• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

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

"Find similarities and differences between Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois" Compare Belgian Tervuren and German Shepherd. Which is better: Belgian Tervuren or German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois?
 
 
 
Name Belgian Tervuren German Shepherd Belgian Malinois
OriginsBelgium flagBelgium Germany flagGermany Belgium flagBelgium
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank103244
Reviews02110
User Ratings

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

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

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Belgian Tervuren, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Belgian Tervuren, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois? 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: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 60-70 pounds (27-32 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) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Belgian Tervuren or German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois? Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois 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: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (56-61 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 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm)

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

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

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

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

Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Belgian Tervuren, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois? Compare temperaments.
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Loyal
Attentive
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Active
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Watchful
Hard working
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois?
Average to High: Belgian Tervuren dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Slightly Below Average: Belgian Malinois dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
See more.
Social Needs
Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois social needs comparison:
Belgian Tervuren dogs are a social breed.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Belgian Tervuren dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the Belgian Malinois is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Belgian Tervuren dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
See more.

Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Belgian Tervuren, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Belgian Tervuren is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed.
See more.
Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Belgian Tervuren, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is most playful?
The Belgian Tervuren is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Belgian Tervuren, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. 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 Tervuren 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 Belgian Malinois indoors.

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

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Belgian Tervuren, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is most flexible?
Belgian Tervuren 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.
Belgian Malinois dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Belgian Tervuren or German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois?
Belgian Tervuren 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 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.

Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Belgian Tervuren has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Belgian Tervuren bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.

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

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Belgian Tervuren, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed lives longest?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Tervuren: 13 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Belgian Tervuren, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. 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.
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.
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 health problems common in Belgian Tervuren, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which has fewer health issues?
The Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Malinois 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 Tervuren 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 Belgian Malinois should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois health problems comparison:
No data available 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
Eye Problems
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia

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

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

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

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Belgian Tervuren, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low to Average: The Belgian Tervuren has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Low to Average: The Belgian Malinois has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Belgian Tervuren, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which needs most food?
2 to 3 cups of a high-quality dog food a day. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

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

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

Medium

The Belgian Tervuren has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Belgian Tervuren, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Thick
Double
Fuzzy Weather-resistant
Straight
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Belgian Tervuren, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which requires most frequent baths?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Belgian Tervuren or German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois? Belgian Tervuren or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Belgian Tervuren dogs shed moderately.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Belgian Tervuren, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which is best with kids?
Belgian Tervuren dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Belgian Tervuren dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Belgian Malinois dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Belgian Tervuren or German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois? Which dog is more friendly?
Belgian Tervuren dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Belgian Tervuren or German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois?
Belgian Tervuren dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Belgian Tervuren or German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois?
Belgian Tervuren dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois?
Yes
Belgian Tervuren 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
Belgian Malinois dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Belgian Tervuren is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Belgian Malinois is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Belgian Tervurens are usually recommended for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Belgian Malinoiss are usually recommended for elderly people.

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

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

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

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
Compare therapy dog potential between Belgian Tervuren, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

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

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Belgian Tervuren, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which has best nose work ability?

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.

Yes

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

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.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Belgian Tervuren, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Belgian Malinois breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Belgian Tervuren, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which is best for draft work?

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.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Belgian Tervuren, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. 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.

Not really

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

Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Reproducibility Comparison

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

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Belgian Tervuren, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. 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 1959 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Belgian Tervuren, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. 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. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Belgian Tervuren, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which has most recognition?
No data available 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

Rate This Comparsion - Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois

Reviews