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

"Find similarities and differences between Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd" Compare Belgian Malinois and Australian Shepherd. Which is better: Belgian Malinois or Australian Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Belgian Malinois Australian Shepherd
OriginsBelgium flagBelgium United States flagUnited States
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank4417
Reviews107
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Belgian Malinois and Australian Shepherd. What other names are these breeds known by?
Malinois Little Blue Dog
Aussie
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Belgian Malinois and an Australian Shepherd. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Belgian Malinois or an Australian Shepherd? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Belgian Malinois and an Australian Shepherd. Which breed is heavier?
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?
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, Belgian Malinois or Australian Shepherd? Is a Belgian Malinois taller than an Australian Shepherd?
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?
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)

Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Belgian Malinois and an Australian Shepherd. Which breed costs more?
$1200-$1400 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Belgian Malinois or Australian Shepherd?
Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Belgian Malinois or an Australian Shepherd? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
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
Which is easier to train: a Belgian Malinois or an Australian Shepherd? Compare training requirements.
Belgian Malinois dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Belgian Malinois or an Australian Shepherd? Compare alertness levels.
Belgian Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Belgian Malinois or an Australian Shepherd? Compare territorial behaviors.
Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Belgian Malinois and an Australian Shepherd. How do their temperaments differ?
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 between Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Sensitive: Australian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd?
Slightly Below Average: Belgian Malinois dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
See more.
Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
Social Needs
Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd social needs comparison:
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? What's the difference between Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd?
The wanderlust potential of the Belgian Malinois is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd? 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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Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Belgian Malinois or an Australian Shepherd? Compare vocalization tendencies.
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
Which breed is more playful: a Belgian Malinois or an Australian Shepherd? Compare play drive and energy.
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
Which is better for apartments: a Belgian Malinois or an Australian Shepherd? Compare living space needs.
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.

Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Belgian Malinois or an Australian Shepherd? Compare adaptability levels.
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: Belgian Malinois or Australian Shepherd?
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.

Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Belgian Malinois or an Australian Shepherd? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Belgian Malinois or an Australian Shepherd? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Belgian Malinois dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Belgian Malinois or an Australian Shepherd? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Belgian Malinois or an Australian Shepherd? Compare average lifespans.
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Belgian Malinois or an Australian Shepherd? Compare climate tolerances.
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.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Belgian Malinois and an Australian Shepherd. Which breed is healthier?
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: Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd?
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: Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd health problems comparison:
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

Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Belgian Malinois or an Australian Shepherd? Compare obesity risks.
Low to Average: The Belgian Malinois has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Belgian Malinois or an Australian Shepherd? Compare daily food needs.
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.

Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Belgian Malinois or an Australian Shepherd? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Belgian Malinois and Australian Shepherd? Compare breed colors.
Black
Cream
Fawn
Brindle
Black
Red
Blue
Merle
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Belgian Malinois or an Australian Shepherd? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Belgian Malinois or an Australian Shepherd? Compare drooling amounts.
The Belgian Malinois is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Belgian Malinois or an Australian Shepherd? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Belgian Malinois and an Australian Shepherd? Compare fur types.
Weather-resistant
Straight
Feathered
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Belgian Malinois or an Australian Shepherd? Compare bathing frequencies.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Belgian Malinois or Australian Shepherd? Do Belgian Malinois dogs shed more than Australian Shepherd dogs?
Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately.
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Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Belgian Malinois or an Australian Shepherd? Compare kid-friendliness.
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?
Belgian Malinois dogs are generally with other pets.
Australian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Belgian Malinois or Australian Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
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 Belgian Malinois or Australian Shepherd?
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Belgian Malinois or Australian Shepherd? Can a Belgian Malinois and an Australian Shepherd be friends? Do Belgian Malinois dogs get along with Australian Shepherd 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 best for first time owners: Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd?
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
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?
Belgian Malinoiss are usually recommended for elderly people.
Australian Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Belgian Malinois or an Australian Shepherd? Compare service capabilities.

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
Which is better for therapy work: a Belgian Malinois or an Australian Shepherd? Compare therapy capabilities.

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.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Belgian Malinois or an Australian Shepherd? Compare scenting abilities.

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
Which is better for search and rescue: a Belgian Malinois or an Australian Shepherd? Compare SAR abilities.

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
Which is better on boats: a Belgian Malinois or an Australian Shepherd? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Belgian Malinois breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Australian Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Belgian Malinois or an Australian Shepherd? Compare draft work capabilities.

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.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between Belgian Malinois and Australian Shepherd. Which has stronger military background?

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.

Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Belgian Malinois and Australian Shepherd. Which has larger litters?
6-10 puppies 6-9 puppies, average 7
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Belgian Malinois and Australian Shepherd breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Belgian Malinois and Australian Shepherd. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Belgian Malinois and Australian Shepherd. Which groups do they belong to?
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 classifications of Belgian Malinois and Australian Shepherd. Which groups are they in?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Belgian Malinois and Australian Shepherd. Which is more widely recognized?
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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