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Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois Comparison – Which dog is better Hollandse Herder or Malinois?

"Find similarities and differences between Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois" Compare Dutch Shepherd Dog and Belgian Malinois. Which is better: Dutch Shepherd Dog or Belgian Malinois?
 
 
 
Name Dutch Shepherd Dog Belgian Malinois
OriginsNetherlands flagNetherlands Belgium flagBelgium
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank52544
Reviews210
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Hollandse Herder
Dutch Shepherd Dog
Malinois
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, Dutch Shepherd Dog or Belgian Malinois? Is the Dutch Shepherd Dog bigger than the Belgian Malinois breed? Is a Dutch Shepherd Dog smaller than a Belgian Malinois?
Large Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Dutch Shepherd Dog or Belgian Malinois? Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois weight comparison:
Male: 61-70 pounds (27-31 kg) Female: 52-61 pounds (23-27 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: 65.5 pounds (29 kg) Female: 56.5 pounds (25 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Dutch Shepherd Dog or Belgian Malinois? Is a Dutch Shepherd Dog taller than a Belgian Malinois?
Male: 22-25 inches (56-63 cm), Female: 21-24 inches (53-61 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: 23.5 inches (60 cm), Female: 22.5 inches (57 cm) Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm)

Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Dutch Shepherd Dog or Belgian Malinois? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Dutch Shepherd Dog and Belgian Malinois?
$1000-$1200 $1200-$1400
Availability
Which is easier to get, Dutch Shepherd Dog 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 Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get.

Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Dutch Shepherd Dog or Belgian Malinois smarter? Which is best? Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois intelligence:
Smart: The Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Trainability
Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois trainability comparison. What's the difference between Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois?
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Dutch Shepherd Dog or Belgian Malinois?
Dutch Shepherd Dog 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 Dutch Shepherd Dog or Belgian Malinois? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Dutch Shepherd Dog or Belgian Malinois? Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois behavior/temperament comparison:
Alert
Affectionate
Obedient
Reliable
Loyal
Trainable
Active
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Watchful
Hard working
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois?
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois?
Average to High: Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
Slightly Below Average: Belgian Malinois dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
See more.
Social Needs
Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois social needs comparison:
Dutch Shepherd Dog 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? What's the difference between Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois?
Dutch Shepherd Dog 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 Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois? Which can be better for hunting?
Dutch Shepherd Dog 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.

Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Average: Dutch Shepherd Dog 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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Dutch Shepherd Dog or Belgian Malinois?
Dutch Shepherd Dog 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.

Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Dutch Shepherd Dog or Belgian Malinois?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Dutch Shepherd Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.
Biting Potential
Is a Dutch Shepherd Dog more dangerous than a Belgian Malinois?

Low 🔽

The Dutch Shepherd Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois mouthiness comparison:
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Belgian Malinois dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois health comparison. Which is the healthier: Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois?
The Dutch Shepherd Dog 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: Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois health problems comparison:
No data available Hip Dysplasia
Eye Problems
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois?
Average
The Dutch Shepherd Dog 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
Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois lifespan comparison. How long do Dutch Shepherd Dog and Belgian Malinois breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Dutch Shepherd Dog and Belgian Malinois?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Dutch Shepherd Dog: 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: Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois?
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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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.

Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Dutch Shepherd Dog or Belgian Malinois? Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois energy level comparison:
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Belgian Malinois dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Dutch Shepherd Dog or Belgian Malinois? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs have an average exercise need.
Belgian Malinois dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Dutch Shepherd Dog or Belgian Malinois?
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Belgian Malinois dogs don't need too much sleep.

Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Dutch Shepherd Dog or Belgian Malinois? Does the Dutch Shepherd Dog breed eat more than the Belgian Malinois breed?
3 to 4.5 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.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois weight gain potential comparison:
Low to Average: The Dutch Shepherd Dog 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.
See more.

Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois coat comparison:
Wiry Weather-resistant
Straight
Colors
What are the original Dutch Shepherd Dog and Belgian Malinois color? Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois color comparison:
Blue
Silver
Yellow
Brindle
Golden
Grey
Salt & Pepper
Black
Cream
Fawn
Brindle
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Dutch Shepherd Dog or Belgian Malinois? Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois grooming comparison:
Easy to groom: The Dutch Shepherd Dog doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Dutch Shepherd Dog or Belgian Malinois? Do Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs shed more than Belgian Malinois dogs?
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs shed moderately.
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Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Dutch Shepherd Dog or Belgian Malinois?
8-12 weeks
Very 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
Dutch Shepherd Dog 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, Dutch Shepherd Dog or Belgian Malinois?

Medium

The Dutch Shepherd Dog 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 Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois?
The Dutch Shepherd Dog is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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The Belgian Malinois is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Belgian Malinois dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Dutch Shepherd Dog or Belgian Malinois? Which dog is more friendly?
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Dutch Shepherd Dog or Belgian Malinois?
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Belgian Malinois dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Dutch Shepherd Dog or Belgian Malinois?
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Dutch Shepherd Dog or Belgian Malinois? Can a Dutch Shepherd Dog and a Belgian Malinois be friends? Do Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs get along with Belgian Malinois dogs?
Dutch Shepherd Dog 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: Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois?
Yes
Dutch Shepherd Dog 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
Dutch Shepherd Dog 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?
Dutch Shepherd Dogs are commonly okay with elderly people.
Belgian Malinoiss are usually recommended for elderly people.

Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

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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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Dutch Shepherd Dog or Belgian Malinois? Which is better for autism?

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.
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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: Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois?

Not really

Dutch Shepherd Dog 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.
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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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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.

Dutch Shepherd Dog 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 Dutch Shepherd Dog and Belgian Malinois have? Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois litter size comparison:
6-10 puppies 6-10 puppies

Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club as a Miscellaneous breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Not recognized by FCI. Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
American Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Foundation Stock Service
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 - Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois

Reviews

  • Don Rem

    Dec 14, 2019, 3:36:57 PM:

    So true are you. Our The Best. mother is Dutch, Ist generation and father is second generation Belgium. The best.

  • J.T

    Feb 19, 2020, 4:20:56 AM:

    I Have owned both a Dutch Shepherd and several German Shepherds (never a Malinois) and I strongly disagree with many of the comparisons!!!

  • Rob P.

    Mar 17, 2020, 5:29:06 AM:

    Have owned and worked both dogs in the field. Your comparison is to far apart. Generally these dogs are the same, but just like people they are individuals.

  • Tom K

    Mar 26, 2020, 3:09:35 AM:

    Have owned both breeds. The comments and comparisons and observations made are generally accurate.

  • Floman

    May 15, 2020, 5:40:50 AM:

    Dutch shepherds and malinois are extremely mouthy, they always want to work they both have the most drive out of just about any dog breed, malinois are known to bite If not properly structured, alot of this information is wrong of off.

  • C.K.

    May 29, 2020, 9:03:00 PM:

    I have a Malinois and our family has a German shepherd and a friend with a Dutchie, I do not agree with some of these comparisons. My Malinois, along with the other's I've met have had very high prey drives, and a strong tendency to nip, chew etc.

  • Em

    Sep 7, 2020, 2:15:12 PM:

    Most of the comparisons are incorrect, I would know: I grew up with and owned a GSD, I now own a Dutch Herder and my sister owns a Belgian Malinois.

  • CN

    Apr 19, 2021, 11:03:34 PM:

    who made this. they need to try again.

  • Dierdra McElroy

    Nov 19, 2023, 6:03:36 PM:

    Reviews like this are what cause I equipped people to buy these breeds, realize they are in over their heads and the dogs suffer the consequences :(