Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd: Everything You Need to Know

Have you ever tried to tell the difference between a Belgian Malinois and a German Shepherd?

To the untrained eye they look very similar.

Both of these dogs are purebred, acknowledged by the American Kennel Club and are almost identical in size and weight. So how do they stack up and what are the differences between these breeds?

In this article we discuss how the Belgian Malinois compares to the German Shepherd; including the key differences in their temperament which is a result of their linage and initial purpose. Understanding this will help you better understand which dog breed is more suitable for you.

So, here is the Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd what you need to know…

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Comparison

Belgian MalinoisGerman Shepherd
Size:22-26 inches tall22-26 inches tall
Weight:40-80lbs50-90lbs
Coat:Short/Medium length, Double coatMedium length, Double coat
Color:Rich fawn to mahogany with lighter shades on stomachHuge variety of color, but generally black top with strong rich shades of blonde on their underbelly and sides
Lifespan:14-16 Years7-10 Years
Temperament:Confident, Well-Balanced, PossessiveConfident, Well-Balanced, Possessive
Intelligence:IntelligentIntelligent
Socialization:Can be possessive so needs early socializationRequires early socialization due to their propensity to become possessive
Destructive Behavior:Chewing and DiggingJumping, Chewing and Barking
People Skills:Is very good with people it knows but can be aloof with strangersMakes an ideal loving family pet but can become possessive
Initial Purpose:Initially bred as livestock herdersInitially bred to herd sheep
Energy Levels:Requires high level of exercise. At least 90 minutes per dayRequires extremely high level of exercise. At least 120 minutes per day

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Differences

Similarities:

  • Almost identical in size with them both standing between 22 and 26 inches tall.
  • Both dogs were initially bred to herd so have a very similar temperament.
  • Both breeds are prone to skin issues and eye issues (such as cataracts and retinal atrophy).
  • They are both loyal and will become possessive of their owners. It normally results in them being aloof with strangers.
  • Both breeds are brave and once attached will protect their families at any cost.
  • As large intelligent dogs, they both respond well to positive reinforcement and dominance theory should be avoided.

Differences:

  • German Shepherds have a medium length coat whereas the Belgian Malinois has a shorter thicker coat.
  • The Belgian Malinois is generally considered to have a higher prey drive.
  • Whilst both breeds can suffer from elbow and hip dysplasia, German Shepherds are notorious sufferers.
  • German Shepherds are less aggressive and are slightly slower.
  • The Malinois is generally considered to be a more independent dog as German Shepherds can suffer from separation anxiety once they have formed a bond with their keepers.
  • The Belgian Malinois has a reputation of being slightly easier to train.
  • Being the slightly heavier breed, German Shepherds will require more feed.

Belgian Malinois Breed Info

Belgian MalinoisThe Belgian Malinois was initially bred to be used as a livestock herder. Because of this they have huge levels of energy.

They are very intelligent dogs who can be trained for pretty much any task or role (within reason).

Malis need to be exercised for at least 90 minutes a day. Also this needs to be split between 3 to 4 different sessions. Ideally you would opt for either 3 x 30 minute sessions or 4 20/25 minute sessions.

In terms of what to do during these sessions you can walk, play, run, and hike; the list is endless. Because of their high levels of energy they are best suited to a family/individual that leads an active, outdoor lifestyle.

You need to remember that purchasing this breed is a big commitment. They are a large dog who are very intelligent and require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Without this they can become destructive.

Appearance and Size

At first glance you could be forgiven for confusing a Belgian Malinois with a German Shepherd.

The Belgian Malinois is a large sized dog which is covered in coarse fur. Once fully grown you can expect males to reach up to 26 inches tall and weigh up to 80 pounds. Whereas females will be a touch smaller, at up to 24 inches and 60 pounds.

Just like the German Shepherd they have a double coat. This double coat helps keep them warm as they spend the majority of their time outside, herding. The top coat is hard, almost bristle like, whereas the undercoat (shield) is thick and dense.

Belgian Malinois constantly shed small amounts of their coat throughout the year, with two annual heavy “blowouts”. If you want a house that shows no signs of dog hairs, the Belgian Malinois is not for you.

If we look at official breed standards, their coat color is a rich fawn to mahogany, with the ends of each hair having a black tip. Their stomach and underside are typically lighter in color with the occasional white spot or patch.

Stood next to a German Shepherd you will notice the Malinois’ fur will be shorter and their ears will be slightly longer and pointier.

Temperament

In terms of temperament the biggest thing you should expect from a true Belgian Malinois is their working character; remember they were initially bred as livestock herders and became famous amongst both sheep and cattle farmers for their unrelenting work.

You can expect an even keeled temperament that is neither aggressive nor shy. It is a confident breed and whilst occasionally aloof with new faces, is more than loving with their keepers.

Belgian Malinois are known for being very possessive of both their owners and their property; whilst this doesn’t normally cause behavioral issues, if pushed they can become aggressive.

Because of their unrelenting work and high levels of intelligence, they are a versatile dog. In fact they are now becoming popular within both the police and military and even private security. They are smart dogs that want to please and can be taught to master just about any command or drill.

Price

You should expect to pay between $800-$1200 for a purebred Belgian Malinois. Of course dogs without paperwork and rescues will be significantly cheaper.

Also, trained Malinois will be significantly more expensive and generally start at upwards of $5000.

Lifespan

A healthy Malinois that is well cared for, and not overworked, should live to between 14-16 years.

German Shepherd Breed Info

German ShepherdThe German Shepherd is the second most popular dog breed in the US and it’s hardly surprising. They are a large, strong, confident and brave dog; truly one of the best all-purpose workers you could hope for.

GSDs were originally bred to herd sheep in Germany. They were refined over 35 years by Captain Max von Stephanitz until he was satisfied with the breed. Its key attribute is character.

They can be a loving family member and at the same time unfaltering guardians. They are very intelligent and have lots of energy.

When compared to the German Shepherd, they need even more exercise; around 2 hours per day. This should be split into several sessions.

You can expect German Shepherds to live between 7-10 years; this is one of the major differences between them and the Malinois. They can live between 14-16 years so if you’re looking for a longer companionship, there is a clear winner.

Appearance and Size

When looking at the Malinois and German Shepherd you could be forgiven for confusing them as the same breed.

The German Shepherd is classified as a large dog. A fully grown male will stand between 24 and 26 inches tall, with a female standing between 22 and 24 inches. In terms of weight you should expect a female to weigh between 50 to 70 lbs and a male between 60 to 90 lbs.

Just like the Malinois, the German Shepherd also has a double coat, however they have a slightly longer coat, with the Malinois being shorter and coarser.

Your German Shepherd will shed lightly throughout the year and then heavily twice; so in terms of grooming you should expect a similar amount will be required for both dogs.

Whilst there are no officially recognized colors for the color of their coat, you should expect a black top with blonde and light sides and underbelly.

Temperament

The one key defining trait of any German Shepherd is its character and temperament. They are without question the best in class, all-round worker; incredibly adaptable and can master any role or task required of them.

Because of this they have a long and successful history both within the military and the police. Wealthy individuals are also turning to German Shepherds as private security and guard personnel.

In terms of individual traits it possesses, it is confident, brave and intelligent.

Just like Belgian Malinois they are possessive and will defend anything or anyone which they deem they ‘own’. This behavior can make them appear unreceptive or even aggressive towards strangers. Because of this you need to heavily socialize them from a young age.

Like any other large powerful dog you should not use dominance based dog training techniques. You should use positive reinforcement instead as they will respond better to this. Generally large dogs will resist against dominance based training because it uses coercive techniques to modify behavior which creates stress.

Also just like the Malinois, it’s a big commitment. They are large dogs who are intelligent and can become destructive when not properly cared for and exercised. German Shepherds require an owner who has lots of time to commit to their training and daily exercise needs.

Price

Pedigree German Shepherds should cost between $500-$1500 depending on the breeder and lineage. If you’re looking to adopt an older German Shepherd it will cost around $50-150 in donation fees.

Lifespan

A healthy, well looked after German Shepherd will live between 7 to 10 years. An over worked Shepherd could live less than 7 years.

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FAQs about Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Size

The Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd are nearly identical in size with them both standing between 22 and 26 inches tall. In terms of weight the German Shepherd is slightly heavier (50-90lbs) than the Malinois (40-80lbs).

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Temperament

Both the German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois have a fantastic temperament. They are both confident, loyal and predictable dogs. Both breeds can be trained to an incredibly high standard which has resulted in them both being used as policy/military dogs.

Summary

After reading our complete guide you will now know the key differences between the German Shepherd and the Belgian Malinois.

Both of these breeds were initially bred as herding dogs and because of this they are both intelligent with high levels of energy.

The German Shepherd has the slight edge in terms of trainability, but they would both make loving family pets.

What both breeds need is a responsible owner who has lots of time to commit to these breeds. They both need a high amount of daily exercise and mental stimulation otherwise they can become destructive.

About Thomas Woods 224 Articles
Thomas has been a dog lover since he was 6 years old when his parents got him a rescue Labrador. Since then his love for dogs has lead him to study Animal Behavior & Welfare. He now keeps a six year old English Bullmastiff and educates pet parents through his online publication Perfect Dog Breeds.

7 Comments

  1. I have had both breeds, the mals are faster thinkers, easier to groom and maintain, more mouthy, are not an aggressive breed which the gsd is, the gsd may have a more loving heart but not much more, I believe an untrained mal is more likely to protect its people and property then an untrained gsd, a gsd can be deadly and a mal is not likely to be deadly but will hospitalize a person. Both are wonderful companions as long as they are worked.

  2. We have had both, and they are definitely a lot alike. I find our Mal to be more loving and cuddly than our shepherd was, and I’m hoping the mal lives longer.

  3. I’ve never had a GSD, but my 18 month old Mal has been a great joy to our lives. She is a quick learner and a ball of energy. Instead of the energizer bunny it should have been an energizer Mal. I agree with the statement that even an untrained Mal would defend her people. We had a freezer delivered and the whole time the delivery people were at my home our Mal stayed between them and my wife. She only barked once but was very watchful.

  4. GSD is the best. Lovin, smart and sweet. Mals as I had before bit my brother who was also living in the same house with me. Mals are aggressive and unpredictable biter thats why the are cheaper and not that smar too.

  5. I was wondering which dog breed would suit me better. I grew up with dogs as family pets, I aspire to train my dog hopefully to the utility dog level (possibly SCH3 although I understand they now call it something different then shutzhund). I’m not exactly a novice but it will be my first dog that’s all my own. I will have to leave it home when I’m at work for up to 9 hours but not every day and that’s allowing for traffic tie ups as I’m about 5 minute drive from work. I expect to walk the dog on long walks of over 2-4 miles when its grown, train it and review train it so it doesn’t forget what it learnt, and compete if in obedience trials, and play fetch of other games with it daily, so what breed would suit me better? (also in the running are German pinschers, Doberman pinschers and Airedales but I’m strongly leaning to German Shepherd or Malinois with the Malinois preferred because it would be easier to lift in a doggy medical emergency if there was one, likewise my other top contenders by size preference and the German pinscher and Airedale but size is less important then whether it will do ok alone when I’m at work.

  6. I’ve had Mal for 12 months. I’ve had German Shepherds, Dobermans and Rottweilers but I have never experienced such intelligence, incredible companionship and affection. Not good for novice but for an experienced dog person, a Mal can’t be beat, in my opinion!!!

  7. As a working dog trainer who works extensively with both breeds I can say this; First of all, you can’t compare a Mal to a show line GSD, they’re bred for a diffrent purpose and won’t have the same working ability for reasons that should be obvious. So assuming we’re comparing working line german shepherds with working line Mals; German Shepherds are bigger and stronger,Mals are smaller, faster and more agile. Average life span of a working line GSD is 13. Mals are more or less the same.GSD only seem to have more health issues cause it’s a more popular breed. If you use percentages instead of numbers, it is more or less the same between the two breeds. The GSD is actually one of the healthiest breeds out there since the SV enforces strict testing before breeding is allowed.The colours of the working line GSD is sable, black & bi-color. Show lines are black & tan, but we’re not taalking about those right now, remember? Mals are typically different shades of fawn with black mask, although they also come in solid black. In terms of temperament the GSD is more independent. Mals are more needy & co-dependent which is also why they are more “cuddly” & affectionate. Mals tend to have a better prey drive (although not always the case), and more intensity. They also tend to be more neurotic & anxious. The GSD has better balance and stability. They also tend to have better nerve strength and hardness, whereas Mals are softer and more sensitive to handler correction. Both are very intelligent and make great working or family dogs. Both need plenty exercise and mental stimulation. Just my 2 scents, for what it’s worth.

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