Belgian Malinois versus Dutch Shepherd. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Belgian Malinois Versus Dutch Shepherd: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Belgian Malinois and for the Dutch Shepherd. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Belgian Malinois or the Dutch Shepherd.

Belgian Malinois versus Dutch Shepherd: Overview

A very important difference between the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Belgian Malinois is a large-sized dog while the Dutch Shepherd is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd are Herding Dogs. This means both the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Belgian Malinois versus Dutch Shepherd: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Belgian Malinois to the Dutch Shepherd based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd

Factor Belgian Malinois Dutch Shepherd
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 12 to 15 years
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Height 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 21 to 25 inches
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Weight 40 to 80 pounds 50 to 70 pounds
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
Easy To Train 5/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1380 $1530
Price Range $850 – $1800 $900 – $1500
Temperament Score 94.1 percent 96.2 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Belgian Malinois in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Dutch Shepherd. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Belgian Malinois is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Dutch Shepherd is 85 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Dutch Shepherd is a better pet than the Belgian Malinois. So, you should get the Dutch Shepherd!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd

    The Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd are most similar:

    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd are very easy to train.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Belgian Malinois versus Dutch Shepherd

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd.

    Belgian Malinoiss weigh 40 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Belgian Malinoiss are 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Dutch Shepherds weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Dutch Shepherds are 21 to 25 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Belgian Malinois versus Dutch Shepherd

    The lifespan of Belgian Malinoiss is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Belgian Malinoiss is 13.0 years.

    The lifespan of Dutch Shepherds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Dutch Shepherds is 13.5 years.

    Dutch Shepherds live longer than Belgian Malinoiss.

    Temperament of the Dutch Shepherd Versus the Belgian Malinois

    The Dutch Shepherd has a better temperament than the Belgian Malinois.

    This is because the temperament score for the Dutch Shepherd is 96.2 percent while the temperament score for the Belgian Malinois is 94.1 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 94.1 percent, the Belgian Malinois has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 96.2 percent, the Dutch Shepherd has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 440 Belgian Malinoiss and 26 Dutch Shepherds.

    Price of Belgian Malinois versus Price of Dutch Shepherd

    The average price of the Belgian Malinois puppy is $1380. The price of the Belgian Malinois typically ranges from $850 – $1800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 311 Belgian Malinois puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Dutch Shepherd puppy is $1530. The price of the Dutch Shepherd typically ranges from $900 – $1500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 45 Dutch Shepherd puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Dutch Shepherd is more expensive than the Belgian Malinois.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherd. For different price points, the charts show how many Belgian Malinois puppies or how many Dutch Shepherd puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Belgian Malinoiss. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Belgian Malinoiss. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Belgian Malinois puppy or the Dutch Shepherd puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Belgian Malinois versus Dutch Shepherd

    Belgian Malinoiss can be left alone only for a short time.

    Dutch Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Belgian Malinoiss shed more than Dutch Shepherds?

    Belgian Malinoiss do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Dutch Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Belgian Malinois or the Dutch Shepherd

    Belgian Malinoiss do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Dutch Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Belgian Malinois or the Dutch Shepherd?

    Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to groom.

    Dutch Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Belgian Malinois Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Dutch Shepherd?

    Belgian Malinoiss have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Dutch Shepherds have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Belgian Malinoiss Bark and Howl? What about Dutch Shepherds?

    Belgian Malinoiss are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Dutch Shepherds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Belgian Malinoiss Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Belgian Malinoiss can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Dutch Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Belgian Malinois vs. Dutch Shepherd

    Belgian Malinoiss have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Dutch Shepherds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Belgian Malinoiss Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Belgian Malinoiss can tolerate hot weather.

    Dutch Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Belgian Malinois or the Dutch Shepherd?

    Belgian Malinoiss do not get along well with other dogs.

    Dutch Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Belgian Malinoiss good family dogs? What about Dutch Shepherds?

    Belgian Malinoiss are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Dutch Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Belgian Malinoiss and Dutch Shepherds?

    Belgian Malinoiss get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Dutch Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Belgian Malinois Easier to Train than the Dutch Shepherd?

    Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to train.

    Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Is the Belgian Malinois Better for Apartment Owners than the Dutch Shepherd?

    Belgian Malinoiss do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Dutch Shepherds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Belgian Malinois or the Dutch Shepherd?

    Belgian Malinoiss are OK for new dog owners.

    Dutch Shepherds are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Belgian Malinois versus Dutch Shepherd. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd better suits you and your family.