Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois Comparison – Which dog is better Sheepdog or Malinois?

"Find similarities and differences between Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois" Compare Border Collie and Belgian Malinois. Which is better: Border Collie or Belgian Malinois?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Border Collie	Belgian Malinois
Origins	England Scotland Wales	Belgium
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	38	44
Reviews	13	10
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare different names used for Border Collie and Belgian Malinois. What other names are these breeds known by?	Sheepdog Scotch Sheep Dog	Malinois
Breed Classification Compare breed classifications between a Border Collie and a Belgian Malinois. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.	Purebred	Purebred

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Which is bigger: a Border Collie or a Belgian Malinois? Compare size differences between these breeds.	Large	Large
Weight Statistics Compare weight ranges between a Border Collie and a Belgian Malinois. Which breed is heavier?	Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 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: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg)	Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Border Collie or Belgian Malinois? Is a Border Collie taller than a Belgian Malinois?	Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 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: 20.5 inches (52 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm)	Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm)

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy prices between a Border Collie and a Belgian Malinois. Which breed costs more?	$600-$800	$1200-$1400
Availability Which is easier to get, Border Collie or Belgian Malinois?	Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get.

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Which is smarter: a Border Collie or a Belgian Malinois? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.	Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Which is easier to train: a Border Collie or a Belgian Malinois? Compare training requirements.	Border Collie dogs are easy to train. See more.	Belgian Malinois dogs are very easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Which makes a better watchdog: a Border Collie or a Belgian Malinois? Compare alertness levels.	Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Belgian Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Which is more protective: a Border Collie or a Belgian Malinois? Compare territorial behaviors.	Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits Compare personalities of a Border Collie and a Belgian Malinois. How do their temperaments differ?	Energetic Protective Alert Intelligent Responsive Loyal Tenacious	Active Stubborn Protective Alert Confident Friendly Watchful Hard working
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois?	Sensitive: Border Collie 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.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois?	High: Border Collie 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.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois social needs comparison:	Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Belgian Malinois dogs are a social breed. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois?	Border Collie dogs have average wanderlust potential. 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? What's the difference between Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois? Which can be better for hunting?	Border Collie 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 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.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Which breed barks more: a Border Collie or a Belgian Malinois? Compare vocalization tendencies.	Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks. See more.	Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Which breed is more playful: a Border Collie or a Belgian Malinois? Compare play drive and energy.	The Border Collie is a highly playful breed. See more.	The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Which is better for apartments: a Border Collie or a Belgian Malinois? Compare living space needs.	It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie 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.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Which adapts better to changes: a Border Collie or a Belgian Malinois? Compare adaptability levels.	Border Collie 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: Border Collie or Belgian Malinois?	Border Collie dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	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.

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Which has lower bite risk: a Border Collie or a Belgian Malinois? Compare biting tendencies.	Low 🔽 The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Which is more mouthy: a Border Collie or a Belgian Malinois? Compare mouthing behaviors.	Border Collie 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 Which has a stronger bite: a Border Collie or a Belgian Malinois? Compare bite force PSI.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Which lives longer: a Border Collie or a Belgian Malinois? Compare average lifespans.	11-15 years The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years	12-14 years The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Which handles weather better: a Border Collie or a Belgian Malinois? Compare climate tolerances.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Border Collie can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. 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 Border Collie and a Belgian Malinois. Which breed is healthier?	The Border Collie 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.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois?	Average The Border Collie 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.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Allergies Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Collie Eye Anomaly Osteochondrosis Dissecans	Hip Dysplasia Eye Problems Epilepsy Elbow Dysplasia

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Which gains weight easier: a Border Collie or a Belgian Malinois? Compare obesity risks.	Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Low to Average: The Belgian Malinois has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Which eats more: a Border Collie or a Belgian Malinois? Compare daily food needs.	1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals.	2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Which is more hypoallergenic: a Border Collie or a Belgian Malinois? Compare allergy friendliness.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors What color variations exist for Border Collie and Belgian Malinois? Compare breed colors.	Black Tan Red Sable Brindle Lilac Gold Seal White & Red Slate Sable Merle Black & White Tricolor Blue merle Blue merle-tricolor Slate merle Red merle Saddleback Sable White & Blue White & Blue Merle White & Red Merle White Ticked White & Gold White & Sable White & Seal	Black Cream Fawn Brindle
Grooming Requirements Which needs more grooming: a Border Collie or a Belgian Malinois? Compare maintenance needs.	Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Which drools more: a Border Collie or a Belgian Malinois? Compare drooling amounts.	The Border Collie 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 Which has less odor: a Border Collie or a Belgian Malinois? Compare natural smell levels.	Medium ⏺ The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics How do coats differ between a Border Collie and a Belgian Malinois? Compare fur types.	Dense Feathered Straight Short Moderately Long	Weather-resistant Straight
Bathing Needs Which needs more baths: a Border Collie or a Belgian Malinois? Compare bathing frequencies.	6-8 weeks 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 Border Collie or Belgian Malinois? Do Border Collie dogs shed more than Belgian Malinois dogs?	Border Collie dogs shed moderately. See more.	Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Which is better with children: a Border Collie or a Belgian Malinois? Compare kid-friendliness.	Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Belgian Malinois dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Border Collie dogs are generally with other pets.	Belgian Malinois dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Border Collie or Belgian Malinois? Which dog is more friendly?	Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Belgian Malinois dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Border Collie or Belgian Malinois?	Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Border Collie or Belgian Malinois? Can a Border Collie and a Belgian Malinois be friends? Do Border Collie dogs get along with Belgian Malinois dogs?	Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois?	Yes Border Collie 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 Border Collie 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?	Border Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Belgian Malinoiss are usually recommended for elderly people.

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Which makes a better service dog: a Border Collie or a Belgian Malinois? 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.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Which is better for therapy work: a Border Collie or a Belgian Malinois? Compare therapy capabilities.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Which is better at detection work: a Border Collie or a Belgian Malinois? 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 Border Collie or a Belgian Malinois? 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 Border Collie or a Belgian Malinois? Compare maritime abilities.	Not really Border Collie 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 Which is better at pulling: a Border Collie or a Belgian Malinois? 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 Border Collie and Belgian Malinois. 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.

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare litter sizes between Border Collie and Belgian Malinois. Which has larger litters?	4-8 puppies	6-10 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare pregnancy duration between Border Collie and Belgian Malinois breeds.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding frequencies between Border Collie and Belgian Malinois. 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.

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC classifications of Border Collie and Belgian Malinois. Which groups do they belong to?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI classifications of Border Collie and Belgian Malinois. Which groups are they in?	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.	Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare kennel club recognition between Border Collie and Belgian Malinois. Which is more widely recognized?	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry 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 The American Int. Border Collie Registry The American Border Collie Association	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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Reviews

Heather
Jan 8, 2020, 11:00:53 PM:
Holy crap!!! This review is WAAYYY OFF with Malinois! PLEASE potential owners, run far far away from this page and check out a group who better understands the breed. "Average prey drive." Ha!
Enma
Aug 29, 2021, 7:17:55 AM:
Border Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people? How?! They’re so energetic
Leona Reynolds
Oct 20, 2021, 12:49:53 AM:
This was an excellent review. Pretty much right on concerning the border collie. The only thing a border collie doesn’t have, if they could speak they would!
Alethea Evans
Jun 17, 2022, 5:35:20 PM:
I have a border collie and a malinois, and the malinois bite is way stronger! than my border collie. a border collie should never live outside, they should be inside,they get stolen! I don’t see how a BC or a malinois would be good for an elderly