• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Malinois or Tervuren? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren" Compare German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois. Which is better: German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Belgian Tervuren?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Belgian Malinois Belgian Tervuren
OriginsGermany flagGermany Belgium flagBelgium Belgium flagBelgium
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank244103
Reviews1930
User Ratings

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

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Belgian Tervuren? Which is the smallest dog, German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Belgian Tervuren?
Large Large Large
Weight
Which is heavier, German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Belgian Malinois? German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren 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) 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) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Belgian Tervuren? German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren height comparison:
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) 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) Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm)

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Belgian Tervuren? Which is more expensive?
$800-$2000 $1200-$1400 $1200-$1400
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Belgian Tervuren?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The Belgian Tervuren is easier than average to get.

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Belgian Tervuren? German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren behavior/temperament comparison:
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Active
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Watchful
Hard working
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Loyal
Attentive
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.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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 vs Belgian Tervuren?
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.
See more.
Average to High: Belgian Tervuren dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Belgian Tervuren dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the Belgian Malinois is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Belgian Tervuren dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
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.
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.
Belgian Tervuren dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren playfulness comparison:
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed.
See more.
The Belgian Tervuren is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed.
See more.
A lot: Belgian Tervuren is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Belgian Tervuren?
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.
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 Tervuren indoors.

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren 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.
Belgian Tervuren 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 or Belgian Tervuren?
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.
Belgian Tervuren 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 vs Belgian Tervuren Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Belgian Tervuren bite force: Ordinary.
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 Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Belgian Tervuren has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren mouthiness comparison:
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Belgian Tervuren dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren health comparison. Which is the healthier: German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren?
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.
The Belgian Tervuren 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 vs Belgian Tervuren? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren 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
No data available
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).
Average
The Belgian Malinois should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Belgian Tervuren should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren lifespan comparison. How long do German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois and Belgian Tervuren breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Tervuren: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren?
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.
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 vs Belgian Tervuren Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Belgian Tervuren? German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren energy level comparison:
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are high-energy dogs.
Belgian Tervuren dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Belgian Tervuren? 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.
Belgian Tervuren dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Belgian Tervuren?
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Belgian Malinois dogs don't need too much sleep.
Belgian Tervuren dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Belgian Tervuren?
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. 2 to 3 cups of a high-quality dog food a day.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren weight gain potential comparison:
Low to Average: The German Shepherd 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.
Low to Average: The Belgian Tervuren has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren coat comparison:
Fuzzy Weather-resistant
Straight
Thick
Double
Colors
What are the original German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois and Belgian Tervuren color?
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Cream
Fawn
Brindle
Black
Cream
Fawn
Brindle
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Belgian Tervuren? German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren grooming comparison:
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Belgian Tervuren requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Belgian Tervuren? German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or {name3 shedding:
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Belgian Tervuren dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Belgian Tervuren?
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.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren?

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Belgian Tervuren 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.
See more.
The Belgian Malinois is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Belgian Tervuren is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren 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.
Belgian Tervuren dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Belgian Tervuren? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Belgian Tervuren dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Belgian Tervuren?
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Belgian Tervuren dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Belgian Tervuren?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Belgian Tervuren dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Belgian Tervuren?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Belgian Tervuren dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren?
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.
Yes
Belgian Tervuren 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.
No
Belgian Tervuren 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.
Belgian Tervurens are usually recommended for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Belgian Tervuren? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

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.
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.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren?

Not really

German Shepherd 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.

Not really

Belgian Tervuren 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.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
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 Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren 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.
See more.

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 and Belgian Tervuren have?
6-10 puppies 6-10 puppies 6-10 puppies

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren 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. 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. 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
No data available

Rate This Comparsion - German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren

Reviews