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

"Find similarities and differences between Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd vs Akita" Compare Belgian Malinois and Australian Shepherd. Which is better: Belgian Malinois or Australian Shepherd or Akita?
 
 
 
Name Belgian Malinois Australian Shepherd Akita
OriginsBelgium flagBelgium United States flagUnited States Japan flagJapan
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank441747
Reviews1079
User Ratings

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

Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd vs Akita Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherd, and Akita. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherd, and Akita? Compare adult weight ranges.
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) Male: 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg), Female: 75-110 pounds (34-50 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) Male: 97.5 pounds (44 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (42 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Belgian Malinois or Australian Shepherd or Akita? Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd vs Akita height comparison:
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) Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), 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: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm) Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)

Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd vs Akita Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherd, and Akita. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1200-$1400 $600-$800 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Belgian Malinois or Australian Shepherd or Akita?
Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Akita is quite easy to get.

Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd vs Akita Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherd, and Akita? Compare temperaments.
Active
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Watchful
Hard working
Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
Dignified
Independent
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Faithful
Vigilant
Willing
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: Australian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Sensitive: Akita 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 Australian Shepherd vs Akita?
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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High: Akita dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd vs Akita 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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Akita 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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Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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The wanderlust potential of the Akita is strong enough to escape from home.
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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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Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Akita dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd vs Akita Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherd, and Akita. Which breed is most vocal?
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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Low: The Akita barks none to minimal.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherd, and Akita. Which breed is most playful?
The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed.
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The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherd, and Akita. 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.
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.
Very house-friendly dog the Akita breed.

Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd vs Akita Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherd, and Akita. Which breed is most flexible?
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.
Akita 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 or Akita?
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.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd vs Akita Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

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

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Akita bite force: Ordinary.

Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd vs Akita Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherd, and Akita. Which breed lives longest?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Akita: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherd, and Akita. 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 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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Prefers cold weather
The Akita can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherd, and Akita. 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 Australian Shepherd 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.
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 Australian Shepherd 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.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd vs Akita? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd vs Akita 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
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Sebaceous Adenitis

Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd vs Akita Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherd, and Akita. Which breed is most active?
Belgian Malinois dogs are high-energy dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Akita dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd vs Akita exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Belgian Malinois or Australian Shepherd or Akita? 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.
Akita dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Belgian Malinois or Australian Shepherd or Akita?
Belgian Malinois dogs don't need too much sleep.
Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Akita dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

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

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherd, and Akita. 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 Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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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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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherd, and Akita. Which needs most food?
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. Recommended daily amount: 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day.

Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd vs Akita Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherd, and Akita. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherd, and Akita. What colors are available?
Black
Cream
Fawn
Brindle
Black
Red
Blue
Merle
Black
Red
White
Brown
Fawn
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherd, and Akita. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherd, and Akita. Which drools least?
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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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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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherd, and Akita. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Akita has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherd, and Akita. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Weather-resistant
Straight
Feathered Fluffy
Dense
Waterproof
Straight
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherd, and Akita. 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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6-8 weeks
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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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Belgian Malinois or Australian Shepherd or Akita? Belgian Malinois or Australian Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately.
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Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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Akita dogs are heavy shedders.
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Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd vs Akita Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherd, and Akita. Which is best with kids?
Belgian Malinois dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Akita dogs are 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.
Akita dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Belgian Malinois or Australian Shepherd or Akita? 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.
Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Belgian Malinois or Australian Shepherd or Akita?
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Akita dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Belgian Malinois or Australian Shepherd or Akita?
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Akita dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd vs Akita?
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.
Yes
Akita 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.
No
Akita 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.
Akitas are usually recommended for elderly people.

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

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherd, and Akita. 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, Australian Shepherd, and Akita. 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, Australian Shepherd, and Akita. 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, Australian Shepherd, and Akita. 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, Australian Shepherd, and Akita. 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

Australian Shepherd 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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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherd, and Akita. 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, Australian Shepherd, and Akita. 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.

Yes

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

Belgian Malinois vs Australian Shepherd vs Akita Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherd, and Akita. Which has most puppies?
6-10 puppies 6-9 puppies, average 7 3-12 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherd, and Akita. 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, Australian Shepherd, and Akita. 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 Australian Shepherd vs Akita Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherd, and Akita. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherd, and Akita. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherd, and Akita. 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
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.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club

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