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Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Comparison – Which dog is better Little Blue Dog or Malinois?

"Find similarities and differences between Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois" Compare Australian Shepherd and Belgian Malinois. Which is better: Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois?
 
 
 
Name Australian Shepherd Belgian Malinois
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States Belgium flagBelgium
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank1744
Reviews73
User Ratings

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

Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois? Is the Australian Shepherd bigger than the Belgian Malinois breed? Is an Australian Shepherd smaller than a Belgian Malinois?
Large Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois? Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois weight comparison:
Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois? Is an Australian Shepherd taller than a Belgian Malinois?
Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (56-61 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm) Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm)

Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Australian Shepherd and Belgian Malinois?
$600-$800 $1200-$1400
Availability
Which is easier to get, Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois?
Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get.

Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois smarter? Which is best? Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois intelligence:
Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
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Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed.
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Trainability
Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois trainability comparison. What's the difference between Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois?
Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are very easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois?
Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois? Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois behavior/temperament comparison:
Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
Active
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Watchful
Hard working
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois?
Sensitive: Australian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois?
Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Slightly Below Average: Belgian Malinois dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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Social Needs
Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois social needs comparison:
Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois?
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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The wanderlust potential of the Belgian Malinois is strong enough to escape from home.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois? Which can be better for hunting?
Australian Shepherd 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 vs Belgian Malinois Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.
Biting Potential
Is an Australian Shepherd more dangerous than a Belgian Malinois?

Low 🔽

The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois mouthiness comparison:
Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than 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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Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Health and Lifespan Comparison

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

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

Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois? Does the Australian Shepherd breed eat more than the Belgian Malinois breed?
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? Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois weight gain potential comparison:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd'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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Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois coat comparison:
Feathered Weather-resistant
Straight
Colors
What are the original Australian Shepherd and Belgian Malinois color? Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois color comparison:
Black
Red
Blue
Merle
Black
Cream
Fawn
Brindle
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois? Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois grooming comparison:
Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois? Do Australian Shepherd dogs shed more than Belgian Malinois dogs?
Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois?
6-8 weeks
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 Shepherd 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, Australian Shepherd or Belgian Malinois?

Medium

The Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois?
The Australian Shepherd 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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Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Good With Comparison

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

Australian Shepherd 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.
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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 Shepherd or Belgian Malinois? 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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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.
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: Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois?

Not really

Australian Shepherd 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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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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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.

Australian Shepherd 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.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Litter Size
How many puppies can Australian Shepherd and Belgian Malinois have? Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois litter size comparison:
6-9 puppies, average 7 6-10 puppies

Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Recognition Comparison

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

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