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Shih Tzu vs Belgian Malinois Comparison – Which dog is better Chrysanthemum Dog or Malinois?

"Find similarities and differences between Shih Tzu vs Belgian Malinois" Compare Shih Tzu and Belgian Malinois. Which is better: Shih Tzu or Belgian Malinois?
 
 
 
Name Shih Tzu Belgian Malinois
OriginsChina flagChina Belgium flagBelgium
Group Companion Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank2044
Reviews1910
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Shih Tzu and Belgian Malinois. What other names are these breeds known by?
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Malinois
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Shih Tzu and a Belgian Malinois. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Shih Tzu vs Belgian Malinois Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Shih Tzu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Small Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Shih Tzu and a Belgian Malinois. Which breed is heavier?
9–16 pounds (4-7 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?
9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shih Tzu or Belgian Malinois? Is a Shih Tzu taller than a Belgian Malinois?
8-11 inches (20-28 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?
9.5 inches (24 cm) Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm)

Shih Tzu vs Belgian Malinois Price and Availability Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Belgian Malinois Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Shih Tzu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
See more.
Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Shih Tzu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare training requirements.
Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Shih Tzu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare alertness levels.
Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Shih Tzu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare territorial behaviors.
Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.
Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs Belgian Malinois Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Shih Tzu and a Belgian Malinois. How do their temperaments differ?
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Active
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Watchful
Hard working
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Shih Tzu vs Belgian Malinois?
Shih Tzu 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: Shih Tzu vs Belgian Malinois?
High: Shih Tzu 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
Shih Tzu vs Belgian Malinois social needs comparison:
Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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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 Shih Tzu vs Belgian Malinois?
Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu vs Belgian Malinois? Which can be better for hunting?
Shih Tzu 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.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs Belgian Malinois Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Shih Tzu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare vocalization tendencies.
A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
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Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed.
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Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Shih Tzu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare play drive and energy.
Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
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The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Shih Tzu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare living space needs.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu 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.

Shih Tzu vs Belgian Malinois Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Shih Tzu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare adaptability levels.
Shih Tzu 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: Shih Tzu or Belgian Malinois?
Shih Tzu 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.

Shih Tzu vs Belgian Malinois Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than 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.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Shih Tzu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.

Shih Tzu vs Belgian Malinois Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Shih Tzu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare average lifespans.
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Shih Tzu 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.
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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.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Shih Tzu and a Belgian Malinois. Which breed is healthier?
The Shih Tzu 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: Shih Tzu vs Belgian Malinois?
Average
The Shih Tzu 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: Shih Tzu vs Belgian Malinois? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Belgian Malinois health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Umbilical Hernias
Ear Infections
Distichiasis
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Bladder Stones
Ectopic Cilia
Reverse Sneezing
Dry Eye
Proptosis
Juvenile Renal Dysplasia
Keratitis
Retained Baby Teeth
Snuffles
Hip Dysplasia
Eye Problems
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia

Shih Tzu vs Belgian Malinois Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Shih Tzu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare activity levels.
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Shih Tzu vs Belgian Malinois exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shih Tzu or Belgian Malinois? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Belgian Malinois dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shih Tzu or Belgian Malinois?
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Belgian Malinois dogs don't need too much sleep.

Shih Tzu vs Belgian Malinois Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Shih Tzu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare obesity risks.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Low to Average: The Belgian Malinois has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Shih Tzu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare daily food needs.
Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Shih Tzu vs Belgian Malinois Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Shih Tzu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare allergy friendliness.
Yes See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Shih Tzu and Belgian Malinois? Compare breed colors.
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Black
Cream
Fawn
Brindle
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Shih Tzu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare maintenance needs.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Shih Tzu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare drooling amounts.
The Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare natural smell levels.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Shih Tzu and a Belgian Malinois? Compare fur types.
Dense Weather-resistant
Straight
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu or Belgian Malinois? Do Shih Tzu dogs shed more than Belgian Malinois dogs?
Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
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Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately.
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Shih Tzu vs Belgian Malinois Good With Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Belgian Malinois As a Working Dog Comparison

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

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu or a Belgian Malinois? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu 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.

Shih Tzu vs Belgian Malinois Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Shih Tzu and Belgian Malinois. Which has larger litters?
2-5 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Shih Tzu and Belgian Malinois breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Shih Tzu 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.

Shih Tzu vs Belgian Malinois Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Shih Tzu and Belgian Malinois. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Shih Tzu and Belgian Malinois. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Shih Tzu 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
Canadian Canine Registry
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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