Dog breed comparison
Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Doberman Pinscher is the bigger breed, about 5 kg heavier on average. The Belgian Malinois tends to live about 2 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Doberman Pinscher | Belgian Malinois |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Working Dogs | Herding Dogs |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Height | 24 to 28 inches | 22 to 26 inches |
| Weight | 60 to 80 pounds | 40 to 80 pounds |
| Life span | 10 to 13 years | 12 to 14 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 Doberman Pinscher
Created in the 1890s by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a tax collector in Apolda, Germany, who wanted a protective dog to accompany him on his rounds.
Dilated cardiomyopathy is common, so yearly heart screening from adulthood is recommended.
Health to watch
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Von Willebrand's disease
- Wobbler syndrome
- Hip dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
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
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Drooling
The Doberman Pinscher drools more than the Belgian Malinois.
General health
The Belgian Malinois tends to have fewer health problems than the Doberman Pinscher.
Energy
The Belgian Malinois has more energy than the Doberman Pinscher.
Exercise needs
The Belgian Malinois needs more exercise than the Doberman Pinscher.
Shedding
The Doberman Pinscher sheds more than the Belgian Malinois.
Apartment living
The Doberman Pinscher copes better in an apartment than the Belgian Malinois.
Which to choose
Doberman Pinscher or Belgian Malinois?
Choose the Doberman Pinscher if…
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
- You want a dog that copes better in an apartment
- You want a dog that barks less
Choose the Belgian Malinois if…
- You want a dog that drools less
- You want a dog that tends to have fewer health problems
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
Questions.
Is the Doberman Pinscher or the Belgian Malinois bigger, and which lives longer?
The Doberman Pinscher is the bigger breed, about 5 kg heavier on average. The Belgian Malinois tends to live about 2 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Doberman Pinscher or the Belgian Malinois?
They’re similarly easy to train. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Doberman Pinscher or the Belgian Malinois?
The Belgian Malinois is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Doberman Pinscher can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Belgian Malinois sheds less than the Doberman Pinscher. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Doberman Pinscher and Belgian Malinois have?
The Doberman Pinscher is prone to dilated cardiomyopathy, von Willebrand's disease, wobbler syndrome. The Belgian Malinois is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
