Belgian Malinois

Herding · Large

Golden Retriever

Sporting · Large

Belgian Malinois vs Golden Retriever

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

Quick comparison

Best for families

Golden Retriever

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

Golden Retriever

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	Golden Retriever
Size	Large	Large
Height	22–26″	21.5–24″
Weight	40–80 lbs	55–75 lbs
Lifespan	14–16 yrs	10–12 yrs
Group	Herding	Sporting
Coat type	Short, dense double coat	Double coat, long and wavy

Temperament & behavior

Trait	Belgian Malinois	Golden Retriever
Energy level	Very High	High
Trainability	Very High	Very High
Barking level	Moderate	Moderate

Compatibility

Trait	Belgian Malinois	Golden Retriever
Good with kids	Moderate	Very High
Good with dogs	Moderate	Very High
Good with cats	Low	High
Apartment friendly	Very Low	Low

Care requirements

Trait	Belgian Malinois	Golden Retriever
Shedding	High	Very High
Grooming needs	Low	Moderate
Daily exercise	90–120 min	60–120 min
Daily food	2–3 cups	2–3 cups
Annual cost	$1 400–$2 400	$1 500–$2 800

Temperament