Belgian Malinois vs. German Shepherd: what are the differences?

Belgian Malinois vs. German Shepherd: what’s the difference? Often confused for one another, these lean, not-so-mean, working machines have more similarities than they do differences. Both ex-herding dogs, now popular police dogs and pets of active families, these cuties aren’t for the faint-hearted if you’re thinking about house sitting. So, to prepare for your next sit or help you decide which hound to welcome into your pack, let’s dive into what separates these two powerful breeds…

What’s the difference between Belgian Malinois vs. German Shepherd?

Both Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds were bred for herding in their respective homelands (Belgium and Germany) in the late 1800s and then became popular police dogs and family pets in the years to come. Despite their similar appearance and personality, Malinois dogs are less bulky than German Shepherds with typically lighter colourings and a slightly more active and needy temperament. Both equally intelligent and able working dogs, they take experienced pet parents and dog lovers with time for walkies, social interaction and brain stimulation to meet their needs.

Belgian Malinois vs. German Shepherd breed origins

Both the Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd were originally bred as herding dogs, i.e. dogs that were especially good at controlling the movement of livestock, alongside protecting and gathering them. As their names suggest though, these two breeds were developed separately - one in Belgium and the other in Germany.

Let’s start with the Belgian Malinois’ heritage - these pups are from the Malines region of Belgium, working the fields alongside other varieties in the late 1800s. And at around the same time, Malinois dogs were recognized as a distinct breed. The dogs were reliable and easy to train, so when agriculture lessened at the turn of the century, Belgian Malinois became popular police dogs. After gaining popularity as police dogs in Belgium and further afield, the breed were recognized by the American Kennel Club as distinct in 1959, no longer grouped within other Belgian Shepherd dogs.

In a similar fashion, German Shepherds were developed (by Captain Max von Stephanitz) as working dogs in the late 1800s. Reliable and responsive, they were the perfect herding dog for the agricultural world. It was also around this time that the breed became popular police dogs.

Belgian Malinois vs. German Shepherd appearance

Let’s begin with the Belgian Malinois vs. German Shepherd size. It’s no surprise that the dogs are similar in size, having been bred for the same purposes and later chosen for the same working dog roles as police dogs. According to the American Kennel Club, females of both breeds stand between 22 and 24 inches at the withers, and males between 24 and 26. While similar in height, the weight of these two breeds differs a lot, with Malinois dogs weighing in a fair bit lighter than German Shepherds. Female Malinois dogs can weigh between 40 and 60 pounds, while their German counterparts can weigh up to 70 pounds. Male Malinois are between 60 and 80 pounds, while male German Shepherds weigh up to a whopping 90 pounds.

While it might be hard to spot the difference between the two breeds on the size front (at least to the naked eye), there are a few other physical traits that set them apart. Take their colourings - Belgian Malinois are characterized by their blond and fawn coat with a black mask and ears, whereas German Shepherds often have a darker brown coat, sometimes blonde or black and sable. Another key physical difference is their ears - if you look closely, you’ll notice that Malinois ears are more triangular in shape than German Shepherds’, whose ears are pointy.

Belgian Malinois vs. German Shepherd personality

Unsurprisingly, both Malinois dogs and German Shepherds have a whole host of shared personality traits. Due to their background in herding sheep and other livestock, they’re both highly confident, intelligent and responsive with an impressive work ethic. Malinois are more eager to please than German Shepherds, who are known for being much more independent dogs. Both dogs are easy to train but aren’t the most easily satisfied pooches (so think again if one walk a day and sofa snuggles is what you’re after!). These pups are seriously clever and full of energy, so will thrive off families who have the time for activities that stimulate both their body and mind. German Shepherd dogs thrive in dog training and can turn their paws to a variety of skills including agility, tracking, obedience and more.

Belgian Malinois vs. German Shepherd temperament

While both pooches are responsive, intelligent and have an almost unrivaled work ethic, these traits don’t come without a price. Both German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois need enough exercise, mental stimulation and frankly, enough jobs to keep them busy and happy. Without these key cornerstones to their wellbeing, the dogs could become agitated and cause trouble. And it makes sense, if we think about their heritage - both breeds are hard-wired to work and as a result, feel agitated and even depressed or anxious without something to focus on.

Both breeds are better suited to experienced pet parents who know their way around a working dog. Neither breeds are lap dogs, and it’ll take a family who are willing to meet their working dog needs to keep them happy. If reared and handled correctly though, both the Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds can make for incredibly rewarding four-legged friends. And of course, their focussed nature and need for achievement makes them an unquestionably great choice for police dogs - their thirst for adventure, physical stamina, focus and high intelligence are all the ideal traits for modern working dogs.

German Shepherd vs. Belgian Malinois energy levels

As you’ll know by now, both breeds need a fair bit of stimulation to stay healthy and happy. It’s not ‘bad’ behavior if they’re playing up due to lack of stimulation, afterall. These pups were literally bred to love work!

If you’re wondering which breed takes more stimulation though, the Belgian Malinois might just win. If left to lounge all day (which they will NOT do), they’ll find ways to stimulate themselves, and that can result in rather destructive choices. Whether it’s chewing holes in furniture, digging garden pits or catching any prey their paws will reach, they’ll do it to avoid boredom. So, if you and your family aren’t able to be around most of the time for walkies and brain-testing tasks, avoid welcoming a Belgian Malinois pup into your home. And even if you do have the time and high energy levels to match a Malinois dog, think again if you’ve got a feline friend. These pups are by no means cat-safe - their high prey drive means they’ll hunt where they can.

Now to German Shepherds - they’re not such live wires, but do need lots of exercise, brain stimulation and time with their humans to stay happy and healthy. They’re known for being great family dogs who thrive in adult human company, as well as with children. If you’re considering welcoming a German Shepherd into your pack and you’ve got super small children, it’s worth waiting until they’re old enough to walk. Despite the love German Shepherds often have for their packs, their sheer size can mean small children are inevitably vulnerable around them. And like with any dog, don’t leave them unsupervised with little ones.

German Shepherd vs. Belgian Malinois health

Both are known for being strong, healthy dogs. But like with any living being, both breeds are prone to a variety of health problems. Let’s take a look at what each breed can encounter…

Belgian Malinois health problems

• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Cataracts
• Pannus 
• Hemangiosarcoma
• Anxiety (if given a lack of routine, exercise and stimulation)

German Shepherd health problems

• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Gastric dilation and volvulus (bloating)
• Degenerative myelopathy
• Various eye problems

As both breeds are at risk of developing hip dysplasia, there's a chance your furry friend might need a wheelchair at some point during their life. Find out everything you need to know about wheelchairs for dogs here, from signs your pooch might need one to tips on choosing the right set of wheels.

Other dogs similar to German Shepherds

Alongside the Belgian Malinois, there are many dogs that look like German Shepherds and are sometimes mistaken for them. Let’s take a look at a few of these breeds here.

• King Shepherds. These friendly giants are the product of breeding German Shepherds with Malamutes and Great Pyrenees. Weighing up to 150 pounds, pet parents had better keep these cuties stimulated!
• Shiloh Shepherds. Becoming known as a breed in the 1970s, these cuties are very similar to German Shepherds but slightly larger in size (at around 100 pounds) with fuzzier coats.
• Belgian Tervuren Shepherds. Cousins of the German Shepherd, these cuties are equally as attentive and intelligent but a little smaller.
• Carpathian Shepherds. Bred in Romania for herding and protecting livestock, these fluffballs are great family pets and guard dogs.
• Bohemian Shepherds. These fluff-coated cuties from the Czech Republic look like slimmed-down versions of the German Shepherd, and sadly almost went extinct recently.

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