Dog breed comparison
German Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The German Shepherd Dog is the bigger breed, about 11 kg heavier on average. The Belgian Malinois tends to live about 1 year longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | German Shepherd Dog | Belgian Malinois |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Herding Dogs | Herding Dogs |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Height | 22 inches to 26 inches tall at the shoulder | 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 75 to 95 pounds | 40 to 80 pounds |
| Life span | 10 to 14 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.
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Shedding
The German Shepherd Dog sheds more than the Belgian Malinois.
Barking
The German Shepherd Dog barks more than the Belgian Malinois.
Apartment living
The German Shepherd Dog copes better in an apartment than the Belgian Malinois.
Good with children
The German Shepherd Dog is better with children than the Belgian Malinois.
Friendly with strangers
The German Shepherd Dog is friendlier with strangers than the Belgian Malinois.
First-time owners
The Belgian Malinois suits first-time owners better than the German Shepherd Dog.
Which to choose
German Shepherd Dog or Belgian Malinois?
Choose the German Shepherd Dog if…
- You want a dog that copes better in an apartment
- You want a dog that is better with children
- You have lots of visitors (it is friendlier with strangers)
Choose the Belgian Malinois if…
- You want a dog that sheds less
- You want a dog that barks less
- You want a more watchful dog (it is more reserved with strangers)
- You want a dog that suits first-time owners better
Questions.
Is the German Shepherd Dog or the Belgian Malinois bigger, and which lives longer?
The German Shepherd Dog is the bigger breed, about 11 kg heavier on average. The Belgian Malinois tends to live about 1 year longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog or the Belgian Malinois?
The German Shepherd Dog is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Belgian Malinois can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Belgian Malinois sheds less than the German Shepherd Dog. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
