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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?
 
 
 
Name Border Collie Belgian Malinois
OriginsEngland flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales Belgium flagBelgium
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank3844
Reviews1310
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Sheepdog
Scotch Sheep Dog
Malinois
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, Border Collie or Belgian Malinois? Is the Border Collie bigger than the Belgian Malinois breed? Is a Border Collie smaller than a Belgian Malinois?
Large Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Border Collie or Belgian Malinois? Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois weight comparison:
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
Which is cheaper, Border Collie or Belgian Malinois? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Border Collie and Belgian Malinois?
$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

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Border Collie or Belgian Malinois smarter? Which is best? Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois intelligence:
Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Trainability
Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois trainability comparison. What's the difference between Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois?
Border Collie dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Border Collie or Belgian Malinois?
Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Border Collie or Belgian Malinois? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Border Collie or Belgian Malinois? Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois behavior/temperament comparison:
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.
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.
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.

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois playfulness comparison:
The Border Collie is a highly playful breed.
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The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois?
Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks.
See more.
Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Border Collie or Belgian Malinois?
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.

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
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 Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Border Collie or Belgian Malinois?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.
Biting Potential
Is a Border Collie more dangerous than a Belgian Malinois?

Low 🔽

The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois mouthiness comparison:
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.

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois health comparison. Which is the healthier: Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois?
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.
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
Veterinarian Visits
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.
Life Expectancy
Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois lifespan comparison. How long do Border Collie and Belgian Malinois breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Border Collie and Belgian Malinois?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois?
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.

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Border Collie or Belgian Malinois? Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois energy level comparison:
Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are high-energy dogs.
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.

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Border Collie or Belgian Malinois? Does the Border Collie breed eat more than the Belgian Malinois breed?
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.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois weight gain potential comparison:
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.

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois coat comparison:
Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Weather-resistant
Straight
Colors
What are the original Border Collie and Belgian Malinois color? Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois color comparison:
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
Which dog is easy to maintain, Border Collie or Belgian Malinois? Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois grooming comparison:
Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort.
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.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Border Collie or Belgian Malinois?
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.
Hypoallergenic
Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Border Collie or Belgian Malinois?

Medium

The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois?
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.

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
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.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Border Collie or Belgian Malinois?
Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
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 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
Which one could be a service dog?

Yes

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

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Border Collie or Belgian Malinois? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be 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.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois?

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.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

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.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog

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

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Border Collie and Belgian Malinois have? Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois litter size comparison:
4-8 puppies 6-10 puppies

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
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 Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
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

Rate This Comparsion - Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois

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