Belgian Malinois

Herding · Large

Labrador Retriever

Sporting · Large

Belgian Malinois vs Labrador Retriever

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

Quick comparison

Best for families

Labrador 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

Labrador 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	Labrador Retriever
Size	Large	Large
Height	22–26″	21.5–24.5″
Weight	40–80 lbs	55–80 lbs
Lifespan	14–16 yrs	11–13 yrs
Group	Herding	Sporting
Coat type	Short, dense double coat	Double coat, short and dense

Temperament & behavior

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

Compatibility

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

Care requirements

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

Temperament