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German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Comparison – Which dog is better Alsatian wolf dog or Malinois?

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois" Compare German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois. Which is better: German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Belgian Malinois
OriginsGermany flagGermany Belgium flagBelgium
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank244
Reviews193
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Malinois
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois? Is the German Shepherd bigger than the Belgian Malinois breed? Is a German Shepherd smaller than a Belgian Malinois?
Large Large
Weight
Which is heavier, German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois? German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois weight comparison:
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 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) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois? Is a German Shepherd taller than a Belgian Malinois?
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 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) Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm)

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois?
$800-$2000 $1200-$1400
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get.

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois smarter? Which is best? German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois intelligence:
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed.
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Trainability
German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois trainability comparison. What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois?
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois?
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog German Shepherd 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.
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Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory.
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German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois? German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois behavior/temperament comparison:
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Active
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Watchful
Hard working
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois?
Sensitive: German Shepherd 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: German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois?
High: German Shepherd 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.
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Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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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 German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois?
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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The wanderlust potential of the Belgian Malinois is strong enough to escape from home.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois? Which can be better for hunting?
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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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.

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois playfulness comparison:
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd 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 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 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.
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 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.

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

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

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois mouthiness comparison:
German Shepherd 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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German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois health comparison. Which is the healthier: German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois?
German Shepherds 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.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd 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
Eye Problems
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois?
Rare
The German Shepherd 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.
Life Expectancy
German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois lifespan comparison. How long do German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 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 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.

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois? German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois energy level comparison:
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
German Shepherd 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 Belgian Malinois?
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Belgian Malinois dogs don't need too much sleep.

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois? Does the German Shepherd breed eat more than the Belgian Malinois breed?
3 to 4 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 Belgian Malinois weight gain potential comparison:
Low to Average: The German Shepherd 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.

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois coat comparison:
Fuzzy Weather-resistant
Straight
Colors
What are the original German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois color? German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois color comparison:
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Cream
Fawn
Brindle
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois? German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois grooming comparison:
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois? Do German Shepherd dogs shed more than Belgian Malinois dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois?
8-12 weeks
Very 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.
Hypoallergenic
German Shepherd 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, German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois?

Medium

The German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois?
The German Shepherd 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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German Shepherd 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.
Belgian Malinois dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are 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 Belgian Malinois?
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois?
German Shepherd 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 Belgian Malinois? Can a German Shepherd and a Belgian Malinois be friends? Do German Shepherd dogs get along with Belgian Malinois dogs?
German Shepherd 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: German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois?
Yes
German Shepherd 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
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.
Belgian Malinoiss are usually recommended for elderly people.

German Shepherd 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.
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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: German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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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: German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois?

Not really

German Shepherd 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.
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.
See more.

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

Yes

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

Not really

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

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

German Shepherd 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. 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. 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
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 - German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois

Reviews

  • Pug vs boston terrier

    Mar 24, 2021, 2:10:59 AM:

  • Mj

    Jun 3, 2022, 11:29:07 PM:

    The Belgium malinois is heavily used as a military dog