Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog vs German Shepherd – Which one is a better dog breed for you?
"Find similarities and differences between Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog vs German Shepherd"
Compare Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherd Dog. Which is better: Belgian Malinois or Dutch Shepherd Dog or German Shepherd?
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| Name | Belgian Malinois | Dutch Shepherd Dog | German Shepherd |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origins |  Belgium |  Netherlands |  Germany |
| Group | Pastoral Dogs (Herding Dogs) | Pastoral Dogs (Herding Dogs) | Pastoral Dogs (Herding Dogs) |
| Popularity Rank | 44 | 525 | 2 |
| Reviews | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| Rate |
| Other Names | Malinois | Dutch Shepherd Dog, Hollandse Herder | Alsatian, Berger Allemand, Alsatian wolf dog (UK), Deutscher Schäferhund, Schäferhund |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed Type | Purebred | Purebred | Purebred |
| AKC Group | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club as a Miscellaneous breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. |
| FCI Group | Not recognized by FCI. | Not recognized by FCI. | Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. |
| Breed 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 America's Pet Registry Continental Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Foundation Stock Service National Kennel Club United Kennel Club American Canine Association, Inc. | 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 German Shepherd Dog Club Of America |
| Price | $1200-$1400 | $1000-$1200 | $800-$2000 |
General Appearance - Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog vs German Shepherd
| Size | Large | Large | Large |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 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) | Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) |
| Avg. 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) | Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) |
| Height | 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) | Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) |
| Avg. 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) | Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) |
Hair & Care - Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog vs German Shepherd
| Coat | Weather-resistant Straight | Wiry | Fuzzy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colors | Brindle Cream Fawn Black | Blue Brindle Golden Grey Silver Yellow Salt & Pepper | Silver Tan Red Black |
| Grooming | Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort. | Easy to groom: The Dutch Shepherd Dog doesn't require a lot of grooming. | Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. |
| Shedding Level | Belgian Malinoiss shed moderately. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs shed moderately. | German Shepherds are heavy shedders. |
Characteristics - Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog vs German Shepherd
| Temperament | Active Alert Confident Friendly Hard working Protective Stubborn Watchful | Affectionate Alert Loyal Obedient Reliable Trainable | Alert Courageous Intelligent Obedient Confident Curious Loyal Watchful |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligent Rank | Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed. | Smart: Dutch Shepherd Dog's has great intelligence. | Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. |
| Trainability | Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to train. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs are quite easy to train. | German Shepherds are easy to train. |
| Playfulness | The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed. | The Dutch Shepherd Dog is a playful breed. | German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. |
| Sensitivity Level | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. | German Shepherds don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household and frequent guest visits. |
| Affection Level | Belgian Malinoiss may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs are highly affectionate dogs. | German Shepherds are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
| Social Needs | Belgian Malinoiss are a social breed. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs are a social breed. | German Shepherds need for social interaction is average. |
| Barking | Average to high: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed. | Low to Average: The Dutch Shepherd Dog rarely barks. | Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. |
| Watchdog Ability | Belgian Malinoiss are one of the best watchdogs. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs are one of the best watchdogs. | German Shepherds are one of the best watchdogs. |
| Territorial | Belgian Malinoiss strongly protect their territory. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. | German Shepherds are extremely protective guard dogs. |
| Biting Potential |
Low The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody. |
Low The Dutch Shepherd Dog has a low chance of biting somebody. |
High The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody. |
| Mouthiness | Belgian Malinoiss have an average tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs have lower than average tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. | German Shepherds have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. |
| Impulse to Wander or Roam | Wanderlust potential of the Belgian Malinois is strong enough to escape from home. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. | German Shepherds are not the biggest explorers. |
| Prey Drive | Belgian Malinoiss 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. | Dutch Shepherd 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. | German Shepherds have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. |
| Apartment Friendly | Belgian Malinoiss are not the best choice for an apartment lifestyle, but they don't mind being inside if you walk them several times every day. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs are not the best choice for an apartment lifestyle, but they don't mind being inside if you walk them several times every day. | German Shepherds are not the best choice for an apartment lifestyle, but they don't mind being inside if you walk them several times every day. |
| Adaptability | Belgian Malinoiss adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually. | German Shepherds adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. |
| Tolerates Being Left Alone | Belgian Malinoiss 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 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. |
| Fighting Dog |
Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog. |
Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog. |
Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dog. |
Good With - Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog vs German Shepherd
| Stranger Friendly | Belgian Malinoiss are not the most stranger friendly dogs. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs are not the most stranger friendly dogs. | German Shepherds are stranger friendly dogs. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Friendly | Belgian Malinoiss are kid-friendly dogs. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs are average friendly dogs towards children. | German Shepherds are very kid-friendly dogs. |
| Cat Friendly | Belgian Malinoiss are average friendly towards cats. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs. | German Shepherds are average friendly towards cats. |
| Dog Friendly | Belgian Malinoiss are average friendly towards other dogs. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. | German Shepherds are not the most dog-friendly dogs. |
| Office Friendly |
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. |
No German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
| Senior Citizens Friendly | Belgian Malinoiss are usually recommended for elderly people. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs are commonly okay with elderly people. | German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people. |
| Pet Friendly | Belgian Malinoiss are generally with other pets. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets. | German Shepherds are generally with other pets. |
| Good For First Time Owners |
No Belgian Malinoiss are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality. |
Yes Dutch Shepherd Dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
No German Shepherds are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality. |
| Service Dog |
Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. |
Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. |
| Therapy Dog |
Not really This breed generally not used as a therapy dog. |
Not really This breed generally not used as a therapy dog. |
Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. |
| Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog |
Yes A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones. |
Yes A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones. |
Yes A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones. |
| Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) |
Yes The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people. |
Yes The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people. |
Yes The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people. |
| Boat Dog |
Not really Belgian Malinois breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
Not really Dutch Shepherd Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
| Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog |
Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
Health Factors - Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog vs German Shepherd
| Health Issues | 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. | German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Problems | Elbow Dysplasia Epilepsy Eye Problems Hip Dysplasia | No set | Allergies Blindness Bloat Cancer Cataracts Cherry Eye Chronic Diarrhea Cruciate Ligament Rupture Cushing's Syndrome Degenerative Myelopathy Demodectic Mange Diabetes Digestive Problems Elbow Dysplasia Epilepsy Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Heart Disease Hemophilia A Hemophilia B Hip Dysplasia Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Lens Luxation Lupus Megaesophagus Myasthenia Gravis Nail Bed Disease Osteochondrosis Pannus Panosteitis Paralysis Perianal Fistula Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Retinal Dysplasia Seborrhea Vitiligo Von Willebrand's Disease Wobbler's Syndrome |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-15 years | 10-13 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No | No |
| Energy Level | Belgian Malinoiss are high energy dogs. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. | German Shepherds are high energy dogs. |
| Exercise Need | Belgian Malinoiss need a lot of exercises. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs have an average exercise need. | German Shepherds need quite a lot of exercise. |
| Sleeping Need | Belgian Malinoiss don't need too much sleep. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend to much time with sleeping. | German Shepherds don't need too much sleep. |
| Avg. daily food consumption | 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. | 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. |
| Weight Gain Potential | Low to Average. | Low to Average. | Low to Average. |
| Weather & Climate | Tolerates warm and cold weather. | Tolerates warm and cold weather. | Tolerates warm and cold weather. |
| Stinkiness |
Medium The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell. |
Medium The Dutch Shepherd Dog has an average chance of bad smell. |
Medium The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. |
| Drooling tendency | The Belgian Malinois is a perfect example for very low drooling tendency. | The Dutch Shepherd Dog is a perfect example for low drooling tendency. | The German Shepherd is a perfect example for very low drooling tendency. |
Reproducibility - Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog vs German Shepherd
| Gestation Length | 60-64 days | 60-64 days | 60-64 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| How often can the have a litter? |
Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
| Litter Size | 6-10 puppies | 6-10 puppies | 6-10 puppies |
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Reviews
- 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!!!
- 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.