German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog – Which one is a better dog breed for you?
"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog"
Compare German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois. Which is better: German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Dutch Shepherd Dog?
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| Name | German Shepherd | Belgian Malinois | Dutch Shepherd Dog |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origins |  Germany |  Belgium |  Netherlands |
| Group | Pastoral Dogs (Herding Dogs) | Pastoral Dogs (Herding Dogs) | Pastoral Dogs (Herding Dogs) |
| Popularity Rank | 2 | 44 | 525 |
| Reviews | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Rate |
| Other Names | Alsatian, Berger Allemand, Alsatian wolf dog (UK), Deutscher Schäferhund, Schäferhund | Malinois | Dutch Shepherd Dog, Hollandse Herder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed Type | Purebred | Purebred | Purebred |
| AKC Group | 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 as a Miscellaneous breed. |
| FCI Group | 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 | 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 | American Canine Registry America's Pet Registry Continental Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Foundation Stock Service National Kennel Club United Kennel Club American Canine Association, Inc. |
| Price | $800-$2000 | $1200-$1400 | $1000-$1200 |
General Appearance - German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog
| Size | Large | Large | Large |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 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: 61-70 pounds (27-31 kg) Female: 52-61 pounds (23-27 kg) |
| Avg. Weight | Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) | Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg) | Male: 65.5 pounds (29 kg) Female: 56.5 pounds (25 kg) |
| Height | 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: 22-25 inches (56-63 cm), Female: 21-24 inches (53-61 cm) |
| Avg. 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: 23.5 inches (60 cm), Female: 22.5 inches (57 cm) |
Hair & Care - German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog
| Coat | Fuzzy | Weather-resistant Straight | Wiry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colors | Silver Tan Red Black | Brindle Cream Fawn Black | Blue Brindle Golden Grey Silver Yellow Salt & Pepper |
| Grooming | Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. | Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort. | Easy to groom: The Dutch Shepherd Dog doesn't require a lot of grooming. |
| Shedding Level | German Shepherds are heavy shedders. | Belgian Malinoiss shed moderately. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs shed moderately. |
Characteristics - German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog
| Temperament | Alert Courageous Intelligent Obedient Confident Curious Loyal Watchful | Active Alert Confident Friendly Hard working Protective Stubborn Watchful | Affectionate Alert Loyal Obedient Reliable Trainable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligent Rank | Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. | Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed. | Smart: Dutch Shepherd Dog's has great intelligence. |
| Trainability | German Shepherds are easy to train. | Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to train. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs are quite easy to train. |
| Playfulness | German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. | The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed. | The Dutch Shepherd Dog is a playful breed. |
| Sensitivity Level | German Shepherds don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household and frequent guest visits. | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. |
| Affection Level | German Shepherds are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | Belgian Malinoiss may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs are highly affectionate dogs. |
| Social Needs | German Shepherds need for social interaction is average. | Belgian Malinoiss are a social breed. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs are a social breed. |
| Barking | Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. | Average to high: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed. | Low to Average: The Dutch Shepherd Dog rarely barks. |
| Watchdog Ability | German Shepherds are one of the best watchdogs. | Belgian Malinoiss are one of the best watchdogs. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs are one of the best watchdogs. |
| Territorial | German Shepherds are extremely protective guard dogs. | Belgian Malinoiss strongly protect their territory. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. |
| Biting Potential |
High The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody. |
Low The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody. |
Low The Dutch Shepherd Dog has a low chance of biting somebody. |
| Mouthiness | German Shepherds have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. | Belgian Malinoiss have an average tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs have lower than average tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. |
| Impulse to Wander or Roam | German Shepherds are not the biggest explorers. | Wanderlust potential of the Belgian Malinois is strong enough to escape from home. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. |
| Prey Drive | German Shepherds have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Belgian Malinoiss 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. | Dutch Shepherd 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. |
| Apartment Friendly | German Shepherds are not the best choice for an apartment lifestyle, but they don't mind being inside if you walk them several times every day. | Belgian Malinoiss are not the best choice for an apartment lifestyle, but they don't mind being inside if you walk them several times every day. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs are not the best choice for an apartment lifestyle, but they don't mind being inside if you walk them several times every day. |
| Adaptability | German Shepherds adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Belgian Malinoiss adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually. |
| Tolerates Being Left Alone | Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. | Belgian Malinoiss 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 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. |
| Fighting Dog |
Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat 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. |
Good With - German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog
| Stranger Friendly | German Shepherds are stranger friendly dogs. | Belgian Malinoiss are not the most stranger friendly dogs. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs are not the most stranger friendly dogs. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Friendly | German Shepherds are very kid-friendly dogs. | Belgian Malinoiss are kid-friendly dogs. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs are average friendly dogs towards children. |
| Cat Friendly | German Shepherds are average friendly towards cats. | Belgian Malinoiss are average friendly towards cats. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs. |
| Dog Friendly | German Shepherds are not the most dog-friendly dogs. | Belgian Malinoiss are average friendly towards other dogs. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. |
| Office Friendly |
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 Dutch Shepherd Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
| Senior Citizens Friendly | German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people. | Belgian Malinoiss are usually recommended for elderly people. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs are commonly okay with elderly people. |
| Pet Friendly | German Shepherds are generally with other pets. | Belgian Malinoiss are generally with other pets. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets. |
| Good For First Time Owners |
No German Shepherds are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality. |
No Belgian Malinoiss are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality. |
Yes Dutch Shepherd Dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
| Service Dog |
Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. |
Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. |
Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
| Therapy Dog |
Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. |
Not really This breed generally not used as a therapy dog. |
Not really This breed generally not used as a therapy dog. |
| Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog |
Yes A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones. |
Yes A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones. |
Yes A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones. |
| Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) |
Yes The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people. |
Yes The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people. |
Yes The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people. |
| Boat Dog |
Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
Not really Belgian Malinois breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
Not really Dutch Shepherd Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
| 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. |
Health Factors - German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog
| Health Issues | 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 Dutch Shepherd Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Problems | Allergies Blindness Bloat Cancer Cataracts Cherry Eye Chronic Diarrhea Cruciate Ligament Rupture Cushing's Syndrome Degenerative Myelopathy Demodectic Mange Diabetes Digestive Problems Elbow Dysplasia Epilepsy Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Heart Disease Hemophilia A Hemophilia B Hip Dysplasia Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Lens Luxation Lupus Megaesophagus Myasthenia Gravis Nail Bed Disease Osteochondrosis Pannus Panosteitis Paralysis Perianal Fistula Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Retinal Dysplasia Seborrhea Vitiligo Von Willebrand's Disease Wobbler's Syndrome | Elbow Dysplasia Epilepsy Eye Problems Hip Dysplasia | No set |
| Life Expectancy | 10-13 years | 12-14 years | 12-15 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No | No |
| Energy Level | German Shepherds are high energy dogs. | Belgian Malinoiss are high energy dogs. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. |
| Exercise Need | German Shepherds need quite a lot of exercise. | Belgian Malinoiss need a lot of exercises. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs have an average exercise need. |
| Sleeping Need | German Shepherds don't need too much sleep. | Belgian Malinoiss don't need too much sleep. | Dutch Shepherd Dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend to much time with sleeping. |
| Avg. daily food consumption | 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. | 3 to 4.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. |
| Weight Gain Potential | Low to Average. | Low to Average. | Low to Average. |
| Weather & Climate | Tolerates warm and cold weather. | Tolerates warm and cold weather. | Tolerates warm and cold weather. |
| Stinkiness |
Medium The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. |
Medium The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell. |
Medium The Dutch Shepherd Dog has an average chance of bad smell. |
| Drooling tendency | The German Shepherd is a perfect example for very low drooling tendency. | The Belgian Malinois is a perfect example for very low drooling tendency. | The Dutch Shepherd Dog is a perfect example for low drooling tendency. |
Reproducibility - German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog
| Gestation Length | 60-64 days | 60-64 days | 60-64 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| How often can the have a litter? |
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 | 6-10 puppies | 6-10 puppies | 6-10 puppies |
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Reviews
- 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!!!
- 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.