• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois Comparison – Which dog is better Doberman or Malinois?

"Find similarities and differences between Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois" Compare Doberman Pinscher and Belgian Malinois. Which is better: Doberman Pinscher or Belgian Malinois?
 
 
 
Name Doberman Pinscher Belgian Malinois
OriginsGermany flagGermany Belgium flagBelgium
Group Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank1644
Reviews1810
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Doberman Pinscher and Belgian Malinois. What other names are these breeds known by?
Doberman
Dobermann
Dobynm
Dobie
Malinois
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Doberman Pinscher and a Belgian Malinois. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Doberman Pinscher or a Belgian Malinois? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Medium Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Doberman Pinscher and a Belgian Malinois. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 88-99 pounds (40-45 kg), Female: 71-77 pounds (32-35 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: 93.5 pounds (42.5 kg), Female: 74 pounds (33.5 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Doberman Pinscher or Belgian Malinois? Is a Doberman Pinscher taller than a Belgian Malinois?
Male: 26-28 inches (66-71cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 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: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm)

Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Doberman Pinscher and a Belgian Malinois. Which breed costs more?
$800-$1000 $1200-$1400
Availability
Which is easier to get, Doberman Pinscher or Belgian Malinois?
Very frequent: The Doberman Pinscher is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get.

Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Doberman Pinscher or a Belgian Malinois? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Outstanding: Doberman Pinscher is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Doberman Pinscher or a Belgian Malinois? Compare training requirements.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Doberman Pinscher or a Belgian Malinois? Compare alertness levels.
Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher or a Belgian Malinois? Compare territorial behaviors.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Doberman Pinscher and a Belgian Malinois. How do their temperaments differ?
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Obedient
Loyal
Fearless
Active
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Watchful
Hard working
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois?
Sensitive: Doberman Pinscher 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: Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois?
High: Doberman Pinscher 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
Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois social needs comparison:
Doberman Pinscher dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois?
Doberman Pinscher dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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 Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois? Which can be better for hunting?
Their prey drive is low.
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.

Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Doberman Pinscher or a Belgian Malinois? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The Doberman Pinscher rarely barks.
See more.
Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Doberman Pinscher or a Belgian Malinois? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: Doberman Pinschers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Doberman Pinscher or a Belgian Malinois? Compare living space needs.
Very house-friendly dog the Doberman Pinscher breed.
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.

Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Doberman Pinscher or a Belgian Malinois? Compare adaptability levels.
Doberman Pinscher 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: Doberman Pinscher or Belgian Malinois?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Belgian Malinois dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Doberman Pinscher or a Belgian Malinois? Compare biting tendencies.

Moderate

The Doberman Pinscher has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Doberman Pinscher or a Belgian Malinois? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Doberman Pinscher dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, 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 Doberman Pinscher or a Belgian Malinois? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Doberman Pinscher bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.

Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Doberman Pinscher or a Belgian Malinois? Compare average lifespans.
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Doberman Pinscher: 11 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Doberman Pinscher or a Belgian Malinois? Compare climate tolerances.
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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 Doberman Pinscher and a Belgian Malinois. Which breed is healthier?
Doberman Pinschers are commonly healthy dogs.
The Belgian Malinois is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois?
Rare
The Doberman Pinscher should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Belgian Malinois should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Wobbler's Syndrome
Cardiomyopathy
Hip Dysplasia
Eye Problems
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia

Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Doberman Pinscher or a Belgian Malinois? Compare activity levels.
Doberman Pinscher dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Belgian Malinois dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Doberman Pinscher or Belgian Malinois? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Doberman Pinscher dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Belgian Malinois dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Doberman Pinscher or Belgian Malinois?
Doberman Pinscher 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.

Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Doberman Pinscher or a Belgian Malinois? Compare obesity risks.
Average: The Doberman Pinscher 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.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Doberman Pinscher or a Belgian Malinois? Compare daily food needs.
5 to 6 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.

Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Doberman Pinscher or a Belgian Malinois? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Doberman Pinscher and Belgian Malinois? Compare breed colors.
Black
Tan
Red
Blue
White
Brown
Black
Cream
Fawn
Brindle
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Doberman Pinscher or a Belgian Malinois? Compare maintenance needs.
Easy to groom: The Doberman Pinscher doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Doberman Pinscher or a Belgian Malinois? Compare drooling amounts.
The Doberman Pinscher drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
See more.
The Belgian Malinois is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Doberman Pinscher or a Belgian Malinois? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher and a Belgian Malinois? Compare fur types.
Fine Weather-resistant
Straight
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Doberman Pinscher or a Belgian Malinois? Compare bathing frequencies.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Doberman Pinscher or Belgian Malinois? Do Doberman Pinscher dogs shed more than Belgian Malinois dogs?
Doberman Pinscher dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Doberman Pinscher or a Belgian Malinois? Compare kid-friendliness.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Belgian Malinois dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Doberman Pinscher dogs are generally with other pets.
Belgian Malinois dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Doberman Pinscher or Belgian Malinois? Which dog is more friendly?
Doberman Pinscher dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Doberman Pinscher or Belgian Malinois?
Doberman Pinscher dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Doberman Pinscher or Belgian Malinois? Can a Doberman Pinscher and a Belgian Malinois be friends? Do Doberman Pinscher dogs get along with Belgian Malinois dogs?
Doberman Pinscher dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois?
Yes
Doberman Pinscher 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
Doberman Pinscher 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?
Doberman Pinschers are commonly okay with elderly people.
Belgian Malinoiss are usually recommended for elderly people.

Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Doberman Pinscher or a Belgian Malinois? Compare service capabilities.

Not really

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

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Doberman Pinscher or a Belgian Malinois? Compare therapy capabilities.

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
Which is better at detection work: a Doberman Pinscher or a Belgian Malinois? Compare scenting abilities.

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
Which is better for search and rescue: a Doberman Pinscher or a Belgian Malinois? Compare SAR abilities.

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
Which is better on boats: a Doberman Pinscher or a Belgian Malinois? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher and Belgian Malinois. Which has stronger military background?

Yes

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

Not really

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

Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Doberman Pinscher and Belgian Malinois. Which has larger litters?
6-10 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Doberman Pinscher and Belgian Malinois breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Doberman Pinscher 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.

Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Doberman Pinscher and Belgian Malinois. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Doberman Pinscher and Belgian Malinois. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Pinscher and Schnauzer type section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Doberman Pinscher and Belgian Malinois. Which is more widely recognized?
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
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry
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 - Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois

Reviews

  • George

    Dec 16, 2019, 4:48:24 AM:

    Lots of incorrect and contradicting information.

  • Stuart

    Dec 23, 2019, 8:31:14 AM:

    I am with George...some of this stuff is incorrect. Both Malinois and Dobermans have historically been used in the military. Dobermans were used for fighting a while back. Both breeds do therapy work, and Dobermans can have a prey drive.

  • Zaneta Petroska

    Feb 17, 2021, 8:24:54 PM:

    Belgian Malinois it’s better than Dobermans in every case incorrect information