German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Australischer Kelpie or Malinois? Find the right dog for you
"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois"
Compare German Shepherd and Australian Kelpie. Which is better: German Shepherd or Australian Kelpie or Belgian Malinois?
Name | German Shepherd | Australian Kelpie | Belgian Malinois |
---|---|---|---|
Origins | Germany | Australia | Belgium |
Group | Pastoral / Herding Dogs | Working Dogs | Pastoral / Herding Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 2 | 523 | 44 |
Reviews | 19 | 3 | 3 |
User Ratings |
Other Names
What other names do they have? |
Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian |
Australischer Kelpie Barb Kelpie Australian Sheepdog | Malinois |
---|---|---|---|
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois breed type comparison: | Purebred | Purebred | Purebred |
German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois Size and Weight Comparison
Size
Which is bigger, German Shepherd or Australian Kelpie or Belgian Malinois? Which is the smallest dog, German Shepherd or Australian Kelpie or Belgian Malinois? | Large | Medium | Large |
---|---|---|---|
Weight
Which is heavier, German Shepherd or Australian Kelpie or Australian Kelpie? German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois weight comparison: | Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) | 25-45 pounds (11-20 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: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) | 35 pounds (15.5 kg) | Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Australian Kelpie or Belgian Malinois? German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois height comparison: | Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) | 17-20 inches (43-51 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: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) | 18.5 inches (47 cm) | Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm) |
German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois Price and Availability Comparison
Price
Which is cheaper, German Shepherd or Australian Kelpie or Belgian Malinois? Which is more expensive? | $800-$2000 | $500-$700 | $1200-$1400 |
---|---|---|---|
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Australian Kelpie or Belgian Malinois? | Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get. | 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. |
German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois intelligence: | Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. | Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. | Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed. |
---|---|---|---|
Trainability
German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois trainability comparison. | German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. | Australian Kelpie dogs are very easy to train. | Belgian Malinois dogs are very easy to train. |
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: German Shepherd or Australian Kelpie or Belgian Malinois? | German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. | Australian Kelpie dogs are one of the best watchdogs. | Belgian Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs. |
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog German Shepherd or Australian Kelpie or Belgian Malinois?
Which dog is most likely to protect its owner?
Which is the best dog to use for protection? | German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. | Australian Kelpie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. | Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory. |
German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois Personality and Temperament Comparison
Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, German Shepherd or Australian Kelpie or Belgian Malinois? German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois behavior/temperament comparison: |
Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful |
Energetic Alert Intelligent Friendly Loyal Robust Eager |
Active Stubborn Protective Alert Confident Friendly Watchful Hard working |
---|---|---|---|
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference? | Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. |
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois? | High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | Average: Australian Kelpie dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. | Slightly Below Average: Belgian Malinois dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. |
Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois social needs comparison: | German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. | Australian Kelpie dogs need for social interaction is average. | Belgian Malinois dogs are a social breed. |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? | German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. | The wanderlust potential of the Australian Kelpie is strong enough to escape from home. | The wanderlust potential of the Belgian Malinois is strong enough to escape from home. |
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting? | German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Australian Kelpie dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | 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. |
German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Playfulness
German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois playfulness comparison: | Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. | The Australian Kelpie is a playful breed. | The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed. |
---|---|---|---|
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois? | Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. | Low to Average: The Australian Kelpie rarely barks. | Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed. |
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly German Shepherd or Australian Kelpie 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 German Shepherd indoors. | It is not recommended to keep the Australian Kelpie 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. |
German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois Adaptability and Independence Comparison
Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog? | German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Australian Kelpie 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: German Shepherd or Australian Kelpie or Belgian Malinois? | Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. | 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. |
German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois Bite Characteristics Comparison
Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: German Shepherd or Australian Kelpie or Belgian Malinois? | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Australian Kelpie bite force: Ordinary. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak. |
---|---|---|---|
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison: | High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Australian Kelpie has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody. |
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois mouthiness comparison: | German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. | Australian Kelpie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. | Belgian Malinois dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. |
German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois Health and Lifespan Comparison
Health Issues
German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois health comparison. Which is the healthier: German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois? | German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs. | Australian Kelpies tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. | 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: German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois health problems comparison: |
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Cancer Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Blindness Cherry Eye Elbow Dysplasia Diabetes Heart Disease Retinal Dysplasia Demodectic Mange Degenerative Myelopathy Wobbler's Syndrome Panosteitis Hemophilia B Megaesophagus Cushing's Syndrome Lens Luxation Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Chronic Diarrhea Cruciate Ligament Rupture Digestive Problems Hemophilia A Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Lupus Myasthenia Gravis Nail Bed Disease Osteochondrosis Pannus Paralysis Perianal Fistula Seborrhea Vitiligo | Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Osteoarthritis Cerebellar Abiotrophy Collie Eye Anomaly | Hip Dysplasia Eye Problems Epilepsy Elbow Dysplasia |
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits? |
Rare The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). |
Frequent The Australian Kelpie should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. |
Average The Belgian Malinois should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Life Expectancy
German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois lifespan comparison. How long do German Shepherd, Australian Kelpie and Belgian Malinois breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? |
9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years |
10-14 years The average lifespan of Australian Kelpie: 12 years |
12-14 years The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years |
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie 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. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. |
German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Level
Who has more energy a German Shepherd or Australian Kelpie or Belgian Malinois?
German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois energy level comparison: | German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. | Australian Kelpie dogs are high-energy dogs. | Belgian Malinois dogs are high-energy dogs. |
---|---|---|---|
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Australian Kelpie or Belgian Malinois? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise. | Australian Kelpie dogs need quite a lot of exercise. | Belgian Malinois dogs need a lot of exercises. |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Australian Kelpie or Belgian Malinois? | German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep. | Australian Kelpie dogs don't need too much sleep. | Belgian Malinois dogs don't need too much sleep. |
German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: German Shepherd or Australian Kelpie or Belgian Malinois? | 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. | 1 to 2 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? German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois weight gain potential comparison: | Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. | Low to Average: The Australian Kelpie has a low to the average risk for obesity. | Low to Average: The Belgian Malinois has a low to the average risk for obesity. |
German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois coat comparison: | Fuzzy | Double |
Weather-resistant Straight |
---|---|---|---|
Colors
What are the original German Shepherd, Australian Kelpie and Belgian Malinois color? |
Black Tan Red Silver |
Black Tan Red Blue Brown Fawn Chocolate |
Black Cream Fawn Brindle |
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, German Shepherd or Australian Kelpie or Belgian Malinois? German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois grooming comparison: | Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. | Effortless: The Australian Kelpie requires minimal grooming. | Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort. |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or Australian Kelpie or Belgian Malinois? German Shepherd or Australian Kelpie or {name3 shedding: | German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. | Australian Kelpie dogs shed moderately. | Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately. |
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: German Shepherd or Australian Kelpie or Belgian Malinois? | 8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. | 8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. |
Hypoallergenic
German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not? | No See more. | No See more. | No See more. |
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois? | Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The Australian Kelpie 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? | The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Australian Kelpie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Belgian Malinois is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois Good With Comparison
Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets? | German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets. | Australian Kelpie dogs are generally with other pets. | Belgian Malinois dogs are generally with other pets. |
---|---|---|---|
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Australian Kelpie or Belgian Malinois? Which dog is more friendly? | German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. | Australian Kelpie 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 German Shepherd or Australian Kelpie or Belgian Malinois? | German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. | Australian Kelpie dogs are kid-friendly dogs. | Belgian Malinois dogs are kid-friendly dogs. |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Australian Kelpie or Belgian Malinois? | German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats. | Australian Kelpie dogs are average friendly towards cats. | Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats. |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Australian Kelpie or Belgian Malinois? | German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. | Australian Kelpie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. | Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. |
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois? |
Yes German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Yes Australian Kelpie 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 German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No Australian Kelpie 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? | German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people. | Australian Kelpies are usually recommended for elderly people. | Belgian Malinoiss are usually recommended for elderly people. |
German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie 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. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. |
---|---|---|---|
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: German Shepherd or Australian Kelpie or Belgian Malinois? Which is better for autism? | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. |
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. | 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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a 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. | Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. |
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois? | Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Australian Kelpie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Belgian Malinois breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
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. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
Fighting Dog / Military Dog | Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs. | 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. |
German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois Reproducibility Comparison
Gestation Length | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
---|---|---|---|
Litter Frequency | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Litter Size
How many puppies can German Shepherd and Australian Kelpie and Belgian Malinois have? | 6-10 puppies | 4-7 puppies | 6-10 puppies |
German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois Recognition Comparison
AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC? | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. | Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. | 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. | 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 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 German Shepherd Dog Club Of America |
American Canine Registry America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand 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 |
Popular Dog Compares
Sharing is caring.
Help our free service by spreading information about dog breeds.
Link to this: German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Australischer Kelpie or Malinois? Find the right dog for you
<a href="https://dogell.com/en/compare-dog-breeds/german-shepherd-vs-australian-kelpie-vs-belgian-malinois">German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Australischer Kelpie or Malinois? Find the right dog for you</a>
Help our free service by spreading information about dog breeds.
Link to this: German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Australischer Kelpie or Malinois? Find the right dog for you
<a href="https://dogell.com/en/compare-dog-breeds/german-shepherd-vs-australian-kelpie-vs-belgian-malinois">German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie vs Belgian Malinois Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Australischer Kelpie or Malinois? Find the right dog for you</a>