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

"Find similarities and differences between King Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois" Compare King Shepherd and German Shepherd. Which is better: King Shepherd or German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois?
 
 
 
Name King Shepherd German Shepherd Belgian Malinois
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States Germany flagGermany Belgium flagBelgium
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank193244
Reviews22110
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois breeds.
King Shepherd Dog Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Malinois
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois? Compare their breeding categories.
Cross Breed Purebred Purebred

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

Size Classification
Compare size differences between King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is the largest?
Giant Large Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois? Compare adult weight ranges.
90-150 pounds (41-69 kg) 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?
120 pounds (55 kg) 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, King Shepherd or German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois? King Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois height comparison:
25-29 inches (64-74 cm) 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?
27 inches (69 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm)

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

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1500-$2500 $800-$2000 $1200-$1400
Availability
Which is easier to get, King Shepherd or German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois?
Frequent: The King Shepherd is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get.

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

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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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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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which is easiest to train?
King Shepherd dogs are hard to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are very easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is most alert?
King Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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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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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is most protective?
King Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory.
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King Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois? Compare temperaments.
Loving
Protective
Courageous
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
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?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: King Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois?
High: King Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Slightly Below Average: Belgian Malinois dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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Social Needs
King Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois social needs comparison:
King Shepherd dogs are a social breed.
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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?
King Shepherd dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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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? Which can be better for hunting?
King Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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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.
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King Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The King Shepherd rarely barks.
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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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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is most playful?
Average: King Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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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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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the King Shepherd breed.
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.

King Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is most flexible?
Average: King Shepherd dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
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.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: King Shepherd or German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois?
King 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.
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.

King Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The King Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which uses mouth most during play?
King Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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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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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which has the strongest bite?

Above 400 PSI 🔼

King Shepherd bite force: The Strongest.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.

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

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed lives longest?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of King Shepherd: 11 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The King Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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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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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 health problems common in King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which has fewer health issues?
King Shepherds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
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.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Frequent
The King Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
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.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: King Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? King Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia 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

King Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is most active?
King Shepherd dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
King Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: King Shepherd or German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
King Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
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: King Shepherd or German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois?
King Shepherd dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Belgian Malinois dogs don't need too much sleep.

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

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the King Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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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.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which needs most food?
8 to 10 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. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

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

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Cream
White
Sable
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Cream
Fawn
Brindle
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which requires most maintenance?
Easy to groom: The King Shepherd doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which drools least?
The King Shepherd is an average drooler.
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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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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The King Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fluffy
Thick
Weather-resistant
Fuzzy Weather-resistant
Straight
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which requires most frequent baths?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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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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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 King Shepherd or German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois? King Shepherd or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
King Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately.
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King Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which is best with kids?
King Shepherd dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd 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?
King Shepherd dogs usually don’t get on well with other 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 King Shepherd or German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois? Which dog is more friendly?
King Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly King Shepherd or German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois?
King Shepherd dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly King Shepherd or German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois?
King Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly 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 good for the first-time owners: King Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois?
No
King Shepherd dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
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
King Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
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?
King Shepherds are usually recommended for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Belgian Malinoiss are usually recommended for elderly people.

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

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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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
Compare therapy dog potential between King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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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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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

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

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
Compare search and rescue potential between King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as 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.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

King Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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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.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which is best for draft work?

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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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 service history of King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which has most military use?

Not really

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

King Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which has most puppies?
6-10 puppies 6-10 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

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

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. How are they classified?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. 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 Classification
Compare FCI groups for King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of King Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Which has most recognition?
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
American Rare Breed Association
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

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