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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

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Dutch Shepherd Dog and Belgian Malinois. What other names are these breeds known by?
Hollandse Herder
Dutch Shepherd Dog
Malinois
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Dutch Shepherd Dog and a Belgian Malinois. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Dutch Shepherd Dog or a Belgian Malinois? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Dutch Shepherd Dog and a Belgian Malinois. Which breed is heavier?
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 Range
Compare puppy prices between a Dutch Shepherd Dog and a Belgian Malinois. Which breed costs more?
$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

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Dutch Shepherd Dog or a Belgian Malinois? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Smart: The Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Dutch Shepherd Dog or a Belgian Malinois? Compare training requirements.
Dutch Shepherd Dog 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 Dutch Shepherd Dog or a Belgian Malinois? Compare alertness levels.
Dutch Shepherd Dog 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 Dutch Shepherd Dog or a Belgian Malinois? Compare territorial behaviors.
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

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Dutch Shepherd Dog and a Belgian Malinois. How do their temperaments differ?
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.
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 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

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Dutch Shepherd Dog or a Belgian Malinois? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The Dutch Shepherd Dog rarely barks.
See more.
Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Dutch Shepherd Dog or a Belgian Malinois? Compare play drive and energy.
The Dutch Shepherd Dog is a playful breed.
See more.
The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Dutch Shepherd Dog or a Belgian Malinois? Compare living space needs.
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

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Dutch Shepherd Dog or a Belgian Malinois? Compare adaptability levels.
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.
Alone Time Tolerance
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 Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Dutch Shepherd Dog or a Belgian Malinois? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Dutch Shepherd Dog 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 Dutch Shepherd Dog or a Belgian Malinois? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Dutch Shepherd Dog 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 Dutch Shepherd Dog or a Belgian Malinois? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Dutch Shepherd Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.

Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Dutch Shepherd Dog or a Belgian Malinois? Compare average lifespans.
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Dutch Shepherd Dog: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Dutch Shepherd Dog or a Belgian Malinois? Compare climate tolerances.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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 Dutch Shepherd Dog and a Belgian Malinois. Which breed is healthier?
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.
Vet Care Frequency
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.
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

Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Dutch Shepherd Dog or a Belgian Malinois? Compare activity levels.
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

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Dutch Shepherd Dog or a Belgian Malinois? Compare obesity risks.
Low to Average: The Dutch Shepherd Dog has a low to the 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 Dutch Shepherd Dog or a Belgian Malinois? Compare daily food needs.
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.

Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Dutch Shepherd Dog or a Belgian Malinois? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Dutch Shepherd Dog and Belgian Malinois? Compare breed colors.
Blue
Silver
Yellow
Brindle
Golden
Grey
Salt & Pepper
Black
Cream
Fawn
Brindle
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Dutch Shepherd Dog or a Belgian Malinois? Compare maintenance needs.
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.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Dutch Shepherd Dog or a Belgian Malinois? Compare drooling amounts.
The Dutch Shepherd Dog is a perfect example of a 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 Dutch Shepherd Dog or a Belgian Malinois? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Dutch Shepherd Dog 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 Dutch Shepherd Dog and a Belgian Malinois? Compare fur types.
Wiry Weather-resistant
Straight
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Dutch Shepherd Dog or a Belgian Malinois? Compare bathing frequencies.
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.
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.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Dutch Shepherd Dog or a Belgian Malinois? Compare kid-friendliness.
Dutch Shepherd Dog 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?
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.
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 Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Dutch Shepherd Dog 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 Dutch Shepherd Dog 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 Dutch Shepherd Dog 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 Dutch Shepherd Dog 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 Dutch Shepherd Dog or a Belgian Malinois? Compare maritime abilities.

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.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Dutch Shepherd Dog 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 Dutch Shepherd Dog 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.

Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois Reproducibility Comparison

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

Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Dutch Shepherd Dog and Belgian Malinois. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club as a Miscellaneous breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Dutch Shepherd Dog and Belgian Malinois. Which groups are they in?
Not recognized by FCI. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Dutch Shepherd Dog and Belgian Malinois. Which is more widely recognized?
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 :(