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Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog Comparison – Which dog is better Malinois or Hollandse Herder?

"Find similarities and differences between Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog" Compare Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherd Dog. Which is better: Belgian Malinois or Dutch Shepherd Dog?
 
 
 
Name Belgian Malinois Dutch Shepherd Dog
OriginsBelgium flagBelgium Netherlands flagNetherlands
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank44525
Reviews102
User Ratings

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

Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Belgian Malinois or a Dutch Shepherd Dog? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Belgian Malinois and a Dutch Shepherd Dog. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg) Male: 61-70 pounds (27-31 kg) Female: 52-61 pounds (23-27 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg) Male: 65.5 pounds (29 kg) Female: 56.5 pounds (25 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Belgian Malinois or Dutch Shepherd Dog? Is a Belgian Malinois taller than a Dutch Shepherd Dog?
Male: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (56-61 cm) Male: 22-25 inches (56-63 cm), Female: 21-24 inches (53-61 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm) Male: 23.5 inches (60 cm), Female: 22.5 inches (57 cm)

Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Belgian Malinois and a Dutch Shepherd Dog. Which breed costs more?
$1200-$1400 $1000-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Belgian Malinois or Dutch Shepherd Dog?
Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get.
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Belgian Malinois or a Dutch Shepherd Dog? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Smart: The Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Belgian Malinois or a Dutch Shepherd Dog? Compare training requirements.
Belgian Malinois dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Belgian Malinois or a Dutch Shepherd Dog? Compare alertness levels.
Belgian Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Belgian Malinois or a Dutch Shepherd Dog? Compare territorial behaviors.
Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Belgian Malinois and a Dutch Shepherd Dog. How do their temperaments differ?
Active
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Watchful
Hard working
Alert
Affectionate
Obedient
Reliable
Loyal
Trainable
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog?
Slightly Below Average: Belgian Malinois dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
See more.
Average to High: Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
Social Needs
Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog social needs comparison:
Belgian Malinois dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog?
The wanderlust potential of the Belgian Malinois is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog? 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.
See more.
Dutch Shepherd Dog 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.
See more.

Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Belgian Malinois or a Dutch Shepherd Dog? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed.
See more.
Low to Average: The Dutch Shepherd Dog rarely barks.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Belgian Malinois or a Dutch Shepherd Dog? Compare play drive and energy.
The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed.
See more.
The Dutch Shepherd Dog is a playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Belgian Malinois or a Dutch Shepherd Dog? 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 Dutch Shepherd Dog indoors.

Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Belgian Malinois or a Dutch Shepherd Dog? Compare adaptability levels.
Belgian Malinois dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Belgian Malinois or Dutch Shepherd Dog?
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.
Dutch Shepherd Dog 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 Dutch Shepherd Dog Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Dutch Shepherd Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Belgian Malinois or a Dutch Shepherd Dog? Compare average lifespans.
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Dutch Shepherd Dog: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Belgian Malinois or a Dutch Shepherd Dog? 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.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Belgian Malinois and a Dutch Shepherd Dog. 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 Dutch Shepherd Dog 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 Dutch Shepherd Dog?
Average
The Belgian Malinois should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Dutch Shepherd Dog 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 Dutch Shepherd Dog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Eye Problems
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
No data available

Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Belgian Malinois or a Dutch Shepherd Dog? Compare obesity risks.
Low to Average: The Belgian Malinois has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Low to Average: The Dutch Shepherd Dog has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Belgian Malinois or a Dutch Shepherd Dog? Compare daily food needs.
2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Belgian Malinois or a Dutch Shepherd Dog? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherd Dog? Compare breed colors.
Black
Cream
Fawn
Brindle
Blue
Silver
Yellow
Brindle
Golden
Grey
Salt & Pepper
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Belgian Malinois or a Dutch Shepherd Dog? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Easy to groom: The Dutch Shepherd Dog doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Belgian Malinois or a Dutch Shepherd Dog? Compare drooling amounts.
The Belgian Malinois is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Dutch Shepherd Dog is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Belgian Malinois or a Dutch Shepherd Dog? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

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

Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Belgian Malinois or a Dutch Shepherd Dog? Compare kid-friendliness.
Belgian Malinois dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Dutch Shepherd Dog 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.
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Belgian Malinois or Dutch Shepherd Dog? Which dog is more friendly?
Belgian Malinois dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Belgian Malinois or Dutch Shepherd Dog?
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Belgian Malinois or Dutch Shepherd Dog? Can a Belgian Malinois and a Dutch Shepherd Dog be friends? Do Belgian Malinois dogs get along with Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs?
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog?
Yes
Belgian Malinois dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Dutch Shepherd Dog 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
Dutch Shepherd Dog 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.
Dutch Shepherd Dogs are commonly okay with elderly people.

Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Belgian Malinois or a Dutch Shepherd Dog? 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.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Belgian Malinois or a Dutch Shepherd Dog? Compare therapy capabilities.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

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 a Dutch Shepherd Dog? Compare scenting abilities.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a Belgian Malinois or a Dutch Shepherd Dog? Compare SAR abilities.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a Belgian Malinois or a Dutch Shepherd Dog? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

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 Dutch Shepherd Dog. 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 Dutch Shepherd Dog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherd Dog. Which has larger litters?
6-10 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherd Dog breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherd Dog. 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 Dutch Shepherd Dog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherd Dog. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club as a Miscellaneous breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherd Dog. Which groups are they in?
Not recognized by FCI. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherd Dog. 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
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Foundation Stock Service

Rate This Comparsion - Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog

Reviews

  • Don Rem

    Dec 14, 2019, 3:36:57 PM:

    So true are you. Our The Best. mother is Dutch, Ist generation and father is second generation Belgium. The best.

  • J.T

    Feb 19, 2020, 4:20:56 AM:

    I Have owned both a Dutch Shepherd and several German Shepherds (never a Malinois) and I strongly disagree with many of the comparisons!!!

  • Rob P.

    Mar 17, 2020, 5:29:06 AM:

    Have owned and worked both dogs in the field. Your comparison is to far apart. Generally these dogs are the same, but just like people they are individuals.

  • Tom K

    Mar 26, 2020, 3:09:35 AM:

    Have owned both breeds. The comments and comparisons and observations made are generally accurate.

  • Floman

    May 15, 2020, 5:40:50 AM:

    Dutch shepherds and malinois are extremely mouthy, they always want to work they both have the most drive out of just about any dog breed, malinois are known to bite If not properly structured, alot of this information is wrong of off.

  • C.K.

    May 29, 2020, 9:03:00 PM:

    I have a Malinois and our family has a German shepherd and a friend with a Dutchie, I do not agree with some of these comparisons. My Malinois, along with the other's I've met have had very high prey drives, and a strong tendency to nip, chew etc.

  • Em

    Sep 7, 2020, 2:15:12 PM:

    Most of the comparisons are incorrect, I would know: I grew up with and owned a GSD, I now own a Dutch Herder and my sister owns a Belgian Malinois.

  • CN

    Apr 19, 2021, 11:03:34 PM:

    who made this. they need to try again.

  • Dierdra McElroy

    Nov 19, 2023, 6:03:36 PM:

    Reviews like this are what cause I equipped people to buy these breeds, realize they are in over their heads and the dogs suffer the consequences :(