Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd: Can You Spot the Difference?
Most Americans can identify a German Shepherd with little difficulty. The German Shepherd is widely represented in media, commonly used for K9 police and military work, and is one of the country’s most popular breeds. But, when asked to identify a Belgian Malinois, or pick out the difference between a Belgian Malinois and a German Shepherd, most people will struggle a little more.
Similar in appearance, origins, and breed purpose, it’s not surprising German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois are often mistaken for each other, but they are distinctly different dog breeds.
Some people might try to boil down the difference to the Belgian Malinois being a more “extreme” version of the German Shepherd in temperament and athletic ability, but it’s not that simple. Indeed, Belgian Malinois often outpace and outperform GSDs in athletic displays, but to truly understand how these two powerful dog breeds differ and to know whether a German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois might be the right dog for you, we’ll need to start at the beginning.
Origins & History of Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherds
The history of both Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds begins on rural European farms where both were bred as herding dogs, used to drive livestock, and as all-purpose working dogs. Unsurprisingly, Belgian Malinois originated in Belgium, while German Shepherds were developed in Germany. Both breeds were developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and quickly transitioned from working farm dogs to police and military dogs.
@jculll Replying to @Jeff Hoekstra they got up early 😶 but we will try again #fy #imadogtrainer #dogsoftiktok #workingdog #germanshepherd #belgianmalinois #dogtrainingtiktok #dogtraining #crazydogs #k9 ♬ original sound – Stian Barlindhaug
Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds began to appear in the U.S. around the same time, in the early 20th century. While German Shepherds quickly gained popularity and were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908, Belgian Malinois would not gain formal recognition until 1959. Before 1959, the Belgian Malinois was often lumped together with the three other varieties of Belgian Shepherd Dogs used around the same period: the Groenendael (AKA Belgian Sheepdog), the Belgian Tervuren, and the Belgian Laekenois.
German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois: Physical Differences
Once you know what to look for, you’ll be able to tell German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois apart with just a glance. Looking at features like size, color, facial structure, etc., can give you everything you need to know which breed you’re looking at.
Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Size
When you’re trying to tell apart a German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois, size is going to be one of the first things you look at. Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds are approximately the same height, but German Shepherds are slightly larger and weigh a little more than the average Malinois.
| Belgian Malinois vs. German Shepherd Size | ||
| Belgian Malinois | German Shepherd | |
| Height | 22–26 inches | 22–26 inches |
| Weight | 40–80 pounds | 50–90 pounds |
Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Coat Colors, Length & Markings
Both Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds have double coats, but German Shepherds come in short and long-haired varieties whereas Belgian Malinois are exclusively short-haired.
German Shepherds come in a wider range of colors than Belgian Malinois who can only be fawn or mahogany, according to breed standards (although you can find black Belgian Malinois.) Breed standards for German Shepherds include far more color variety, and GSDs come in a wide range of hues including the classic black and red, solid black, black and cream, gray, sable, and even solid white.
Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Physical Features
Pictured: German Shepherd (left, source: @NatlDogShow) and Belgian Malinois (right, source: @ShowSightMag)
Belgian Malinois are described as more “square” with their haunches sitting at approximately the same height as their shoulders. German Shepherds often slope slightly at the back, and may appear more “triangular.”
On the other hand, Belgian Malinois have more triangular ears than German Shepherds whose ears are broader and may appear more floppy and less rigid than the Mal’s and round off at the tips.
Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherds: Temperament & Personality Differences
| Belgian Malinois vs. German Shepherd Temperament At a Glance | ||
| Belgian Malinois | German Shepherd | |
| Exercise Needs | High, very high energy | Moderate to high |
| Mental Stimulation Needs | High | Moderate to high |
| Trainability | Very trainable; independent, sometimes stubborn | Very trainable; independent, sometimes stubborn |
| Family Life | Moderately independent but may be affectionate with immediate family | Very affectionate with family |
| Social Life | Often wary of strangers, may be nervous in new situations | Occasionally aloof, more adaptable to new situations |
“The Malinois is the Ferrari of the dog world: built for sport, powerful and instantly responsive to expert handling. But you can go right through the guardrail and over a cliff if you are a poor driver,’” says Ann McKay, Belgian Malinois breeder and former vice president of the American Belgian Malinois Club in an article for Show Sight Magazine.
Belgian Malinois dogs have extraordinarily high energy levels and require vigorous exercise and mental stimulation daily. Without mentally stimulating activities, Belgian Malinois quickly get bored and can become disruptive or destructive.
@marleyandmedogtraining Always watching 😂👀 #dutchshepherd #belgianmalinois #dogtraining #dogsoftiktok #obedience #dogsports #obedience #workingdogs #gsd #germanshepherd ♬ original sound – K9Rise
“German Shepherds have a high energy level, but their adaptability makes them somewhat easier to manage than the Malinois,” says German Shepherd breeder Michael Kempkes of Kempkes Executive K9s. “Their ability to adjust to different energy levels means [German Shepherds] can fit well into both active and more relaxed households.” German Shepherds thrive when given activities or jobs to do, and require daily exercise, but they’re more likely to enter a couch potato phase of life than a Malinois.
Both German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois are intelligent and highly trainable, but Belgian Malinois may require a more experienced owner. Belgian Malinois have more complex exercise and stimulation needs, are more prone to being distrustful of strangers and new sights and sounds, and are more independent than German Shepherds. With early training and socialization, both breeds can do well in public and with new people and dogs.
German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois are loyal and can be good family dogs, but Belgian Malinois are more likely to connect with one or two members of the family in particular. Both breeds do best with children when they are raised with them, but can be uncomfortable with children outside their immediate families.
Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd FAQ
Have more questions about the difference between Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd? Get answers to your questions and see what other dog lovers are asking about these two working breeds.
What’s the difference between the Dutch Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois?
The Dutch Shepherd is an all-around working breed from The Netherlands that looks very similar to the German Shepherd and the Belgian Malinois. Also used for driving livestock, the Dutch Shepherd was standardized around the same time as the GSD and the Belgian Malinois and is comparable in size and temperament. Though these are three distinct breeds, it’s easy to see why they may be confused with each other.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of a Dutch Shepherd (left), a German Shepherd (center), and a Belgian Malinois (right).
Sources: @DutchShepherd_Ace, @KaiserTheSableGSD and @Nala_LaMalinoise
Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd puppy: which is better for beginners?
Neither! Well, in theory, a German Shepherd would be a more manageable breed for a first-time dog owner, but neither breed is considered beginner-friendly.
Are Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds used for the same type of work?
Yes! Both Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds are commonly used in police and military work, search and rescue, disaster recovery, and other K9 professions.
Do German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois have the same health issues?
Yes. German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois have many of the same health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, dental issues, and bloat.
If you raced a Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd who would win?
It all depends on the individual dogs in the race, but in general, Belgian Malinois are faster than German Shepherds.
