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Blue Heeler vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Belgian Malinois Comparison - Dog breed selector: Australian Cattle Dog or Stafford or Malinois? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Blue Heeler vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Belgian Malinois" Compare Blue Heeler and American Staffordshire Terrier. Which is better: Blue Heeler or American Staffordshire Terrier or Belgian Malinois?
 
 
 
Name Blue Heeler American Staffordshire Terrier Belgian Malinois
OriginsAustralia flagAustralia United States flagUnited States Belgium flagBelgium
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Hunting Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank5188344
Reviews2710
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Blue Heeler, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Belgian Malinois breeds.
Australian Cattle Dog
Cattle Dog
Queensland Heeler
Red Heeler
Stafford
Staffy
Amstaff
Malinois
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Blue Heeler, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Belgian Malinois? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Blue Heeler vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Belgian Malinois Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Blue Heeler, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Medium Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Blue Heeler, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Belgian Malinois? Compare adult weight ranges.
30-62 pounds (13-28 kg) 57-67 pounds (25-30 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?
46 pounds (20.5 kg) 62 pounds (27.5 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Blue Heeler or American Staffordshire Terrier or Belgian Malinois? Blue Heeler vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Belgian Malinois height comparison:
Male: 17-20 inches (43-51 cm), Female: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm) Male: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm), Female: 16-18 inches (41-46 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: 18.5 inches (47 cm), Female: 18 inches (45.5 cm) Male: 18 inches (45.5 cm), Female: 17 inches (43.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm)

Blue Heeler vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Belgian Malinois Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Blue Heeler, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Belgian Malinois. Find price differences between these breeds.
$400-$800 $800-$1000 $1200-$1400
Availability
Which is easier to get, Blue Heeler or American Staffordshire Terrier or Belgian Malinois?
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.
Very frequent: The American Staffordshire Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get.

Blue Heeler vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Belgian Malinois Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Blue Heeler, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Belgian Malinois? Compare temperaments.
Active
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Hard working
Resourceful
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Loyal
Devoted
Attentive
Tenacious
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.
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American Staffordshire Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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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: Blue Heeler vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Belgian Malinois?
Slightly Below Average: Blue Heeler dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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High: American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Slightly Below Average: Belgian Malinois dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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Social Needs
Blue Heeler vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Belgian Malinois social needs comparison:
Blue Heeler dogs are kinda antisocial.
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American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Blue Heeler is strong enough to escape from home.
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American Staffordshire Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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The wanderlust potential of the Belgian Malinois is strong enough to escape from home.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Blue Heeler dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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American Staffordshire Terrier 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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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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Blue Heeler vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Belgian Malinois Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Blue Heeler, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Blue Heeler rarely barks.
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Average: The American Staffordshire Terrier barks occasionally.
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Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Blue Heeler, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is most playful?
The Blue Heeler is a highly playful breed.
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The American Staffordshire Terrier is a playful breed.
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The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Blue Heeler, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Belgian Malinois. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Blue Heeler breed.
It is not recommended to keep the American Staffordshire Terrier breed in the home.
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.

Blue Heeler vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Belgian Malinois Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Blue Heeler, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is most flexible?
Average: Blue Heeler dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Average: American Staffordshire Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Belgian Malinois dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Blue Heeler or American Staffordshire Terrier or Belgian Malinois?
Blue Heeler dogs handle alone time quite well.
American Staffordshire Terrier 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 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.

Blue Heeler vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Belgian Malinois Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Blue Heeler, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Belgian Malinois. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Blue Heeler has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The American Staffordshire Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Blue Heeler bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

American Staffordshire Terrier bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.

Blue Heeler vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Belgian Malinois Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Blue Heeler, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Blue Heeler: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of American Staffordshire Terrier: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Blue Heeler, American Staffordshire Terrier, 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.
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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 Blue Heeler, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Belgian Malinois. Which has fewer health issues?
Blue Heelers are commonly healthy dogs.
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
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?
Rare
The Blue Heeler should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The American Staffordshire Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least 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: Blue Heeler vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Belgian Malinois? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Blue Heeler vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Belgian Malinois health problems comparison:
No data available No data available Hip Dysplasia
Eye Problems
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia

Blue Heeler vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Belgian Malinois Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Blue Heeler, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is most active?
Blue Heeler dogs are high-energy dogs.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Belgian Malinois dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Blue Heeler vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Belgian Malinois exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Blue Heeler or American Staffordshire Terrier or Belgian Malinois? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Blue Heeler dogs need a lot of exercises.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Belgian Malinois dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Blue Heeler or American Staffordshire Terrier or Belgian Malinois?
Blue Heeler dogs don't need too much sleep.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Belgian Malinois dogs don't need too much sleep.

Blue Heeler vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Belgian Malinois Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Blue Heeler, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Belgian Malinois. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Blue Heeler's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Low to Average: The American Staffordshire Terrier has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The Belgian Malinois has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Blue Heeler, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Belgian Malinois. Which needs most food?
1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2.5 to 3 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.

Blue Heeler vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Belgian Malinois Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Medium

The Blue Heeler has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The American Staffordshire Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Blue Heeler, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Belgian Malinois. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Fine Weather-resistant
Straight
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Blue Heeler, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Belgian Malinois. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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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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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Blue Heeler or American Staffordshire Terrier or Belgian Malinois? Blue Heeler or American Staffordshire Terrier or {name3 shedding:
Blue Heeler dogs shed moderately.
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American Staffordshire Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
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Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately.
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Blue Heeler vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Belgian Malinois Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Blue Heeler, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Belgian Malinois. Which is best with kids?
Blue Heeler dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Blue Heeler dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Belgian Malinois dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Blue Heeler or American Staffordshire Terrier or Belgian Malinois? Which dog is more friendly?
Blue Heeler dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Blue Heeler or American Staffordshire Terrier or Belgian Malinois?
Blue Heeler dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Blue Heeler or American Staffordshire Terrier or Belgian Malinois?
Blue Heeler dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are not dog-friendly.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Blue Heeler vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Belgian Malinois?
Yes
Blue Heeler dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
American Staffordshire Terrier 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
Blue Heeler is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Yes
American Staffordshire Terrier is one of the best dog breeds 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?
Blue Heelers are not the best breed for elderly people.
American Staffordshire Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Belgian Malinoiss are usually recommended for elderly people.

Blue Heeler vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Belgian Malinois As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Blue Heeler, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Belgian Malinois. Which is best suited for service work?

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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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Blue Heeler, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Belgian Malinois. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Blue Heeler, American Staffordshire Terrier, 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.

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 Blue Heeler, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Belgian Malinois. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a 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 Blue Heeler, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Belgian Malinois. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Blue Heeler breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

American Staffordshire Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Belgian Malinois breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Blue Heeler, American Staffordshire Terrier, 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.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Blue Heeler, American Staffordshire Terrier, 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.

Blue Heeler vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Belgian Malinois Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Blue Heeler, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Belgian Malinois. Which has most puppies?
1-7 puppies 5-10 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Blue Heeler, American Staffordshire Terrier, 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 Blue Heeler, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Belgian Malinois. 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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Blue Heeler vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Belgian Malinois Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Blue Heeler, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Belgian Malinois. How are they classified?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Blue Heeler, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Belgian Malinois. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Bull type Terriers section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Blue Heeler, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Belgian Malinois. Which has most recognition?
No data available 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

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