Belgian Malinois Vs German Shepherd: A Complete Comparison Guide

Everyone knows the German Shepherd Dog. After all, they’ve been a top breed in America for decades, but not everyone is quite so familiar with the Belgian Malinois. Their close colouring and ancestry as herding dogs may cause some to confuse the Belgian Malinois with the German Shepherd Dog. But there are some important differences between these two breeds, as well as some interesting similarities.

Both were originally bred to herd sheep and other animals, as well as serve in the military and police departments. Therefore, these dog breeds are very intelligent and trainable. Additionally, they have some similarities, which makes it challenging for many individuals to distinguish between the two breeds. It is necessary to notice their physical features to accomplish the same. So, let’s have a comparison of Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd to know the similarities and differences between them.

Origin Of Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd

The Malinois and German Shepherd Dogs belong to the Herding Group and trace their ancestry back to livestock herding dogs. As their names suggest, the Belgian Malinois dog was bred in Belgium, and the German Shepherd Dog was bred in Germany.

Let’s begin with the Belgian Malinois’ origins – these dogs are from the Malines area of Belgium, working the fields with other types in the late 1800s. At roughly the same time, Malinois dogs were established as a breed. The dogs were dependable and simple to train, so when farming decreased at the turn of the century, Belgian Malinois were in demand as police dogs. Following their popularity as police dogs in Belgium and beyond.

During the late 19th century, a German cavalry officer, Captain Max von Stephanitz, set out to consolidate the many herding dog breeds into one standardised breed, establishing the basis for the German shepherd of today. The versatile, intelligent canine became a sought-after dog with fanciers everywhere, arriving in the United States during the early 20th century. The popularity of the breed declined somewhat during World War I since the animal was identified with the enemy. 

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd : Physical Appearance Differences

Both the dog breeds Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd may look similar but have many differences between them, let’s go through their physical appearance differences: 

Belgian Malinois Vs German Shepherd Size

According to AKC, here are the stats:

• Belgian Malinois: 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)
• German Shepherd: 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)

Belgian Malinois Vs German Shepherd Weight & Colour

The male Malinois is 27-36 kgs and the female is 18-27 kgs. Compared to a male German Shepherd Dog, which weighs as much as 29-41 kgs, and a female, which weighs as much as 22-31 kgs.

With big ears, dark noses, long tails, and a muscular, athletic build, these two breeds share many features in their appearance! They are quite frequently mistaken for each other. Once you know what physical features to watch for, it is easier to distinguish between them.

Breaking it down by key characteristics, here are the main differences between the two breeds: 

Popularity Of Belgian Malinois & German Shepherd Dog

The Belgian Malinois breed is the most popular dog breed With recent TV and movie appearances and social media stardom, the Belgian Malinois breed is more popular than ever before, with AKC registrations now ranking them as the 43rd most popular AKC breed, being the 76th most popular only a few years prior.

Though both are highly popular working dog breeds, German Shepherds tend to be more popular in general compared to Belgian Malinois because they have a reputation as more family-friendly, while Belgian Malinois are being increasingly used for specialist purposes such as police and military work where high energy levels and agility are paramount; so are a more specialist option for owners.

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Temperament Differences

Both Belgian Malinois and German shepherds are working breeds. Like most herding breeds, they’re intelligent, eager workers who love working with their humans. Both are more suitable for experienced dog owners because their high energy and intelligence make them challenging to manage.

Though both German Shepherds and Belgian Malinoiss are extremely intelligent and loyal working breeds, the personality difference mainly stems from their energy level and concentration: Belgian Malinois tend to be more intense, high-energy, and alert, commonly said to be “always on” with high prey drive, whereas German Shepherds are more protective and relatively more diverse in their work capacity, potentially better suited to be family dogs in certain cases.

Good With Children & Other Dogs?

Then, therefore, for the case where you would rather have more of a family dog, a German Shepherd could be your choice. German Shepherds are good with children, as opposed to Belgian Malinois which is less ideal for houses with children. Nonetheless, all this depends on one dog to another, thus whatever breed you go for, keep their encounters closely under observation for everybody’s safety.

Good With Strangers?

While both German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois are devoted breeds, they are not usually regarded as “great” with strangers because of their innate guarding ability and can be cautious with strange individuals unless they are socialized extensively at a young age; that is, significant exposure to various people and situations is imperative for them to be comfortable around strangers.

Different Bad Behaviour Between Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds

Belgian Malinois:

• – Can be territorial
• – Must be socialised with dogs early on to prevent reactivity/aggression
• – Will become destructive if bored or left alone for extended periods
• – High prey drive (this may be a good or bad thing depending on your home life/lifestyle!)

German Shepherds:

• – Highly playful during youth (good or bad, depending on your lifestyle!)
• – Can be territorial / over-protective of family members
• – Must be socialised early to prevent aggression/wariness of strangers
• – Will be vocal (if bored, they will bark incessantly)
• – Will be hyperactive/rambunctious if they are not provided with enough exercise/playtime

Training & Exercise of Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd

Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds are extremely intelligent breeds that need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Malinois require more strenuous activities because they have a greater amount of energy. Both Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds are extremely smart breeds and thus are more suitable for owners who can offer demanding training and exercise programs, while the German Shepherd would be slightly more suitable for less active ways of life.

Socialization: Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd

As both the dogs are loyal to their family they are guardian and territorial. If both the dogs are trained well from their puppyhood German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois easily socialize with other humans and dogs to some extent. 

Socialization is crucial training for both dogs. It is very important to safely socialize with these breeds from a young age to help prevent the development of negative behavioural traits. 

Also Read: How to Train a German Shepherd? | How Long Can a Cockapoo Be Left Alone? 

Which Dog Is Better Guard Dog? Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd

Though both are great guard dogs, a Belgian Malinois would be a superior guard dog over a German Shepherd because they have a higher alertness level, strong drive, and will tend to be more reactive to threats, but proper training and socialization must be done for either breed to become a trustworthy guardian.

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd: Activity Level

German Shepherds are high-energy dogs; they need daily exercise and mental stimulation. Belgian Malinois are also very energetic, one of the most energetic dog breeds. No slouch, the typical German shepherd is not as energetic as the Belgian Malinois. He won’t be happy to simply lounge around all day but loves interaction with his human family.

From guard work to guide dogs for the blind (the first official guide dog for the blind in the world was a German shepherd named Buddy), German shepherds are proficient at just about anything we ask them to. They make fine family pets and are excellent with children. They are famous for their fearlessness, versatility, and courage.

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd: Feeding & Diet

Both these breeds need to be fed with a balanced diet to keep their energy levels up as well as for overall health. High-protein and high-fat dog food is best suited for these energetic breeds. But then, every dog is different, so it’s always best to consult a veterinarian to know the ideal diet schedule for your dog.

Both German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois need a high-protein and healthy fat diet because of their high energy levels, but the only difference is that Belgian Malinois usually need a bit more protein content to match their high activity levels.

Although German Shepherds may need a bit more fibre content to help with digestion, always ask your veterinarian for the best diet plan for your dog.

Also Read: German Shepherd Diet | Why are Carrots Good for Dogs?

Health Issues & Care For Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd

They both are strong and healthy dogs. But as with any living organism, both breeds are subject to a multitude of health issues. Let us see what kind of issues each breed can face. Since both breeds have the risk of developing hip dysplasia, there is always a possibility your pet may need a wheelchair sometime in their lifetime. Discover all there is to learn about wheelchairs for dogs here, from indicators your pup will need to guidance on selecting the ideal set of wheels.

Belgian Malinois health issues

• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Cataracts
• Pannus
• Hemangiosarcoma
• Anxiety (if provided with a lack of structure, training and stimulation)

German Shepherd health issues

• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Gastric dilation and volvulus (bloating)
• Degenerative myelopathy
• Eye issues

Also Read: Periodontal Disease in Dogs | What do Cockapoos usually die from

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd: Grooming Needs

As far as grooming requirements, a Belgian Malinois will require less grooming than a German Shepherd because its coat is shorter and smoother, so you will have to brush a Malinois less often and with less vigorous brushing sessions than the thicker double coat of the German Shepherd that requires more frequent brushing to control shedding and avoid matting; both will still need regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care.

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd: Which One You Should Adopt? 

When selecting a working dog such as one of these breeds, rely on your gut to access his special talents so he can live his best life. Bragdon assisted us in gathering some additional facts that may be helpful.

If you’re looking to adopt a loyal friend who is full of energy, you can’t go wrong with either breed — both are known to bond with their human intensely and are full of energy. Yet, if you need a family pet, the German Shepherd is perhaps your best breed option. If you need a work-ready dog with infinite energy and loyalty to you, per se (not a whole family), the Belgian Malinois won’t let you down. If you are specifically in the market for a short-coated working dog with speed and a willingness to work, the Belgian Malinois is a perfect choice. Recognising the specific characteristics and uses of each breed will enable future adopters to make educated decisions based on lifestyle and desire.

Common Personality Traits of Belgian Malinois & German Shepherd

Both breeds, Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds share the same personality traits, including high intelligence, loyalty to their owners, good work ethic, intense energy level, protectiveness, and alertness. They have a natural inclination towards herding, which makes them excellent working dogs, which are frequently used in police and military roles. Both of these breeds require significant exercise and mental stimulation to thrive. 

The Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd are easily confused with one another due to their overall appearance. Both of the most popular colours for both breeds are a tan or red base, but with black, and the patterns, or distribution of the colour, are quite distinct. The typical colour pattern of Belgian Malinois is a tan-to-red base with typical black masks. The standard German Shepherd is a tan to red base coat with black saddle markings. A closer inspection can identify their differences!

FAQs

Q1. Is a Belgian Malinois superior to a German Shepherd?

Ans: Belgian Malinois are high-energy breeds and require lots of exercise and mental stimulation. They are highly focused and excel in tasks involving agility and speed. German Shepherds, however, are more relaxed and protective and make great family pets and guard dogs.

Q2. Why does the military utilize Belgian Malinois rather than German Shepherds?

Ans: The program only raises one breed, which is the Belgian Malinois – the military’s ideal because of their energy level, good sniffers, trainability, agility, speed, drive, work ethic, loyalty and, when necessary, ferocity. They are similar to German Shepherds but are smaller in size.

Q3. Whose bite is stronger, a Belgian Malinois or a German Shepherd?

Ans: German Shepherds possess a bite force of 238psi, while that of a Belgian Malinois is 195psi. German Shepherd’s bite force is far superior to that of Malinois and can even shatter bones. This is a beneficial feature if we take into account their application in protection and police work.

Q4. Is Belgian Malinois longer living compared to German Shepherds?

Ans: A Malinois has a lifespan of 14-16 years. This puts them among the longer-lived big breeds. German Shepherds have shorter lifespans. Expect them to live 9-13 years.

Q5. Would I be better off with a Belgian Malinois or a German Shepherd?

Ans: Though, if you want a family dog, the German Shepherd is probably your best breed option. If you want a ready-to-work dog, with boundless energy, and a single devotion to you, in particular (not a whole family), the Belgian Malinois will not let you down.