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Belgian Malinois vs Labrador Retriever Comparison – Which dog is better Malinois or Lab?

"Find similarities and differences between Belgian Malinois vs Labrador Retriever" Compare Belgian Malinois and Labrador Retriever. Which is better: Belgian Malinois or Labrador Retriever?
 
 
 
Name Belgian Malinois Labrador Retriever
OriginsBelgium flagBelgium England flagEngland Canada flagCanada
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank441
Reviews1011
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Belgian Malinois and Labrador Retriever. What other names are these breeds known by?
Malinois Lab
Labrador
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Belgian Malinois and a Labrador Retriever. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Belgian Malinois vs Labrador Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Belgian Malinois or a Labrador Retriever? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Belgian Malinois and a Labrador Retriever. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg) Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg) Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Belgian Malinois or Labrador Retriever? Is a Belgian Malinois taller than a Labrador Retriever?
Male: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (56-61 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm)

Belgian Malinois vs Labrador Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Belgian Malinois and a Labrador Retriever. Which breed costs more?
$1200-$1400 $1000-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Belgian Malinois or Labrador Retriever?
Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.

Belgian Malinois vs Labrador Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Belgian Malinois or a Labrador Retriever? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Belgian Malinois or a Labrador Retriever? Compare training requirements.
Belgian Malinois dogs are very easy to train.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Belgian Malinois or a Labrador Retriever? Compare alertness levels.
Belgian Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Belgian Malinois or a Labrador Retriever? Compare territorial behaviors.
Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.
Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders.
See more.

Belgian Malinois vs Labrador Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Belgian Malinois and a Labrador Retriever. How do their temperaments differ?
Active
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Watchful
Hard working
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Belgian Malinois vs Labrador Retriever?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Sensitive: Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever?
Slightly Below Average: Belgian Malinois dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
See more.
Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
See more.
Social Needs
Belgian Malinois vs Labrador Retriever social needs comparison:
Belgian Malinois dogs are a social breed.
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Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Belgian Malinois vs Labrador Retriever?
The wanderlust potential of the Belgian Malinois is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Belgian Malinois vs Labrador Retriever? 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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Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
See more.

Belgian Malinois vs Labrador Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Belgian Malinois or a Labrador Retriever? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed.
See more.
Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Belgian Malinois or a Labrador Retriever? Compare play drive and energy.
The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed.
See more.
The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Belgian Malinois or a Labrador Retriever? Compare living space needs.
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 recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.

Belgian Malinois vs Labrador Retriever Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Belgian Malinois or a Labrador Retriever? Compare adaptability levels.
Belgian Malinois dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Labrador Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Belgian Malinois or Labrador Retriever?
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.
Labrador Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Belgian Malinois vs Labrador Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Belgian Malinois or a Labrador Retriever? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Belgian Malinois or a Labrador Retriever? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Belgian Malinois dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Belgian Malinois or a Labrador Retriever? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Belgian Malinois vs Labrador Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Belgian Malinois or a Labrador Retriever? Compare average lifespans.
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Belgian Malinois or a Labrador Retriever? Compare climate tolerances.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Belgian Malinois and a Labrador Retriever. Which breed is healthier?
The Belgian Malinois is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Labrador Retriever 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: Belgian Malinois vs Labrador Retriever?
Average
The Belgian Malinois should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Belgian Malinois vs Labrador Retriever health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Eye Problems
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Ear Infections
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Acute Moist Dermatitis
Cold Tail
Myopathy

Belgian Malinois vs Labrador Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Belgian Malinois or a Labrador Retriever? Compare activity levels.
Belgian Malinois dogs are high-energy dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Belgian Malinois vs Labrador Retriever exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Belgian Malinois or Labrador Retriever? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Belgian Malinois dogs need a lot of exercises.
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Belgian Malinois or Labrador Retriever?
Belgian Malinois dogs don't need too much sleep.
Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.

Belgian Malinois vs Labrador Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Belgian Malinois or a Labrador Retriever? Compare obesity risks.
Low to Average: The Belgian Malinois has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Belgian Malinois or a Labrador Retriever? Compare daily food needs.
2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Belgian Malinois vs Labrador Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Belgian Malinois or a Labrador Retriever? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Belgian Malinois and Labrador Retriever? Compare breed colors.
Black
Cream
Fawn
Brindle
Black
Yellow
Chocolate
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Belgian Malinois or a Labrador Retriever? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Belgian Malinois or a Labrador Retriever? Compare drooling amounts.
The Belgian Malinois is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Belgian Malinois or a Labrador Retriever? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Belgian Malinois and a Labrador Retriever? Compare fur types.
Weather-resistant
Straight
Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Belgian Malinois or a Labrador Retriever? Compare bathing frequencies.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Belgian Malinois or Labrador Retriever? Do Belgian Malinois dogs shed more than Labrador Retriever dogs?
Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately.
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Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Belgian Malinois vs Labrador Retriever Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Belgian Malinois or a Labrador Retriever? Compare kid-friendliness.
Belgian Malinois dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever 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.
Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Belgian Malinois or Labrador Retriever? Which dog is more friendly?
Belgian Malinois dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Belgian Malinois or Labrador Retriever?
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Belgian Malinois or Labrador Retriever? Can a Belgian Malinois and a Labrador Retriever be friends? Do Belgian Malinois dogs get along with Labrador Retriever dogs?
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Belgian Malinois vs Labrador Retriever?
Yes
Belgian Malinois dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Labrador Retriever 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
Labrador Retriever 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.
Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Belgian Malinois vs Labrador Retriever As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Belgian Malinois or a Labrador Retriever? Compare service capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Belgian Malinois or a Labrador Retriever? Compare therapy capabilities.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Belgian Malinois or a Labrador Retriever? Compare scenting abilities.

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 & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a Belgian Malinois or a Labrador Retriever? Compare SAR abilities.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a Belgian Malinois or a Labrador Retriever? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Belgian Malinois breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Yes

Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Belgian Malinois or a Labrador Retriever? Compare draft work capabilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between Belgian Malinois and Labrador Retriever. Which has stronger military background?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Belgian Malinois vs Labrador Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Belgian Malinois and Labrador Retriever. Which has larger litters?
6-10 puppies 5-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Belgian Malinois and Labrador Retriever breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Belgian Malinois and Labrador Retriever. Which needs longer recovery?

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 Labrador Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Belgian Malinois and Labrador Retriever. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Belgian Malinois and Labrador Retriever. Which groups are they in?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Belgian Malinois and Labrador Retriever. Which is more widely recognized?
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

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