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Belgian Malinois vs Great Dane vs German Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Malinois or Apollo of Dogs or Alsatian wolf dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Belgian Malinois vs Great Dane vs German Shepherd" Compare Belgian Malinois and Great Dane. Which is better: Belgian Malinois or Great Dane or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Belgian Malinois Great Dane German Shepherd
OriginsBelgium flagBelgium Germany flagGermany Germany flagGermany
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank44142
Reviews101421
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Belgian Malinois, Great Dane, and German Shepherd breeds.
Malinois Apollo of Dogs
Deutsche Dogge
Gentle Giant
German Mastiff
Dane
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Belgian Malinois, Great Dane, and German Shepherd? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Belgian Malinois vs Great Dane vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Belgian Malinois, Great Dane, and German Shepherd. Which breed is the largest?
Large Giant Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Belgian Malinois, Great Dane, and German Shepherd? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg) Male: 120-200 pounds (54-90 kg), Female: 100-130 pounds (45-59 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: 160 pounds (72 kg), Female: 115 pounds (52 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Belgian Malinois or Great Dane or German Shepherd? Belgian Malinois vs Great Dane vs German Shepherd height comparison:
Male: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (56-61 cm) Male: 30-34 inches (76-86 cm), Female: 28-32 inches (71-81 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: 32 inches (81 cm), Female: 30 inches (76 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Belgian Malinois vs Great Dane vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

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

Belgian Malinois vs Great Dane vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Belgian Malinois, Great Dane, and German Shepherd. Which breed ranks highest?
Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed.
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Smart: The Great Dane dogs have great intelligence.
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Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Belgian Malinois, Great Dane, and German Shepherd. Which is easiest to train?
Belgian Malinois dogs are very easy to train.
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Great Dane dogs are quite easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Belgian Malinois, Great Dane, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most alert?
Belgian Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Great Dane dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Belgian Malinois, Great Dane, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most protective?
Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Great Dane dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Belgian Malinois vs Great Dane vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Belgian Malinois, Great Dane, and German Shepherd? Compare temperaments.
Active
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Watchful
Hard working
Loving
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Devoted
Gentle
Reserved
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
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: Great Dane dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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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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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Belgian Malinois vs Great Dane vs German Shepherd?
Slightly Below Average: Belgian Malinois dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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Average: Great Dane dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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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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Social Needs
Belgian Malinois vs Great Dane vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Belgian Malinois dogs are a social breed.
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Great Dane 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?
The wanderlust potential of the Belgian Malinois is strong enough to escape from home.
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Great Dane dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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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? 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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Great Dane 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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Belgian Malinois vs Great Dane vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Belgian Malinois, Great Dane, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most vocal?
Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed.
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Low to Average: The Great Dane rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Belgian Malinois, Great Dane, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most playful?
The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed.
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Great Danes are not the most playful dog breed.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Belgian Malinois, Great Dane, and German Shepherd. 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.
Very house-friendly dog the Great Dane breed.
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 Great Dane vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Belgian Malinois, Great Dane, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most flexible?
Belgian Malinois dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Great Dane dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Belgian Malinois or Great Dane 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.
Great Dane 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 Great Dane vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Great Dane has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

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

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Great Dane bite force: The Strongest.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Belgian Malinois vs Great Dane vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Belgian Malinois, Great Dane, and German Shepherd. Which breed lives longest?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years
7-11 years
The average lifespan of Great Dane: 9 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Belgian Malinois, Great Dane, and German Shepherd. 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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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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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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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Belgian Malinois, Great Dane, and German Shepherd. 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.
Great Danes are commonly healthy dogs.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
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 Great Dane should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably 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).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Belgian Malinois vs Great Dane vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Belgian Malinois vs Great Dane vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Eye Problems
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Patent Ductus Arteriosis
Cancer
Bloat
Mitral Valve Disease
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Persistent Right Aortic Arch
Tricuspid Valve 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

Belgian Malinois vs Great Dane vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Belgian Malinois, Great Dane, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most active?
Belgian Malinois dogs are high-energy dogs.
Great Dane dogs are high-energy dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Belgian Malinois vs Great Dane vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Belgian Malinois or Great Dane or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Belgian Malinois dogs need a lot of exercises.
Great Dane dogs exercise need is minimal.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Belgian Malinois or Great Dane or German Shepherd?
Belgian Malinois dogs don't need too much sleep.
Great Dane dogs don't need too much sleep.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

Belgian Malinois vs Great Dane vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Belgian Malinois, Great Dane, and German Shepherd. 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 Great Dane 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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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Belgian Malinois, Great Dane, and German Shepherd. Which needs most food?
2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 8 to 10 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.

Belgian Malinois vs Great Dane vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Belgian Malinois, Great Dane, and German Shepherd. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Belgian Malinois, Great Dane, and German Shepherd. What colors are available?
Black
Cream
Fawn
Brindle
Black
Blue
White
Fawn
Brindle
Merle
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Belgian Malinois, Great Dane, and German Shepherd. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The Great Dane requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Belgian Malinois, Great Dane, and German Shepherd. Which drools least?
The Belgian Malinois is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Great Dane 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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The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Belgian Malinois, Great Dane, and German Shepherd. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Great Dane has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

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

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Belgian Malinois, Great Dane, and German Shepherd. Which is best with kids?
Belgian Malinois dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Great Dane dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Belgian Malinois dogs are generally with other pets.
Great Dane 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 Great Dane or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Belgian Malinois dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Great Dane dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Belgian Malinois or Great Dane or German Shepherd?
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Great Dane 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 Great Dane or German Shepherd?
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Great Dane 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 good for the first-time owners: Belgian Malinois vs Great Dane vs German Shepherd?
Yes
Belgian Malinois dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Great Dane 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
Great Dane 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.
Great Danes are usually recommended for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Belgian Malinois vs Great Dane vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

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

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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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Belgian Malinois, Great Dane, and German Shepherd. 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, Great Dane, and German Shepherd. Which has best nose work ability?

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.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Belgian Malinois, Great Dane, and German Shepherd. Which is best for SAR work?

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.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Belgian Malinois, Great Dane, and German Shepherd. 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

Great Dane 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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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Belgian Malinois, Great Dane, and German Shepherd. 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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Yes

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, Great Dane, and German Shepherd. 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 Great Dane vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Belgian Malinois, Great Dane, and German Shepherd. Which has most puppies?
6-10 puppies 10-15 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Belgian Malinois, Great Dane, and German Shepherd. 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, Great Dane, and German Shepherd. 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 Great Dane vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Belgian Malinois, Great Dane, and German Shepherd. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Belgian Malinois, Great Dane, and German Shepherd. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Belgian Malinois, Great Dane, and German Shepherd. 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
Canadian Canine Registry
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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