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Shiba Inu vs Belgian Malinois Comparison – Which dog is better Japanese Shiba Inu or Malinois?

"Find similarities and differences between Shiba Inu vs Belgian Malinois" Compare Shiba Inu and Belgian Malinois. Which is better: Shiba Inu or Belgian Malinois?
 
 
 
Name Shiba Inu Belgian Malinois
OriginsJapan flagJapan Belgium flagBelgium
Group Companion Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank4544
Reviews910
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Shiba Inu and Belgian Malinois. What other names are these breeds known by?
Japanese Shiba Inu
Japanese Small-Size Dog
Shiba
Shiba Ken
Brushwood Dog
Malinois
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Shiba Inu and a Belgian Malinois. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Shiba Inu vs Belgian Malinois Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Shiba Inu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Medium Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Shiba Inu and a Belgian Malinois. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 18-25 pounds (8-11 kg), Female: 15-20 pounds (6.8-9 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: 21.5 pounds (9.5 kg), Female: 17.5 pounds (6.8.5 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shiba Inu or Belgian Malinois? Is a Shiba Inu taller than a Belgian Malinois?
Male: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm), Female: 13-15 inches (33-38 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: 15 inches (38.5 cm), Female: 14 inches (35.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm)

Shiba Inu vs Belgian Malinois Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Shiba Inu and a Belgian Malinois. Which breed costs more?
$800-$1000 $1200-$1400
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shiba Inu or Belgian Malinois?
Very frequent: The Shiba Inu is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get.

Shiba Inu vs Belgian Malinois Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Shiba Inu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Shiba Inu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare training requirements.
A slightly harder to train than average.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Shiba Inu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare alertness levels.
Shiba Inu dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Shiba Inu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare territorial behaviors.
Shiba Inu dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Shiba Inu vs Belgian Malinois Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Shiba Inu and a Belgian Malinois. How do their temperaments differ?
Alert
Confident
Going
Fearless
Keen
Faithful
Charming
Active
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Watchful
Hard working
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Shiba Inu vs Belgian Malinois?
Shiba Inu 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: Shiba Inu vs Belgian Malinois?
Average to High: Shiba Inu dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
Slightly Below Average: Belgian Malinois dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
See more.
Social Needs
Shiba Inu vs Belgian Malinois social needs comparison:
Shiba Inu 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? What's the difference between Shiba Inu vs Belgian Malinois?
The wanderlust potential of the Shiba Inu is strong enough to escape from home.
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 Shiba Inu vs Belgian Malinois? Which can be better for hunting?
Shiba Inu 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.

Shiba Inu vs Belgian Malinois Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Shiba Inu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The Shiba Inu rarely barks.
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Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Shiba Inu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: Shiba Inus, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Shiba Inu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare living space needs.
Very house-friendly dog the Shiba Inu 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 Belgian Malinois indoors.

Shiba Inu vs Belgian Malinois Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Shiba Inu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare adaptability levels.
Shiba Inu dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different 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: Shiba Inu or Belgian Malinois?
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.

Shiba Inu vs Belgian Malinois Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Shiba Inu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Shiba Inu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Shiba Inu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, 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 Shiba Inu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shiba Inu bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.

Shiba Inu vs Belgian Malinois Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Shiba Inu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare average lifespans.
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Shiba Inu: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Shiba Inu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare climate tolerances.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Shiba Inu can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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 Shiba Inu and a Belgian Malinois. Which breed is healthier?
The Shiba Inu 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.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Shiba Inu vs Belgian Malinois?
Average
The Shiba Inu 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.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shiba Inu vs Belgian Malinois? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shiba Inu vs Belgian Malinois health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Spinning
Chylothorax
Hip Dysplasia
Eye Problems
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia

Shiba Inu vs Belgian Malinois Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Shiba Inu vs Belgian Malinois Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Shiba Inu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare obesity risks.
Low to Average: The Shiba Inu has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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 Shiba Inu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare daily food needs.
Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1.5 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.

Shiba Inu vs Belgian Malinois Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Shiba Inu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Shiba Inu and Belgian Malinois? Compare breed colors.
Black
Tan
Red
Cream
Sesame
Black
Cream
Fawn
Brindle
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Shiba Inu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare maintenance needs.
Easy to groom: The Shiba Inu doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Shiba Inu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare drooling amounts.
The Shiba Inu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Belgian Malinois is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Shiba Inu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu and a Belgian Malinois? Compare fur types.
Dense Weather-resistant
Straight
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Shiba Inu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare bathing frequencies.
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.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shiba Inu or Belgian Malinois? Do Shiba Inu dogs shed more than Belgian Malinois dogs?
Shiba Inu dogs shed above average.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Shiba Inu vs Belgian Malinois Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Shiba Inu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare kid-friendliness.
Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Belgian Malinois dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu or Belgian Malinois? Which dog is more friendly?
Shiba Inu dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shiba Inu or Belgian Malinois?
Shiba Inu dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shiba Inu or Belgian Malinois? Can a Shiba Inu and a Belgian Malinois be friends? Do Shiba Inu dogs get along with Belgian Malinois dogs?
Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Shiba Inu vs Belgian Malinois?
No
Shiba Inu dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn 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
Shiba Inu 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?
Shiba Inus are commonly okay with elderly people.
Belgian Malinoiss are usually recommended for elderly people.

Shiba Inu vs Belgian Malinois As a Working Dog Comparison

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

Not really

This breed generally not used 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 Shiba Inu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare therapy capabilities.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a 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 Shiba Inu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare scenting abilities.

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 & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a Shiba Inu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare SAR abilities.

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.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a Shiba Inu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Shiba Inu breed usually doesn't like 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 Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu 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.

Shiba Inu vs Belgian Malinois Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Shiba Inu and Belgian Malinois. Which has larger litters?
2-4 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Shiba Inu and Belgian Malinois breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Shiba Inu 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.

Shiba Inu vs Belgian Malinois Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Shiba Inu and Belgian Malinois. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992 as a Non-Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Shiba Inu and Belgian Malinois. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Shiba Inu and Belgian Malinois. Which is more widely recognized?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
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
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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