd? Compare temperaments.
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Loyal
Robust
Eager
Active
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Watchful
Hard working
Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
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: Australian 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 Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd?
Average: Australian Kelpie 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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Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Social Needs
Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd social needs comparison:
Australian Kelpie dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are a social breed.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Australian Kelpie 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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Australian 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 Kelpie 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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Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Australian Kelpie rarely barks.
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Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed.
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Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed is most playful?
The Australian Kelpie is a playful breed.
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The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed.
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The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not recommended to keep the Australian Kelpie 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.
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.

Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed is most flexible?
Australian Kelpie 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.
Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Australian Kelpie or Belgian Malinois or Australian 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.
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.

Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Australian Kelpie has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Kelpie bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed lives longest?
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Australian Kelpie: 12 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. Which handles climate changes best?
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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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.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. Which has fewer health issues?
Australian Kelpies 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.
The Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Frequent
The Australian Kelpie 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.
Average
The Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Osteoarthritis
Cerebellar Abiotrophy
Collie Eye Anomaly
Hip Dysplasia
Eye Problems
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
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

Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed is most active?
Australian Kelpie dogs are high-energy dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are high-energy dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Australian Kelpie or Belgian Malinois or Australian Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Australian Kelpie dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Belgian Malinois dogs need a lot of exercises.
Australian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Australian Kelpie or Belgian Malinois or Australian Shepherd?
Australian Kelpie dogs don't need too much sleep.
Belgian Malinois dogs don't need too much sleep.
Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low to Average: The Australian Kelpie has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The Belgian Malinois has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. Which needs most food?
1 to 2 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 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Red
Blue
Brown
Fawn
Chocolate
Black
Cream
Fawn
Brindle
Black
Red
Blue
Merle
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. Which requires most maintenance?
Effortless: The Australian Kelpie requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. Which drools least?
The Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Australian Kelpie has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Double Weather-resistant
Straight
Feathered
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. 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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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Australian Kelpie or Belgian Malinois or Australian Shepherd? Australian Kelpie or Belgian Malinois or {name3 shedding:
Australian Kelpie dogs shed moderately.
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Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately.
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Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd Good With Comparison

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

Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. 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 Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. Which excels in therapy work?

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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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. 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 Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. 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 Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Australian Kelpie 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

Australian Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. 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.
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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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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. Which has most military use?

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 Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. Which has most puppies?
4-7 puppies 6-10 puppies 6-9 puppies, average 7
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. 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.

Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. How are they classified?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. How are they classified internationally?
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.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Australian Kelpie, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherd. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Foundation Stock Service
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.
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

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