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Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois vs American Pit Bull Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: Sheepdog or Malinois or Pit? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois vs American Pit Bull Terrier" Compare Border Collie and Belgian Malinois. Which is better: Border Collie or Belgian Malinois or American Pit Bull Terrier?
Name Border Collie Belgian Malinois American Pit Bull Terrier
OriginsEngland flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales Belgium flagBelgium United States flagUnited States
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank3844336
Reviews131014
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier breeds.
Sheepdog
Scotch Sheep Dog
Malinois Pit
Pit Bull
Pitbull
Pitty
APBT
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois vs American Pit Bull Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier? Compare adult weight ranges.
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) 22-78 pounds (10-35 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) 50 pounds (22.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Border Collie or Belgian Malinois or American Pit Bull Terrier? Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois vs American Pit Bull Terrier height comparison:
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) 14-24 inches (35-60 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) 19 inches (47.5 cm)

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois vs American Pit Bull Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Find price differences between these breeds.
$600-$800 $1200-$1400 $500-$700
Availability
Which is easier to get, Border Collie or Belgian Malinois or American Pit Bull Terrier?
Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get.
Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier is a commonly available dog breed.

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois vs American Pit Bull Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which is easiest to train?
Border Collie dogs are easy to train.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are very easy to train.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which breed is most alert?
Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which breed is most protective?
Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are average defenders.
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Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois vs American Pit Bull Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier? Compare temperaments.
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Tenacious
Active
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Watchful
Hard working
Stubborn
Clownish
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Obedient
Loyal
Strong
Willed
Aggressive
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Border Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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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: Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois vs American Pit Bull Terrier?
High: Border Collie 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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High: American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois vs American Pit Bull Terrier social needs comparison:
Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are a social breed.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Border Collie 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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The wanderlust potential of the American Pit Bull Terrier 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?
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.
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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.
See more.
American Pit Bull 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.
See more.

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois vs American Pit Bull Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois vs American Pit Bull Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which breed is most flexible?
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.
Average: American Pit Bull Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Border Collie or Belgian Malinois or American Pit Bull Terrier?
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.
American Pit Bull 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.

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois vs American Pit Bull Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The American Pit Bull Terrier has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which uses mouth most during play?
Border Collie 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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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

American Pit Bull Terrier bite force: Ordinary.

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois vs American Pit Bull Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which handles climate changes best?
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.
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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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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which has fewer health issues?
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.
American Pit Bull Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
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.
Frequent
The American Pit Bull Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois vs American Pit Bull Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois vs American Pit Bull Terrier health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Collie Eye Anomaly
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hip Dysplasia
Eye Problems
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Skin Allergies

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois vs American Pit Bull Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which breed is most active?
Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are high-energy dogs.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois vs American Pit Bull Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Border Collie or Belgian Malinois or American Pit Bull Terrier? 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.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Border Collie or Belgian Malinois or American Pit Bull Terrier?
Border Collie dogs don't need too much sleep.
Belgian Malinois dogs don't need too much sleep.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois vs American Pit Bull Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Border Collie has an 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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Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which needs most food?
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. Recommended daily amount: 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois vs American Pit Bull Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Medium

The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The American Pit Bull Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Weather-resistant
Straight
Fine
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which requires most frequent baths?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Border Collie or Belgian Malinois or American Pit Bull Terrier? Border Collie or Belgian Malinois or {name3 shedding:
Border Collie dogs shed moderately.
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Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs shed moderately.
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Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois vs American Pit Bull Terrier Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which is best with kids?
Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
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.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Border Collie or Belgian Malinois or American Pit Bull Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Belgian Malinois dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Border Collie or Belgian Malinois or American Pit Bull Terrier?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Border Collie or Belgian Malinois or American Pit Bull Terrier?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are not dog-friendly.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois vs American Pit Bull Terrier?
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.
Yes
American Pit Bull Terrier 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.
No
American Pit Bull Terrier 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.
American Pit Bull Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois vs American Pit Bull Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which is best suited for service work?

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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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a 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 Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which has best nose work ability?

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

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 Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which is best for SAR work?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Border Collie 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.
See more.

Not really

American Pit Bull Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier. 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 Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which has most military use?

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.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois vs American Pit Bull Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which has most puppies?
4-8 puppies 6-10 puppies 5-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier. 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.

Border Collie vs Belgian Malinois vs American Pit Bull Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Not recognized by FCI. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which has most recognition?
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
American Canine Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Backwoods Bulldog Club

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