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Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois Comparison – Which dog is better African Lion Hound or Malinois?

"Find similarities and differences between Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois" Compare Rhodesian Ridgeback and Belgian Malinois. Which is better: Rhodesian Ridgeback or Belgian Malinois?
 
 
 
Name Rhodesian Ridgeback Belgian Malinois
OriginsZimbabwe flagZimbabwe Belgium flagBelgium
Group Hunting Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank4144
Reviews63
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
African Lion Hound
African Lion Dog
Malinois
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, Rhodesian Ridgeback or Belgian Malinois? Is the Rhodesian Ridgeback bigger than the Belgian Malinois breed? Is a Rhodesian Ridgeback smaller than a Belgian Malinois?
Large Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Rhodesian Ridgeback or Belgian Malinois? Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois weight comparison:
Male: 80-90 pounds (36-41 kg), Female: 65-75 pounds (29-34 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: 85 pounds (38.5 kg), Female: 70 pounds (31.5 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Rhodesian Ridgeback or Belgian Malinois? Is a Rhodesian Ridgeback taller than a Belgian Malinois?
Male: 25-27 inches (63-69 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 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: 26 inches (66 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm)

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Rhodesian Ridgeback or Belgian Malinois? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Rhodesian Ridgeback and Belgian Malinois?
$900-$1200 $1200-$1400
Availability
Which is easier to get, Rhodesian Ridgeback or Belgian Malinois?
Very frequent: The Rhodesian Ridgeback is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Rhodesian Ridgeback or Belgian Malinois smarter? Which is best? Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois intelligence:
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed.
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Trainability
Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois trainability comparison. What's the difference between Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois?
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are quite easy to train.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are very easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Rhodesian Ridgeback or Belgian Malinois?
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are average watchdogs.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Rhodesian Ridgeback or Belgian Malinois? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Rhodesian Ridgeback or Belgian Malinois? Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois behavior/temperament comparison:
Dignified
Sensitive
Intelligent
Loyal
Strong
Willed
Mischievous
Active
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Watchful
Hard working
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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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: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois?
High: Rhodesian Ridgeback 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
Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois social needs comparison:
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are a social breed.
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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? What's the difference between Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois?
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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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? What's the difference between Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois? Which can be better for hunting?
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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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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Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois playfulness comparison:
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a playful breed.
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The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois?
Low to Average: The Rhodesian Ridgeback rarely barks.
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Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Rhodesian Ridgeback or Belgian Malinois?
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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Belgian Malinois dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Rhodesian Ridgeback or Belgian Malinois?
Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 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.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Rhodesian Ridgeback or Belgian Malinois?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Rhodesian Ridgeback bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.
Biting Potential
Is a Rhodesian Ridgeback more dangerous than a Belgian Malinois?

Low 🔽

The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois mouthiness comparison:
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, 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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Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois health comparison. Which is the healthier: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Belgian Malinois 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: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Dermoid Sinus
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Eye Problems
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois?
Average
The Rhodesian Ridgeback should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Belgian Malinois should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois lifespan comparison. How long do Rhodesian Ridgeback and Belgian Malinois breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Rhodesian Ridgeback and Belgian Malinois?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgeback: 11 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois?
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.
See more.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Rhodesian Ridgeback or Belgian Malinois? Does the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed eat more than the Belgian Malinois breed?
Recommended daily amount: 2 3/4 to 4 3/8 cups of a high-quality daily, divided into two meals. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Rhodesian Ridgeback has an 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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Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois coat comparison:
Dense Weather-resistant
Straight
Colors
What are the original Rhodesian Ridgeback and Belgian Malinois color? Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois color comparison:
Gray
Red
White
Golden
Wheaten
Copper
Black
Cream
Fawn
Brindle
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Rhodesian Ridgeback or Belgian Malinois? Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois grooming comparison:
Effortless: The Rhodesian Ridgeback requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Rhodesian Ridgeback or Belgian Malinois? Do Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs shed more than Belgian Malinois dogs?
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs shed none to minimal.
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Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Rhodesian Ridgeback or Belgian Malinois?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Rhodesian Ridgeback or Belgian Malinois?

Medium

The Rhodesian Ridgeback has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback 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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Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Belgian Malinois dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Rhodesian Ridgeback or Belgian Malinois? Which dog is more friendly?
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Rhodesian Ridgeback or Belgian Malinois?
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Rhodesian Ridgeback or Belgian Malinois?
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Rhodesian Ridgeback or Belgian Malinois? Can a Rhodesian Ridgeback and a Belgian Malinois be friends? Do Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs get along with Belgian Malinois dogs?
Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 best for first time owners: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois?
Yes
Rhodesian Ridgeback 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
Rhodesian Ridgeback 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?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Belgian Malinoiss are usually recommended for elderly people.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

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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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Rhodesian Ridgeback or Belgian Malinois? Which is better for autism?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

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.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

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.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois?

Not really

Rhodesian Ridgeback 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.
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.
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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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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.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Rhodesian Ridgeback and Belgian Malinois have? Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois litter size comparison:
6-8 puppies 6-10 puppies

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1955 as a Hound 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 Scent hounds and related breeds group, in the Related breeds section. 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
Rhodesian Ridgeback Club Of The US
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

Rate This Comparsion - Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Belgian Malinois

Reviews

  • german shepard

    Apr 10, 2019, 8:43:24 PM:

  • Dereck

    Feb 23, 2020, 10:16:21 PM:

    These dogs are like twins. Especially when it comes to behavior and characteristics.