Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd
The two published breed profiles side by side: size, energy, grooming, lifespan, temperament ratings and health.
| Belgian Malinois | Dutch Shepherd | |
|---|---|---|
| Size class | Large | Large |
| Adult weight | 18.1 to 36.3 kg | 19.1 to 34 kg |
| In pounds | 40 to 80 lb | 42 to 75 lb |
| Adult height | 56 to 66 cm | 55 to 62 cm |
| Energy | High | Very high |
| Grooming | Moderate | Moderate |
| Coat | Short smooth | Short double |
| Shedding | Moderate | Moderate |
| Lifespan | 14 to 16 years | 11 to 14 years |
| Good with children | Fine with supervision | Fine with supervision |
| Good with other dogs | Fine with supervision | Fine with supervision |
| Country of origin | Belgium | Netherlands |
The main differences
- They are about the same size: the Belgian Malinois is 18.1 to 36.3 kg and the Dutch Shepherd 19.1 to 34 kg.
- The Dutch Shepherd needs more exercise: very high energy against high for the Belgian Malinois.
- Grooming is moderate for both.
- The Belgian Malinois usually lives longer: 14 to 16 years against 11 to 14 years.
Temperament
Belgian Malinois: The Belgian Malinois is a squarely built herding dog bred to work hard all day, confident, highly trainable and intensely focused on their handler. They need a real job and daily mental work, and they are a poor fit for a quiet household.
Dutch Shepherd: Alert, intelligent and highly trainable, the Dutch Shepherd is a brindle coated working herder that needs a job and a handler to do it with.
Health worth asking about
Conditions each breed is reported to be predisposed to. Predisposed does not mean inevitable: it means ask the breeder for the parents' test results.
Belgian Malinois
- Hip and elbow dysplasia, screened by hip and elbow evaluation of breeding stock
- Progressive retinal atrophy, a gradual degeneration of the retina, picked up by an ophthalmologist evaluation
- Cataracts, a clouding of the lens, found on a veterinary eye exam
- Pannus and other chronic eye conditions, monitored by regular eye examinations
- Joint injury from repetitive high impact work, so growth plates should be respected before heavy jumping
Dutch Shepherd
- Hip dysplasia, screened by x-ray evaluation of breeding stock in all coat types
- Goniodysplasia, a drainage angle defect linked to glaucoma, screened by gonioscopy in rough haired dogs
- Thyroid disease, found on a thyroid blood panel and recommended for long haired lines
- Inflammatory myopathy, a muscle disorder diagnosed by veterinary investigation
Common questions
Which is bigger, the Belgian Malinois or the Dutch Shepherd?
They are about the same size. Adults weigh 18.1 to 36.3 kg for the Belgian Malinois and 19.1 to 34 kg for the Dutch Shepherd, going by the published breed profiles.
Which lives longer, the Belgian Malinois or the Dutch Shepherd?
The published life expectancy is 14 to 16 years for the Belgian Malinois and 11 to 14 years for the Dutch Shepherd. These are typical ranges across the breed, not a promise about one dog.
Is the Belgian Malinois or the Dutch Shepherd better with children?
They score the same: fine with supervision with children. Any dog needs supervising around young children, whatever their breed rating.
Related comparisons
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Not veterinary advice. Breed information is general. Your own dog, and your own vet, always win.
Sources
Every figure on this page comes from the two breed guides, which cite:
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin