Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd: Differences and Similarities

The Belgian Malinois and the German Shepherd have a lot in common. They look alike, are both originally herding dogs, and are extremely intelligent. They are both used in the police and military and need extensive training and handling on a one-to-one basis to be able to fit in well with society. Yet, there are a few subtle differences that we will discover about each breed, some of which may surprise you. 

Size difference

The German Shepherd is around 10% larger than the Belgian Malinois in weight. They both stand around the same height at the shoulder. The Belgian Malinois appears slenderer than the German Shepherd who is often more muscular at the chest than the Malinois. 

Energy levels 

Both of these dogs are high-energy dogs, but the Malinois beats the German Shepherd every time. The Belgian Malinois is one of (if not the most) active dogs known to man. They can run hard all day every day and still have energy left over. This is what makes them such good police and military dogs. 

If you are considering either of these breeds it’s important to consider if you have the time for 3-4 hours of exercise per day. Both breeds will need entertainment in the home whilst you are resting, chew or puzzle toys can help tire their clever minds out enough to rest at night. If you do not exercise these dogs properly, they will channel this energy into destructive or vocal behavior around the home. 

Bite force 

German Shepherds have a bite force of 238psi, whereas a Belgian Malinois has a bite force of 195psi. The German Shepherd has a much stronger bite force than the Malinois, and can even break bones. This is a useful trait when we consider their use for protection and in police work. 

Both these breeds can bite other dogs if provoked and have been known to chase and kill cats. If you already own cats, consider more cat-friendly breeds. 

Intelligence 

Both of these breeds are highly intelligent and difficult to train. They need significant hours invested in training from a young age, both on a one-to-one and in a group setting. The Belgian Malinois is harder to train than the German Shepherd and needs a strict routine with firm boundaries in place. To avoid common training mistakes with your German Shepherd, see this blog. 

Both dogs bond highly to one handler or owner, making them good protection and police dogs. If you are thinking of taking on a Malinois be prepared to spend around 2-3 hours a day initially on training, and then at least one hour a day on maintenance training. 

Both of these dogs love agility work, and the Malinois can jump up to 6 feet high, allowing them to fly around agility courses with ease. The same also applies to your garden fence, which will prove no barrier to a Malinois, if it’s small they will jump straight over and escape.  

Shedding 

The Belgian Malinois has a thick double coat that sheds completely twice a year. In between, they will still shed daily so need daily grooming. Their coat is easier to maintain than a German Shepherd as it is shorter and softer. 

The German Shepherd can have a thick double coat, usually with short hairs, but can be medium, or a longer single coat. They too shed the whole coat twice a year and shed daily in between. 

Shedding is worse if you live in a warm environment, or are fond of heating the home to a warm temperature. The good news is, that both breeds enjoy grooming and see it as a way to spend time with their owner, making the task more enjoyable. 

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