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

"Find similarities and differences between Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Rottweiler" Compare Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd. Which is better: Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd or Rottweiler?
 
 
 
Name Belgian Malinois German Shepherd Rottweiler
OriginsBelgium flagBelgium Germany flagGermany Germany flagGermany
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank4428
Reviews102113
User Ratings

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

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Rottweiler Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Large
Giant
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler? 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) Male: 95-130 pounds (43-59 kg), Female: 85-115 pounds (38-52 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) Male: 112.5 pounds (51 kg), Female: 100 pounds (45 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd or Rottweiler? Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Rottweiler 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: 24-27 inches (61-69 cm), Female: 22-25 inches (56-63 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) Male: 25.5 inches (65 cm), Female: 23.5 inches (59.5 cm)

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Rottweiler Price and Availability Comparison

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

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Rottweiler Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler. 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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Outstanding: Rottweiler is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler. 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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Rottweiler dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler. 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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Rottweiler dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler. 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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Rottweiler dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Rottweiler Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler? Compare temperaments.
Active
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Watchful
Hard working
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Independent
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Loyal
Fearless
Good-natured
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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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Rottweiler?
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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Average: Rottweiler dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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Social Needs
Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Rottweiler 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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Rottweiler dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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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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Rottweiler 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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Rottweiler dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Rottweiler Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler. 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 Rottweiler barks none to minimal.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler. 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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Average: Rottweilers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler. 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 Rottweiler indoors.

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Rottweiler Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler. 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.
Average: Rottweiler dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd or Rottweiler?
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.
Rottweiler dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Rottweiler Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler. 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.

High 🔼

The Rottweiler has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler. 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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Rottweiler dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler. 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

Rottweiler bite force: Ordinary.

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Rottweiler Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler. 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
8-12 years
The average lifespan of Rottweiler: 10 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler. 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 average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler. 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 Rottweiler 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 Rottweiler 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 Rottweiler? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Rottweiler 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
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Bloat
Elbow Dysplasia
Panosteitis
Aortic Stenosis
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Rottweiler Energy and Activity Comparison

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

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

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler. 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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High: The Rottweiler breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler. 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. Recommended daily amount: 4 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Rottweiler Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler. 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 Rottweiler. What colors are available?
Black
Cream
Fawn
Brindle
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Tan
Rust
Mahogany
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler. 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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Effortless: The Rottweiler requires minimal grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler. 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 Rottweiler drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler. 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 Rottweiler has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Weather-resistant
Straight
Fuzzy Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler. 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 Rottweiler? 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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Rottweiler dogs shed moderately.
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Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Rottweiler Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler. Which is best with kids?
Belgian Malinois dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Rottweiler 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.
Rottweiler dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd or Rottweiler? Which dog is more friendly?
Belgian Malinois dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Rottweiler dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd or Rottweiler?
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Rottweiler dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd or Rottweiler?
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Rottweiler 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 Rottweiler?
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.
Yes
Rottweiler 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.
No
Rottweiler 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.
Rottweilers are not the best breed for elderly people.

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

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler. 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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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler. 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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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler. 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 Rottweiler. 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 Rottweiler. 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

Rottweiler 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 Rottweiler. 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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Yes

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 Rottweiler. 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 Rottweiler Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler. Which has most puppies?
6-10 puppies 6-10 puppies 8-12 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler. 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 Rottweiler. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd vs Rottweiler Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler. 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 1931 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler. 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 Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler. 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
Colonial Rottweiler Club
Deutscher Rottweiler Klub
International Rottweiler Club

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