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

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs German Malinois" Compare German Shepherd and German Malinois. Which is better: German Shepherd or German Malinois?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd German Malinois
OriginsGermany flagGermany Germany flagGermany Belgium flagBelgium
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank21416
Reviews210
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for German Shepherd and German Malinois. What other names are these breeds known by?
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
No data available
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a German Shepherd and a German Malinois. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Cross Breed

German Shepherd vs German Malinois Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a German Shepherd or a German Malinois? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a German Shepherd and a German Malinois. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or German Malinois? Is a German Shepherd taller than a German 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 German Malinois Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a German Shepherd and a German Malinois. Which breed costs more?
$800-$2000 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or German Malinois?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Malinois is quite easy to get.

German Shepherd vs German Malinois Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a German Shepherd or a German Malinois? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Outstanding: German Malinois is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a German Shepherd or a German Malinois? Compare training requirements.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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German Malinois dogs are very easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a German Shepherd or a German Malinois? Compare alertness levels.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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German Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a German Shepherd or a German Malinois? Compare territorial behaviors.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Malinois dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Shepherd vs German Malinois Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a German Shepherd and a German Malinois. How do their temperaments differ?
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Active
Curious
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Hard working
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs German Malinois?
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Sensitive: German Malinois dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs German Malinois?
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: German Malinois dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Social Needs
German Shepherd vs German Malinois social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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German 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 German Malinois?
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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German Malinois dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs German 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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German Malinois dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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German Shepherd vs German Malinois Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a German Shepherd or a German Malinois? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Average: The German Malinois barks occasionally.
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Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a German Shepherd or a German Malinois? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The German Malinois is a playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a German Shepherd or a German 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 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 German Malinois indoors.

German Shepherd vs German Malinois Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a German Shepherd or a German Malinois? Compare adaptability levels.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
German Malinois dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or German Malinois?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
German 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 German Malinois Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a German Shepherd or a German Malinois? Compare biting tendencies.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The German Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a German Shepherd or a German Malinois? Compare mouthing behaviors.
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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German Malinois dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a German Shepherd or a German Malinois? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Malinois bite force: Ordinary.

German Shepherd vs German Malinois Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a German Shepherd or a German Malinois? Compare average lifespans.
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of German Malinois: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a German Shepherd or a German 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.
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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.
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Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a German Shepherd and a German Malinois. Which breed is healthier?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
German Malinoiss are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: German Shepherd vs German Malinois?
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The German Malinois should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs German Malinois? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs German 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
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Eye Problems
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

German Shepherd vs German Malinois Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a German Shepherd or a German Malinois? Compare activity levels.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
German Malinois dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs German Malinois exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or German Malinois? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
German Malinois dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or German Malinois?
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
German Malinois dogs don't need too much sleep.

German Shepherd vs German Malinois Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a German Shepherd or a German Malinois? Compare obesity risks.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The German Malinois has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Which eats more: a German Shepherd or a German Malinois? Compare daily food needs.
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

German Shepherd vs German Malinois Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a German Shepherd or a German Malinois? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for German Shepherd and German Malinois? Compare breed colors.
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Tan
Red
Cream
Silver
Fawn
Brindle
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a German Shepherd or a German Malinois? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The German Malinois requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a German Shepherd or a German Malinois? Compare drooling amounts.
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The German Malinois is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a German Shepherd or a German Malinois? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a German Shepherd and a German Malinois? Compare fur types.
Fuzzy Fuzzy
Weather-resistant
Straight
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a German Shepherd or a German Malinois? Compare bathing frequencies.
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.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or German Malinois? Do German Shepherd dogs shed more than German Malinois dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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German Malinois dogs shed above average.
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German Shepherd vs German Malinois Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a German Shepherd or a German Malinois? Compare kid-friendliness.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
German Malinois dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
German Malinois dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or German Malinois? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
German Malinois dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or German Malinois?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
German Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or German Malinois? Can a German Shepherd and a German Malinois be friends? Do German Shepherd dogs get along with German Malinois dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
German Malinois dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: German Shepherd vs German Malinois?
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
German 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
German 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.
German Malinoiss are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs German Malinois As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a German Shepherd or a German Malinois? Compare service capabilities.

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 Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a German Shepherd or a German Malinois? Compare therapy capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a German Shepherd or a German 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 German Shepherd or a German 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 German Shepherd or a German Malinois? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

German Malinois breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a German Shepherd or a German Malinois? Compare draft work capabilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military history between German Shepherd and German Malinois. Which has stronger military background?

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 German Malinois Reproducibility Comparison

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

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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German Shepherd vs German Malinois Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of German Shepherd and German Malinois. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of German Shepherd and German Malinois. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between German Shepherd and German Malinois. Which is more widely recognized?
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
No data available

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