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Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chow Chow Comparison - Dog breed selector: Malinois or Alsatian wolf dog or Chowdren? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chow Chow" Compare Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd. Which is better: Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd or Chow Chow?
 
 
 
Name Belgian Malinois German Shepherd Chow Chow
OriginsBelgium flagBelgium Germany flagGermany China flagChina
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank44276
Reviews10216
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow breeds.
Malinois Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Chowdren
Chow
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chow Chow Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow? Compare adult weight ranges.
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) 45-70 pounds (20-32 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) 57.5 pounds (26 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd or Chow Chow? Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chow Chow height comparison:
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) Male: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm), Female: 18-20 inches (46-51 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) 20 inches (51 cm)

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chow Chow Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1200-$1400 $800-$2000 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd or Chow Chow?
Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Chow Chow is quite easy to get.

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chow Chow Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. Which breed ranks highest?
Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed.
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Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Low: The Chow Chow is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. Which is easiest to train?
Belgian Malinois dogs are very easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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A slightly harder to train than average.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. Which breed is most alert?
Belgian Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Chow Chow dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. Which breed is most protective?
Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Chow Chow dogs are average defenders.
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Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chow Chow Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow? Compare temperaments.
Active
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Watchful
Hard working
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Aloof
Independent
Protective
Intelligent
Loyal
Quiet
Detached
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: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Chow Chow dogs are less sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chow Chow?
Slightly Below Average: Belgian Malinois dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Slightly Below Average: Chow Chow dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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Social Needs
Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chow Chow 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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Chow Chow dogs are kinda antisocial.
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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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German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Chow Chow dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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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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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Chow Chow dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chow Chow Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. Which breed is most vocal?
Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low: The Chow Chow barks none to minimal.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. Which breed is most playful?
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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Chow Chows are not the most playful dog breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. 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 German Shepherd 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 Chow Chow indoors.

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chow Chow Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. Which breed is most flexible?
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.
Chow Chow dogs don't adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd or Chow Chow?
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.
Chow Chow dogs handle alone time quite well.

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chow Chow Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

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

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Chow Chow bite force: Ordinary.

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chow Chow Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. Which breed lives longest?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
13-15 years
The average lifespan of Chow Chow: 14 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. 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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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 cold weather
The Chow Chow 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, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. 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.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
The Chow Chow 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.
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Chow Chow 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 German Shepherd vs Chow Chow? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chow Chow 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
Hip Dysplasia
Ectropion

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chow Chow Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. Which breed is most active?
Belgian Malinois dogs are high-energy dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Chow Chow dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chow Chow exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd or Chow Chow? 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.
Chow Chow dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd or Chow Chow?
Belgian Malinois dogs don't need too much sleep.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Chow Chow dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chow Chow Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. 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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Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Chow Chow's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. Which needs most food?
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. 4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chow Chow Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. What colors are available?
Black
Cream
Fawn
Brindle
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Red
Blue
Cream
Cinnamon
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. Which drools least?
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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The Chow Chow is an average drooler.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Chow Chow has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Weather-resistant
Straight
Fuzzy Rough
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. 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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8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd or Chow Chow? Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Chow Chow dogs shed above average.
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Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chow Chow Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. Which is best with kids?
Belgian Malinois dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Chow Chow dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
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.
Chow Chow dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd or Chow Chow? Which dog is more friendly?
Belgian Malinois dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Chow Chow dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd or Chow Chow?
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Chow Chow dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd or Chow Chow?
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Chow Chow dogs are not dog-friendly.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chow Chow?
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.
No
Chow Chow dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn 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.
No
Chow Chow 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.
Chow Chows are not the best breed for elderly people.

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chow Chow As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. Which is best suited for service work?

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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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, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect 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, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. Which has best nose work ability?

Yes

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

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.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. Which is best for SAR work?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

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.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. 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

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Chow Chow breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. 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, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Yes

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

Yes

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

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Chow Chow Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. Which has most puppies?
6-10 puppies 6-10 puppies 3-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. 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, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

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 German Shepherd vs Chow Chow Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1903 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. 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, German Shepherd, and Chow Chow. 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
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
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

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