Dog breed comparison
Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Belgian Malinois | Dutch Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Herding Dogs | Herding Dogs |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Height | 22 to 26 inches | 21 to 25 inches |
| Weight | 40 to 80 pounds | 50 to 70 pounds |
| Life span | 12 to 14 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Belgian Malinois
A Belgian herding dog from the Malines (Mechelen) region, now best known as the leading dog for police, military and special forces work worldwide.
Its drive and intensity make it a poor fit for most family homes without serious daily training.
Health to watch
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Epilepsy
The Dutch Shepherd
A Dutch farm dog that herded sheep, guarded property and pulled carts. As farming modernised it became a police and service dog, and it is now popular in police K9 work.
Its brindle coat comes in short, long and rough varieties.
Health to watch
- Hip dysplasia
- Goniodysplasia
- Pannus
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Good with other dogs
The Dutch Shepherd gets on better with other dogs than the Belgian Malinois.
Shedding
The Dutch Shepherd sheds more than the Belgian Malinois.
Easy to groom
The Belgian Malinois is easier to groom than the Dutch Shepherd.
Apartment living
The Dutch Shepherd copes better in an apartment than the Belgian Malinois.
Energy
The Belgian Malinois has more energy than the Dutch Shepherd.
Exercise needs
The Belgian Malinois needs more exercise than the Dutch Shepherd.
Which to choose
Belgian Malinois or Dutch Shepherd?
Choose the Belgian Malinois if…
- You want a dog that sheds less
- You want a dog that is easier to groom
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
Choose the Dutch Shepherd if…
- You want a dog that gets on better with other dogs
- You want a dog that copes better in an apartment
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
Questions.
Which is easier to train, the Belgian Malinois or the Dutch Shepherd?
They’re similarly easy to train. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Belgian Malinois or the Dutch Shepherd?
Both are usually good with children when well socialised. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Belgian Malinois sheds less than the Dutch Shepherd. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherd have?
The Belgian Malinois is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy. The Dutch Shepherd is prone to hip dysplasia, goniodysplasia, pannus. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
