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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?
 
 
 
Name Belgian Malinois German Shepherd
OriginsBelgium flagBelgium Germany flagGermany
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank442
Reviews319
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.
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Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
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.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd?
Belgian Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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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.

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.
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.
Social Needs
Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Belgian Malinois dogs are a social breed.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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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.
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German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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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.

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.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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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.
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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.

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.
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.
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).
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
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.
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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.
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.

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.
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.

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.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
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.
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.
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.
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The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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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.
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.
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 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.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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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.
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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.
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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

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

Rate This Comparsion - Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd

Reviews

  • 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