Belgian Malinois

Herding · Large

German Shepherd

Herding · Large

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd

Side-by-side comparison of the Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd — size, temperament, shedding, trainability, cost, and compatibility ratings.

Quick comparison

Best for families

German Shepherd

Based on good-with-kids rating

Easier to train

Belgian Malinois

Based on trainability rating

Less shedding

Belgian Malinois

Based on shedding level

Better for apartments

German Shepherd

Based on apartment-friendly rating

Lower maintenance

Belgian Malinois

Based on grooming needs

Longer lifespan

Belgian Malinois

Based on average lifespan

Detailed comparison

Physical traits

Trait	Belgian Malinois	German Shepherd
Size	Large	Large
Height	22–26″	22–26″
Weight	40–80 lbs	50–90 lbs
Lifespan	14–16 yrs	7–10 yrs
Group	Herding	Herding
Coat type	Short, dense double coat	Dense double coat, medium length

Temperament & behavior

Trait	Belgian Malinois	German Shepherd
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	Very High	Very High
Barking level	Moderate	Moderate

Compatibility

Trait	Belgian Malinois	German Shepherd
Good with kids	Moderate	High
Good with dogs	Moderate	Moderate
Good with cats	Low	Low
Apartment friendly	Very Low	Low

Care requirements

Trait	Belgian Malinois	German Shepherd
Shedding	High	Very High
Grooming needs	Low	Low
Daily exercise	90–120 min	60–120 min
Daily food	2–3 cups	2.5–3.5 cups
Annual cost	$1 400–$2 400	$1 500–$2 600

Temperament