• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois Comparison – Which dog is better Golden Flat Coat or Malinois?

"Find similarities and differences between Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois" Compare Golden Retriever and Belgian Malinois. Which is better: Golden Retriever or Belgian Malinois?
 
 
 
Name Golden Retriever Belgian Malinois
OriginsScotland flagScotland Belgium flagBelgium
Group Gun Dog Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank344
Reviews1610
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Golden Retriever and Belgian Malinois. What other names are these breeds known by?
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Malinois
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Golden Retriever and a Belgian Malinois. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Golden Retriever or a Belgian Malinois? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Golden Retriever and a Belgian Malinois. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 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: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Golden Retriever or Belgian Malinois? Is a Golden Retriever taller than a Belgian Malinois?
Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 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: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm)

Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Golden Retriever and a Belgian Malinois. Which breed costs more?
$1000-$2000 $1200-$1400
Availability
Which is easier to get, Golden Retriever or Belgian Malinois?
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get.

Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Golden Retriever or a Belgian Malinois? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Golden Retriever or a Belgian Malinois? Compare training requirements.
Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Golden Retriever or a Belgian Malinois? Compare alertness levels.
Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Golden Retriever or a Belgian Malinois? Compare territorial behaviors.
Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Golden Retriever and a Belgian Malinois. How do their temperaments differ?
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Active
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Watchful
Hard working
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois?
Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois?
High: Golden Retriever 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.
Social Needs
Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois social needs comparison:
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois?
Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the Belgian Malinois is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois? Which can be better for hunting?
Golden Retriever 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 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.

Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Golden Retriever or a Belgian Malinois? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
See more.
Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Golden Retriever or a Belgian Malinois? Compare play drive and energy.
The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
See more.
The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Golden Retriever or a Belgian Malinois? Compare living space needs.
It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever 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.

Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Golden Retriever or a Belgian Malinois? Compare adaptability levels.
Golden Retriever 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.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Golden Retriever or Belgian Malinois?
Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
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.

Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Golden Retriever or a Belgian Malinois? Compare biting tendencies.

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Golden Retriever or a Belgian Malinois? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Golden Retriever 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.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Golden Retriever or a Belgian Malinois? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.

Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Golden Retriever or a Belgian Malinois? Compare average lifespans.
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Golden Retriever or a Belgian 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.
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.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Golden Retriever and a Belgian Malinois. Which breed is healthier?
Golden Retrievers 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.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois?
Rare
The Golden Retriever 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.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Hip Dysplasia
Eye Problems
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia

Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Golden Retriever or a Belgian Malinois? Compare obesity risks.
High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Low to Average: The Belgian Malinois has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Golden Retriever or a Belgian Malinois? Compare daily food needs.
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.

Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Golden Retriever or a Belgian Malinois? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Golden Retriever and Belgian Malinois? Compare breed colors.
Golden
Light
Black
Cream
Fawn
Brindle
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Golden Retriever or a Belgian Malinois? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Golden Retriever or a Belgian Malinois? Compare drooling amounts.
The Golden Retriever drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
See more.
The Belgian Malinois is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Golden Retriever or a Belgian Malinois? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Golden Retriever and a Belgian Malinois? Compare fur types.
Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Weather-resistant
Straight
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Golden Retriever or a Belgian Malinois? Compare bathing frequencies.
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Golden Retriever or Belgian Malinois? Do Golden Retriever dogs shed more than Belgian Malinois dogs?
Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Golden Retriever or a Belgian Malinois? Compare kid-friendliness.
Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Belgian Malinois dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Golden Retriever or Belgian Malinois? Which dog is more friendly?
Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Golden Retriever or Belgian Malinois?
Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Golden Retriever or Belgian Malinois? Can a Golden Retriever and a Belgian Malinois be friends? Do Golden Retriever dogs get along with Belgian Malinois dogs?
Golden Retriever dogs are very 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: Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois?
Yes
Golden Retriever 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?
Yes
Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds 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?
Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Belgian Malinoiss are usually recommended for elderly people.

Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Golden Retriever or a Belgian Malinois? Compare service capabilities.

Yes

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

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Golden Retriever or a Belgian Malinois? Compare therapy capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Golden Retriever or a Belgian 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 Golden Retriever or a Belgian 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 Golden Retriever or a Belgian Malinois? Compare maritime abilities.

Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Belgian Malinois breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Golden Retriever or a Belgian Malinois? Compare draft work capabilities.

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.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between Golden Retriever and Belgian Malinois. Which has stronger military background?

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.

Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Golden Retriever and Belgian Malinois. Which has larger litters?
5-10 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Golden Retriever and Belgian Malinois breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Golden Retriever and Belgian Malinois. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Golden Retriever and Belgian Malinois. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Golden Retriever and Belgian Malinois. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Golden Retriever and Belgian 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
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

    Rate This Comparsion - Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois

    Reviews