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

"Find similarities and differences between Belgian Malinois vs Akita vs Doberman Pinscher" Compare Belgian Malinois and Akita. Which is better: Belgian Malinois or Akita or Doberman Pinscher?
 
 
 
Name Belgian Malinois Akita Doberman Pinscher
OriginsBelgium flagBelgium Japan flagJapan Germany flagGermany
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank444716
Reviews10918
User Ratings

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

Belgian Malinois vs Akita vs Doberman Pinscher Size and Weight Comparison

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

Belgian Malinois vs Akita vs Doberman Pinscher Price and Availability Comparison

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

Belgian Malinois vs Akita vs Doberman Pinscher Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Belgian Malinois, Akita, and Doberman Pinscher? Compare temperaments.
Active
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Watchful
Hard working
Dignified
Independent
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Faithful
Vigilant
Willing
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Obedient
Loyal
Fearless
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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Sensitive: Akita dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Sensitive: Doberman Pinscher 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: Belgian Malinois vs Akita vs Doberman Pinscher?
Slightly Below Average: Belgian Malinois dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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High: Akita dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Doberman Pinscher dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Belgian Malinois vs Akita vs Doberman Pinscher social needs comparison:
Belgian Malinois dogs are a social breed.
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Akita dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Doberman Pinscher dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Belgian Malinois is strong enough to escape from home.
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The wanderlust potential of the Akita is strong enough to escape from home.
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Doberman Pinscher dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
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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Akita dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Their prey drive is low.
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Belgian Malinois vs Akita vs Doberman Pinscher Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Belgian Malinois, Akita, and Doberman Pinscher. Which breed is most vocal?
Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed.
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Low: The Akita barks none to minimal.
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Low to Average: The Doberman Pinscher rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Belgian Malinois, Akita, and Doberman Pinscher. Which breed is most playful?
The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Doberman Pinschers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Belgian Malinois, Akita, and Doberman Pinscher. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Belgian Malinois indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the Akita breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Doberman Pinscher breed.

Belgian Malinois vs Akita vs Doberman Pinscher Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Belgian Malinois vs Akita vs Doberman Pinscher Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Akita has an average chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

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

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Akita bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Doberman Pinscher bite force: Ordinary.

Belgian Malinois vs Akita vs Doberman Pinscher Health and Lifespan Comparison

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

Belgian Malinois vs Akita vs Doberman Pinscher Energy and Activity Comparison

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

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

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Belgian Malinois, Akita, and Doberman Pinscher. Which is most prone to obesity?
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 Akita's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Doberman Pinscher has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Belgian Malinois, Akita, and Doberman Pinscher. Which needs most food?
2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day. 5 to 6 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Belgian Malinois vs Akita vs Doberman Pinscher Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Medium

The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Akita has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

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

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

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

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

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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Not really

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

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.

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 Belgian Malinois, Akita, and Doberman Pinscher. Which is best for SAR work?

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.

Not really

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

Not really

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

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

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

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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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 Belgian Malinois, Akita, and Doberman Pinscher. Which has most military use?

Not really

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

Yes

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

Yes

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

Belgian Malinois vs Akita vs Doberman Pinscher Reproducibility Comparison

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

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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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Belgian Malinois vs Akita vs Doberman Pinscher Recognition Comparison

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

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