Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Malinois or Alsatian wolf dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd" Compare Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd. Which is better: Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Belgian Malinois	German Shepherd
Origins	Belgium	Germany
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	44	2
Reviews	3	13
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Malinois	Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which dog is bigger, Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd? Is the Belgian Malinois bigger than the German Shepherd breed? Is a Belgian Malinois smaller than a German Shepherd?	Large	Large
Weight Which is heavier, Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd? Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd weight comparison:	Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg)	Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg)	Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height Which is taller, Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd? Is a Belgian Malinois taller than a German Shepherd?	Male: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (56-61 cm)	Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm)	Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd?	$1200-$1400	$800-$2000
Availability Which is easier to get, Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd?	Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd smarter? Which is best? Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd intelligence:	Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed. See more.	Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd trainability comparison. What's the difference between Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd?	Belgian Malinois dogs are very easy to train. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd?	Belgian Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd? Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd behavior/temperament comparison:	Active Stubborn Protective Alert Confident Friendly Watchful Hard working	Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd?	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd?	Slightly Below Average: Belgian Malinois dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. See more.	High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:	Belgian Malinois dogs are a social breed. See more.	German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd?	The wanderlust potential of the Belgian Malinois is strong enough to escape from home. See more.	German 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 German 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. See more.	German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd playfulness comparison:	The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed. See more.	Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd?	Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd?	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 German Shepherd indoors.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Belgian Malinois dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Belgian Malinois or German 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.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Is a Belgian Malinois more dangerous than a German Shepherd?	Low 🔽 The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.	High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd mouthiness comparison:	Belgian Malinois dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd?	The Belgian Malinois is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Eye Problems Epilepsy Elbow Dysplasia	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Cancer Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Blindness Cherry Eye Elbow Dysplasia Diabetes Heart Disease Retinal Dysplasia Demodectic Mange Degenerative Myelopathy Wobbler's Syndrome Panosteitis Hemophilia B Megaesophagus Cushing's Syndrome Lens Luxation Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Chronic Diarrhea Cruciate Ligament Rupture Digestive Problems Hemophilia A Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Lupus Myasthenia Gravis Nail Bed Disease Osteochondrosis Pannus Paralysis Perianal Fistula Seborrhea Vitiligo
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd?	Average The Belgian Malinois should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Rare The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd?	12-14 years The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years	9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd?	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.

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd? Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd energy level comparison:	Belgian Malinois dogs are high-energy dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Belgian Malinois dogs need a lot of exercises.	German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd?	Belgian Malinois dogs don't need too much sleep.	German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd? Does the Belgian Malinois breed eat more than the German Shepherd breed?	2 to 3 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.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd weight gain potential comparison:	Low to Average: The Belgian Malinois has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd coat comparison:	Weather-resistant Straight	Fuzzy
Colors What are the original Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd color? Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd color comparison:	Black Cream Fawn Brindle	Black Tan Red Silver
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd? Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd grooming comparison:	Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd? Do Belgian Malinois dogs shed more than German Shepherd dogs?	Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd?	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.
Hypoallergenic Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd?	Medium ⏺ The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd?	The Belgian Malinois is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Belgian Malinois dogs are generally with other pets.	German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?	Belgian Malinois dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd?	Belgian Malinois dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd?	Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats.	German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd? Can a Belgian Malinois and a German Shepherd be friends? Do Belgian Malinois dogs get along with German Shepherd dogs?	Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd?	Yes Belgian Malinois dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes German 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 German 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.	German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Which one could be a service dog?	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd? Which is better for autism?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?	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 and Rescue Dog (SAR) Which one could be a search and rescue dog?	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd?	Not really Belgian Malinois breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?	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.
Fighting Dog / Military 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 German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.
Litter Size How many puppies can Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd have? Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd litter size comparison:	6-10 puppies	6-10 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	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. 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

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Pug vs boston terrier
Mar 24, 2021, 2:10:59 AM:
Mj
Jun 3, 2022, 11:29:07 PM:
The Belgium malinois is heavily used as a military dog